Psychiatric Service Dog Development Program
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for adults and families who:
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Have an existing dog they hope can become a psychiatric service dog
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Are navigating anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, or other psychiatric conditions
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Want structured support, not a quick-fix or “emotional support animal” label
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Are ready to participate in training and practice between sessions
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Value a trauma-aware, faith-sensitive, and professional approach
We’ll help you decide whether your dog is a good fit for this work and what realistic goals look like for your team.
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What is a psychiatric service dog?
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A psychiatric service dog (PSD) is a specially trained service dog that performs tasks to help with disability-related psychiatric needs. These tasks might include things like:
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Providing deep pressure for grounding during anxiety or panic
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Interrupting spiraling or self-harming behaviors
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Responding to signs of emotional overload
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Supporting the handler during transitions, crowds, or triggering environments
Psychiatric service dogs are different from emotional support animals or therapy dogs. They are task-trained and protected under the ADA as service dogs.
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Program Overview:
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Our Psychiatric Service Dog Development Program is a 6-month, milestone-based training process that includes:
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30-Day Foundation (Phase 0)
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Private Handler Transfer Lessons (Phase 1)
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Task Practice in Real Life (Phase 2)
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Public Access Skills (Phase 3)
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Graduation & Long-Term Support Plan (Phase 4)
We work with owner-provided dogs and focus on building a strong team: handler and dog together.
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How Enrollment Works:
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Consultation Call – We talk through your goals, your dog, and your situation to see if this program is a good fit.
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Dog & Handler Screening – We look at your dog’s age, temperament, health, and your environment to assess suitability.
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Enrollment & Deposit – If it’s a match, you reserve a spot with a deposit and we schedule your dog’s 30-day Board & Train.
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Training & Lessons – Your dog completes their foundation, then we transition into handler lessons and public access practice.
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Graduation & Support – You receive a plan for maintaining skills and have the option for maintenance lessons as needed.
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