Active After Adversity trains :
Autism Assistance Service Dogs
Mobility / Physical Support Service Dogs
Wheelchair Assistance Service Dogs
PTSD Service Dogs
Hearing Service Dogs (for Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals)
Psychiatric Service Dogs
On special occasion we train for medical alert dogs
We DO NOT train guide dogs for the blind or visually challenged.
The training process heavily depends on the dog as well as the job they are being trained to do. We can estimate between 6 months to a year (or more) of training before confidently sending the dog to an individual for service dog work.
Active After Adversity uses POSITIVE reinforcement, treat / food, and praise training. Training will include desensitization, tasking, heel work, gear training, and more. Training is done in increments, leaving the dog will have extensive time to "just be a dog!" Balance is key to positive and successful training!
The dog will receive its own vest, leash, and collar for training that will be given to the new handler at adoption. The new handler will also receive a bag of the dogs food, travelling supplies (if needed), and a direct number to the Head Trainer of Active After Adversity.
After the initial training stage (basic commands, heeling, leash walking, etc.), we will open our inquiry list to people needing service dogs.
Once we find a match, we will start specific task training for the individual's disability. (If we do not find a match before task training we train the dog general tasks and after a match we train the specific commands for the handler).
Once the task training and public access work is complete, the dog and the new handler will start off with a trial week to get a feel for each other and have time to bond.
If the handler and dog are happy with each other, the pair start their new journey together! If not, the dog returns to Active After Adversity and we will look for a new handler for the dog.
The trial week is a great way to gage how the new service dog team works with each other. During this time, daily updates are sent to Active After Adversity regarding the service dog and the handler.
During the first day, a meeting between the new handler, the dog, and our Head Trainer is held to discuss plans for the week trial as well as to practice different commands with the dog. After this meeting, the new handler and service dog are observed through various public acsess tests and commands.
With confidence in the new team, the team will be sent home together after signing and agreeing to return the dog after the week is over.
We encourage our new handler's to take their service dog out to as many activities, events, and daily life circumstances as they can to truly test if the dog will work will with them and their lifestyle.
Yes!! Active After Adversity never charges anyone for any reason regarding service dog adoption. Our dogs are completely FREE!
All of our dogs are named by our founder!
Every Active After Adversity dog's name starts with an A!
Active After Adversity's name stands for how after the hardship and adversity that these stray dogs go through, there is still a light at the tunnel for a fun and fulfilling life through active service dog work.