Service Dogs

a small dog wearing a blue vest is laying on a pillow .
a brown and white dog is sleeping on a chair in front of a fireplace .
a close up of a brown and white dog on a leash .

What You Need to Know About Service Dogs

Service Dog Standards


4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Standards include the following: 

  • no aggression (including biting/snapping/growling and predatory aggression).
  • no inappropriate barking or whining
  • no inappropriate soliciting of attention, sniffing, or jumping on strangers
  • no begging for human food
  • quiet, steady behavior with the dog maintaining focus on handler
  • ready response to task commands
  • performance of tasks as directed
  • ready return of concentration to handler when distracted by stimulants such as an animal or food
  • appropriate behavior around dogs and other animals
  •  unobtrusive behavior in all public situations, including restaurants and public transportation;
  • acceptance of handling during things such as routine grooming, veterinary examinations, and when greeted by a stranger in public
  • clean toileting habits, ability to relieve on command


Dogs/Teams that do not comply with these standards will not be certified or re-certified until they meet the standards. Follow-up or remedial training is available to teams through the Special Needs Service Dog Training Class as well as through Grad School for teams who have graduated and need refresher classes. 

a brown dog is laying on a bed with a white pillow

Annual Evaluation


To maintain the quality of service dogs trained through the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Program, every certified team must re-certify annually. This re-certification must occur within 30 days before the expiration date and no later than 30 days after the expiration date on their ID and Certification Documentation.


If for some reason the handler is unable to re-certify within that time period they are required to request an extension in writing. The trainers will decide whether to accept the request based on evidence provided by the student. Students who do not recertify or are not granted an extension will be required to return their 4 Paws 2 Freedom service dog patch at once. 

The dogs will be tested on the Certification Benchmarks as well as the ADI Public Access Test. If the Certification Benchmarks or requirements are changed, teams are required to meet the new standards. 4 Paws 2 Freedom will give the new requirements to teams prior to the re-certification and teams can practice of learn them during the weekly Grad School or through auditing classes. 


The dogs must also have an examination by their veterinarian no more than 3 months prior to the re-certification. The veterinarian must sign off that the dog is healthy enough to work as a service dog. 

Requirements

4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Course Agreement

At 4 Paws 2 Freedom, we offer a comprehensive course designed to help clients train their dogs to become service dogs. The course covers everything from basic obedience to certification and beyond, ensuring that your dog develops the skills necessary for life both at home and in public.


Respect and Dignity

We are committed to treating all clients with the utmost respect and dignity throughout their time with 4 Paws 2 Freedom. Our team is dedicated to providing professional, supportive instruction in a positive and inclusive environment.


Course Overview

The 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Course includes training for both home and public environments. The course emphasizes appropriate service dog etiquette and compliance with Assistance Dog International (ADI) standards. Clients will be provided with weekly professional instruction in a classroom setting, and while we strive for the success of all participants, the ultimate success of the training depends on the client and their dog.


Responsibilities and Expectations

  • Training Scope: The course covers a range of skills necessary for service dogs, including basic obedience and advanced public access tasks. Clients are expected to engage fully in all aspects of training and complete weekly homework assignments.
  • Behavior Standards: We do not train behaviors related to guarding, protection, or searching for threats. Dogs showing aggression or reactivity must undergo rehabilitation before being allowed to continue the course.
  • Health and Well-Being: Dogs must meet high standards of health, including regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and a healthy weight. The dog must also be spayed or neutered before graduation.


Client and Dog Commitments

Clients must ensure their dogs meet the necessary temperament and behavioral standards, including:

  • No aggression or reactivity
  • Ability to handle stress and emotional situations
  • Ability to perform tasks that directly mitigate the client’s needs, such as for PTSD


Clients must also maintain a stable and secure environment for their dog, provide emergency contacts, and commit to continued training and re-certification.


Emergency Situations and Support

For any urgent matters, clients can reach us via email or phone:


We will address routine training challenges during regular class times, but any immediate concerns will be evaluated by instructors for appropriate action.


Code of Conduct

Clients agree to:

  • Treat their dog with respect and kindness.
  • Abide by all training protocols and rules outlined in the Student Handbook.
  • Be on time for classes, stay for the entire session, and communicate promptly about any missed sessions.
  • Maintain respectful behavior towards all instructors, staff, volunteers, and other participants.
  • Participate in re-certification and follow-up evaluations as required to maintain Certified Service Dog status.


Re-certification and Follow-Up

Clients will need to complete yearly re-certification to ensure their dog maintains Certified Service Dog status. This includes passing the Public Access Test, meeting all course benchmarks, and submitting an up-to-date Veterinary Recommendation Form.


Financial Agreement

Clients are required to pay class fees as outlined in the Financial Agreement. All fees are non-refundable, and payment for each class must be made before advancing to the next section.


Additional Client Requirements

  • Clients must provide emergency care arrangements for their dog and submit an emergency care plan to 4 Paws 2 Freedom.
  • Clients are encouraged to maintain a regular therapy or counseling regimen with a registered mental health provider.
  • Clients must maintain a clean and sober environment during training sessions.


Terms and Conditions

By enrolling in the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Course, clients agree to adhere to all policies outlined in the Student Handbook and uphold the standards and expectations set forth for both their dog and themselves. This includes compliance with all health, behavioral, and training requirements, as well as the 4 Paws 2 Freedom code of conduct and program standards.


If at any time during or after the course, a client or their dog fails to meet these standards, 4 Paws 2 Freedom reserves the right to discontinue training, remove the dog from the program, or take any necessary action to protect the well-being of the dog or the public.