In-House Service Dog Program

Working Dogs For Vets also has an "In House" service dog training program. These programs are for disabled heroes whose disability prevents them from training their service dogs through the No Veteran Left Behind Program. On average, service dog training for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) this training takes 6 mo-1 yr, many of the in-house service dogs have been trained in tasks to help PTSD coupled with other disabilities such as mobility support. Some have been trained for over 2 years and then given to the disabled vet at no cost. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer-based organization.

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01. Introductory to Working Dogs For Vets In-House program

02. In-House Program Course Requirements

03. (A.) Dog Care Essentials Course

03. (B.) In-House Training Tools Course

03. (C.) Your Rights, Your Responsibilities

04. In-House Program Basic Obedience Course

05. In-House Advanced Obedience course

06. In-House Program PACT Testing

07. In-House Program Training=❒T

08. In-House Shop/Class Instructions=❒ C

09. In-House Service Dog In Training Course

10. Graduations

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                                             The Working Dogs For Vets Prison Dog Program

 

Overview: The Working Dogs For Vets Prison Dog Program is a unique initiative that pairs incarcerated individuals with shelter dogs to train them as service dogs for disabled veterans. This program provides essential support to veterans and offers inmates a chance to give back to the community and develop valuable skills.

 

Program Details:

 

Training Process: Inmates work under the guidance of professional dog trainers to teach the dogs basic obedience, advanced skills, and specific tasks that will assist veterans with disabilities such as PTSD, mobility issues, and other service-related conditions.

 

Selection of Dogs: Most service dog candidates from our programs are rescued from local animal shelters, ensuring that the program contributes to reducing the number of shelter dogs.

 

Inmate Involvement: Inmates are carefully selected and trained to handle and train the dogs. This process helps them develop a sense of responsibility, empathy, and purpose.

 

Veteran Matching: Once the dogs have completed their training, through the Prison dog program, they are transported to Working Dogs For Vets HQ or other trainers' home location, and enter The In-House Program. After they settle in, trainers continue to work with the service dogs in training. As these dogs have already learned tasks, they must now be socialized with many other dogs and go out into the community to gain exposure to many new sights and experiences. These are highly trained dogs and have received many hours of training. Combat Disabled veterans who are the most severely disabled take priority. Service dogs in training are matched with veterans based on the specific needs of the veterans and the skills of the dogs. The matching process is thorough to ensure a successful partnership.

 

Support and Follow-Up: The program provides ongoing support to both the veterans and the dogs to ensure that the transition is smooth and that the service dogs continue to perform their duties effectively.

 

Benefits:

 

For Veterans: The program provides veterans with highly trained service dogs that can assist with daily tasks, provide emotional support, and improve their quality of life.

 

For Inmates: Inmates gain valuable skills and a sense of accomplishment, which aids their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

 

For Dogs: Shelter dogs are given a second chance at life and a meaningful role in supporting a veteran.

 

Impact: Since its inception, the Working Dogs For Vets Prison Dog Program has successfully trained and placed numerous service dogs with veterans, making a significant impact on the lives of veterans, dogs, and the inmates involved.

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01. Introductory to Working Dogs For Vets Prison Dog Program

02. Prison Program Course Requirements

03.  (A.) Dog Care Essentials Course

03.  (B.) Dog matching program

03. (C.) Your Rights, Your Responsibilities

04. Prison Dog Program Training Tools Course

05. Prison Dog Program Basic Obedience Course

06. Prison Dog Program Advanced Obedience course

07. Prison Dog Program PACT Testing

08. Prison Dog Program Training=❒T

09. (A.) Prison Program Shop/Class Instructions=❒ C

09. (B.) Prison Dog Service Dog In Training Course

10. Graduations​​​​​​​​​​​

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No Veteran Left Behind Program

• Allows disabled heroes, to train their service dogs with professional support. 

• We locate volunteers for veteran/dog teams.  Volunteers are either members of our Service Dog training network, or local members of Law enforcement, military, or k9 handlers throughout the United States.

• Working Dogs For Vets provides veterans with training instructions from start to finish. Volunteers check in with teams to ensure they are making progress in their training. 

• We provide volunteers and disabled heroes with ID badges, information on A.D.A. laws, information and instructions on dog training, and task training. Some tasks include medication alerts, blocking someone from approaching too quickly, removing heroes from stressful situations, and much more. 

• In return, after hero/service dog teams complete the program, they must help another team. This has resulted in groups meeting at local parks to help each other train service dogs. That is where the healing is - heroes helping heroes; so No Veteran is Left Behind.

• We hope to eventually have trainers at every military base and every major city throughout the country within 3-5 years. Our training program's Hero/dog teams receive volunteer support, Training & Testing, Basic/Advanced Obedience, Socialization, and Public Access.

• When your dog reaches service dog In training status you will receive instructions to help with task training so that they will be able to help mitigate your disability. Once your dog learns the tasks and passes the final test your dog will be a Service Dog Graduate.  

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REMEMBER.....A dog MUST be trained before it can be taken out into public.  There is no such thing as a "MAGIC" service dog.  You have to train the dog.  But with the help of WDFV volunteers and your local community, you can do this.  

01. Introductory to Working Dogs For Vets No Veteran Left Behind Program

02. No Veteran Left Behind Program Course Requirements

03. (A.) Dog Care Essentials Course

03. (B.) No Veteran Left Behind Program Training Tools Course

03. (C.) Your Rights, Your Responsibilities

04. No Veteran Left Behind Program Basic Obedience Course

05. NVLB Advanced Obedience course

06. NVLB PACT Testing

07. NVLB Program Training=❒T

08. NVLB Shop/Class Instructions=❒ C

09. NVLB Service Dog In Training Course

10. Graduates

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Ambassador Program:

01. Introductory to Working Dogs For Vets Ambassador Program​

02. Ambassador Volunteer Course Requirements

03. (A.) Ambassador's Training Tools Course

03. (B.) Dog Care Essentials Course

03. (C.) Your Rights, Your Responsibilities

04. Ambassadors Basic Obedience Course

05. Ambassador's Advanced Obedience Course

06. Ambassador's PACT Testing

07. Ambassador's Program Training=❒T

08. Ambassador's Shop/Class Instructions=❒ C

09. Ambassador's Service Dog In Training Course

10. Graduates

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• Supportive Services (Supportive services are provided on a case-by-case basis based on availability)

01. Introductory to Working Dogs For Vets Supportive Services

• Agility

• Lodging

• Meals Program

• Supplies Provided

• Travel Assistance

• Water Therapy

• Volunteer Program (We are a volunteer-based organization with volunteer opportunities)

• Service Dog Trainer Course (Training volunteer service dog trainers)

• Employment ​​​

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Pet Adoption Program

About adopting a pet that doesn't make it as a service dog from our in-house dog rescue. All of our adoptable dogs will be listed on Petfinder and Adoptapet.com, Most of our dogs will be matched with a veteran and trained as service dogs however some of the dogs that do not make it as service dogs but will make a great emotional support dog or just a pet will be listed here for the public! Please read their bios.