Owner-Trained Service Dogs: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started

Training your own service dog can be a rewarding journey. At The Sharp K9, we provide comprehensive support for individuals pursuing the owner-trained service dog path.

Understanding Owner-Trained Service Dogs

Under the ADA, owner-trained service dogs have the same legal rights as program-trained service dogs, provided they’re trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability.

The Two ADA Questions

Businesses are allowed to ask only two questions:

1. Is this a service dog required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

We provide guidance on how to answer these questions confidently. Our public access people training teaches you how to carry yourself professionally in public with your service dog.

24/7 Emergency Support

The Sharp K9 offers 24/7 support for service dog handlers who are hospitalized and need urgent pet sitting during emergencies.

Our Services Include

• Public access dog training
• Task training support and brainstorming
• Public behavior coaching for handlers
• Ongoing support throughout the training journey