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owner/self-training course
The ADW Owner/Self-Training Assistance Dog course is designed to train clients and their own dogs that have completed the Owner/Self-Training application process. Self training your own service dog is an in depth process requiring great discipline. Please review all the information to determine whether it is something you feel you and your dog would really like to pursue. The application is a standard piece of the ADW process, to assess and meet identified client needs.
After a thorough application and interview/evaluation of both the client and their dog has been completed, accepted client/dog teams are enrolled into the ADW Owner/Self-Training Course. This weekly training is taught in Santa Fe, NM for a minimum of 40 weeks at a cost of $5,000, during which client/owner and dog are trained in service dog behaviors, commands and management skills. Payment is due before training begins. Successful graduates pass the ADI Public Access certification test.
Some client/owner/dog teams require more extensive training, and that is determined during the course.
THE COMPLETED APPLICATION PROCESS MUST INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
- An appointment with the ADW staff with your dog, for assessments and evaluations. Both you and your dog must demonstrate the appropriate interests, temperaments and attributes to be successful candidates.
- Completed Program Application.
- Completed Pre-Interview Form.
- Medical History Form to be completed by your physician or primary care specialist.
- A letter of personal reference from a friend, co-worker, or someone other than a family member.
- A professional letter of reference from a therapist, social worker, teacher, or other professional with whom you have contact.
- A picture of yourself, your dog and a short autobiography.
- A signed copy of ADW Privacy Policy.
- Completed Financial Aid Forms.
- Completed Dog Profile Form
- Dog Medical History Health Statement Form, to be completed by your veterinarian.
- An appointment for a Dog Evaluation with ADW trainers.
- An appointment for a functional needs evaluation with Occupational Therapist, Melissa Winkle.
Clients interested in diabetic alert (both Owner/Self-Training and ADW Assistance Dog interest) MUST be on an insulin pump and acclimated to that pump for no less than 6 months. The reason for this is for more accurate readings of blood sugar highs and lows, tracking the dog’s work, and the client’s ability to maintain and monitor their own blood glucose levels. Clients should anticipate weekly training sessions in Santa Fe, New Mexico for the duration of the placement process (which may last upward of a year).
If you are interested in the Owner/Self-Training program, we encourage you to first read through the Frequently Asked Questions.
You may download the application packet here:
