Our Service Dog Program
We have developed our breeding program with the intention that every puppy will have the ability to do therapy and service work. Our program is focused on raising emotionally resilient, healthy puppies who possess the confidence and balance to grow as service dogs. We focus on enhancing traits that will allow the puppy to excel. Beyond what we do while raising our puppies, we also perform multiple temperament tests to determine who the best service dog candidates will be.
What is a service dog?
A service dog is a working dog specially trained to help a person or group of people with a disability or specific needs. Service dogs are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities
How do I know if I qualify for a service dog?
To qualify for a service dog, you must have either a mental or physical disability that interferes with at least one aspect of your life.
How will I know which dog will be the best dog for my needs?
We work with our puppies extensively every single day they are with us at Foothill Aussies. When we know we are raising puppies to place as a potential service dog, we will incorporate additional routines to help prepare that puppy for their potential future. We also temperament test each of our puppies. We have a skilled trainer perform the Volhard Test, which is designed specifically to determine which puppies are best suited to become a service dog.
I need a service dog, what are my next steps?
It is important to connect with us right away, so we can have a conversation about your needs. You can complete our application and provide details about what your needs are, or you can email us directly and we will set up a time to discuss.
If I adopt a dog to be my service dog, does it come to me pre-trained?
Once puppies are eight weeks old, they will go home to their new families. It is important for you to have training lined up and training resources available to you, so you know and understand the full process the dog will have to go through to ensure they can complete the tasks required for your disability. These are things we can discuss when we connect.
