Upon entering Advanced Training, each service dog in training is evaluated to determine it’s basic skills, innate abilities, strengths and personality. Carolina Canines For Services, Inc. recognizes the individuality of each dog and understands that dogs have different energy levels and motivation to work.

No dog is forced to perform a task it does not naturally want to do. For example, a dog with an energetic personality who is eager to run and pull would be trained as a Para Dog to assist a person who utilizes a manual wheelchair, while a dog with a calm, laid back personality would be trained as a Quad dog to assist a person who utilizes a power wheelchair. Once the dog’s service category type has been determined, it’s advanced training begins. Advanced training takes an average of 6-8 months but could take up to a year.

During the advanced training period, Carolina Canines Applicant Review Committee meets to review applications and evaluate the personality of the dogs in advanced training to best match the appropriate dog with the needs of the applicant, not vice-versa.

After the tentative match has been made, Carolina Canines may do a site assessment at the residence of the potential recipient and evaluate the support structure for caring for the new service dog and the conditions and/or resources available for their new companion. If the potential recipient meets the necessary requirements, the team is joined, after the advanced training is complete, and the team training begins.

On-site training of any special skills the dog should need to learn may be done by a Carolina Canines Advanced Trainer and simple modifications to door knobs, light switches, etc. may be done by Carolina Canines at the expense of the recipient for the cost of the items/materials used.