Ideally, the process of raising a service dog begins with a 7-8 week old puppy. The first few weeks of training involve socialization and house training. Puppies learn to SIT and WAIT by the time they are 3 months old and are usually completely house trained by then as well.

The kennel method is used in which puppies are kenneled in a travel kennel or crate whenever it is unsupervised. This aids in house training and prevents the puppy from chewing or engaging in other destructive behaviors when left alone. Because dogs are naturally “den” animals, the kennel becomes their place of rest and refuge.

During weekly puppy classes facilitated by CCFS trainers, foster families learn how to train their puppy in basic obedience skills including SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME, HEEL.

These essential commands are the building blocks upon which the dog will eventually learn to respond to at least 60 different commands.

Raising/training a service dog puppy doesn’t require a monumental amount of time, but it does require patience and consistency. CCFS trainers teach foster families how to incorporate training activities into their normal daily routine. Many of the training techniques foster families learn are different from standard obedience training techniques. For example, when teaching a pet dog to sit, it is common to place a hand on the dog’s behind and push down to get him to move to a sitting position. Because a service dog may eventually be taught to STAND and BRACE and allow his partner to place his weight on the dog’s shoulders or haunches for support during transfers or recovery from falls, a service dog puppy should NEVER be encouraged to sit when pressure is applied to his behind!

Socialization is extremely important to a service dog puppy’s success. Foster families are encouraged to take their puppy to as many community locations as possible to familiarize the puppy with different sights, sounds, smells, surfaces to walk on, people, etc. North Carolina and South Carolina state statutes grant service dogs in training the same public access rights guaranteed a certified service dog through the Americans with Disabilities Act. As long as the dog is identified by it’s Carolina Canines For Service, Inc., it can go to any public place including stores, malls, restaurants, grocery stores, theatres, beaches, etc. It is recommended that the foster family advise store owners and managers of their presence in a public place to avoid any confusion. Educating the public regarding service dogs and people with disabilities is an important role the foster family has during community outings with their service dog puppy.

After 18-24 months of training in the foster family, the dog returns to Carolina Canines for Service, Inc. for 6-8 months of advanced training.