Service dog Training Program 

At Prairieland Service Dog Training (PSDT), we know that a successful service dog team relies not just on the dog’s training but also on the handler’s skills and confidence. Our program prioritizes owner education and training to ensure you and your service dog work seamlessly as a team, fostering independence and trust every step of the way.

 

Why Focus on Owner Training?

Training a service dog is only half of the equation. For the partnership to thrive, handlers must:

• Communicate effectively with their dog.

• Understand how to reinforce training in daily life.

• Navigate public access situations with confidence and responsibility.

Our program empowers you with the tools and knowledge to build a strong, lasting partnership with your service dog.

 

Our Service Dog Training Program

1. Owner Education and Hands-On Training

From the very beginning, we involve you in the training process to help you:

• Understand canine behavior and body language.

• Use consistent cues and commands for effective communication.

• Build trust and confidence with your dog through positive reinforcement.

2. Public Access Readiness for Owners

As a service dog handler, you’ll need to navigate public spaces while respecting legal guidelines. We teach you:

• How to handle your dog in crowded or high-stress environments.

• Best practices for addressing questions or challenges from the public.

• Your rights and responsibilities under Canadian accessibility laws.

3. Task Training Collaboration

We customize training to meet your specific needs and involve you every step of the way. You’ll learn:

• How to cue and reward your dog for task performance (e.g., mobility support, medical alerts, or psychiatric tasks).

• Techniques for reinforcing and maintaining task reliability.

• Strategies for adapting tasks to your daily routine.

4. Problem-Solving and Behavioral Guidance

Service dogs and their handlers face challenges from time to time. Our program equips you to:

• Recognize and address distractions or anxiety in your dog.

• Prevent and correct undesirable behaviors calmly and effectively.

• Adjust training as your needs or circumstances change.

5. Long-Term Partnership Support

The bond between you and your service dog is a lifelong journey. We provide ongoing resources to ensure your team’s success, including:

• Follow-up sessions for continued growth and skill refinement.

• Access to training refreshers and community support.

• Guidance on transitioning your dog into retirement when the time comes.

 

Who is This Program For?

Our Service Dog Training Program is ideal for individuals who:

• Want to take an active role in their dog’s training journey.

• Seek to understand and apply best practices for service dog handling.

• Value a program that emphasizes teamwork, communication, and long-term success.

 

Why Choose PSDT?

At Prairieland Service Dog Training, we combine dog training with a focus on handler education, ensuring you feel confident and capable as part of a service dog team. Our compassionate and customized approach has empowered countless individuals to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

 

How to Begin Your Training Journey

1. Initial Consultation

We’ll assess your needs and discuss how to train you and your service dog for success.

2. Tailored Training Plan

Our team will design a personalized program that incorporates your goals and builds your skills as a handler.

3. Hands-On Training and Support

Work with our trainers to develop your service dog’s abilities while mastering the techniques needed to sustain a strong partnership.

4. Ongoing Growth

Access continued support and resources to maintain the bond between you and your dog throughout your journey together.

 

Take an active role in your service dog training journey. Let PSDT help you build the skills, confidence, and connection you need for a successful partnership.

Pro Bono Program

At Prairieland Service Dog Training, we believe that access to ethical service dog training shouldn’t be limited by income alone. While we are not a charity, we do offer one pro bono training spot per year for a client who demonstrates both genuine need and strong commitment to the process.

This spot is reserved for an individual facing financial hardship who would otherwise not be able to access qualified support—and who is ready to show up and do the work.

What this program includes:

• Full coverage of a customized training plan
• The same high standards, expectations, and one-on-one support
• Private, respectful enrollment—no spotlight, no performance

Please note:

 

The pro bono placement for 2025 has been filled. Applications for the 2026 spot will open in the future. We do not maintain a waitlist, but future opportunities will be announced publicly when available.

This program is not a handout—it’s a commitment. And we’re proud to offer it each year to someone willing to earn the partnership.

Emotional Support Animal Training Program

At Prairieland Service Dog Training (PSDT), we understand that Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) can play a crucial role in improving emotional well-being. Our ESA Training Program is designed to ensure your animal companion is calm, well-behaved, and prepared to provide the emotional support you need.

 

Why is Training Important for ESAs?

While Emotional Support Animals do not require specialized task training like service dogs, proper training is essential to ensure they:

• Provide consistent emotional support in various situations.

• Behave appropriately in pet friendly public places and at home.

• Are comfortable in different environments and around other people or animals. 

A well-trained ESA strengthens the bond between animal and owner, creating a foundation for emotional stability and trust.

 

Our ESA Training Program

1. Foundational Obedience Training

Every ESA should have a strong foundation in basic obedience. Our training covers:

• Sit, stay, and recall (coming when called).

• Loose-leash walking for enjoyable outings.

• Focus and responsiveness to their handler’s cues.

2. Public Manners and Socialization

ESAs often accompany their handlers in social or public settings, so it’s crucial they are calm and composed. We help your animal develop:

• Confidence in new environments.

• Appropriate reactions to strangers and other animals.

• Adaptability to various noises, sights, and smells.

3. Customized Behavioral Support

Every ESA and owner relationship is unique. We address specific challenges such as:

• Separation anxiety or hyperactivity.

• Barking, jumping, or other undesirable behaviors.

• Fostering calmness and focus when you need emotional support.

4. Building the Human-Animal Bond

Training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about creating a deep and supportive connection between you and your ESA. Our program includes:

• Positive reinforcement techniques to strengthen trust.

• Exercises that encourage emotional connection.

• Tools to help you and your ESA work as a team.

 

Who is This Program For?

Our ESA Training Program is perfect for individuals who:

• Need their ESA to provide consistent emotional support in a variety of situations.

• Want to improve their animal’s behavior at home and in public.

• Are seeking a stronger connection and better communication with their animal companion.

 

Why Choose PSDT?

At Prairieland Service Dog Training, we bring years of experience, a deep understanding of animal behavior, and a compassionate approach to every training program. Our focus is on helping both the handler and the ESA thrive together.

 

How to Enroll in Our ESA Training Program

1. Schedule a Consultation

We’ll meet with you and your ESA to discuss your goals and assess your animal’s temperament.

2. Develop a Tailored Training Plan

We create a training program customized to your needs, whether it’s improving obedience, addressing specific behaviors, or preparing your ESA for new environments.

3. Begin Your Training Journey

Work with our expert trainers to develop your ESA’s skills. 

Let PSDT help you and your Emotional Support Animal build a stronger, more harmonious partnership through our program. 

Note:

Prairieland Service Dog Training offers ESA training for dogs only. We do not provide services for other species. All ESA training is focused on behavior, not documentation, and is designed to support respectful, housing-appropriate canine companions.

Selective Intake Program

Our Selective Intake Program is designed for non-service dog and non-ESA clients who are seeking advanced, ethical training support. This option is available on a limited basis and is offered to handlers who demonstrate a clear commitment to long-term progress.

This program may include:

• Advanced obedience for pet or working dogs who need to move beyond foundational skills
• Behavior refinement for dogs with moderate challenges such as minor reactivity, overstimulation, or impulse control
• Support for handlers addressing ongoing behavioral patterns such as barking, jumping, or boundary testing
• Structured training to meet specific lifestyle goals, such as preparing dogs for family life, travel, or outdoor activities

This program does not include:

• Aggression rehabilitation or cases involving bite history
• Board-and-train services
• One-time basic obedience lessons without a broader training objective.
  

Participation in this program is by application only. We review each submission and select teams based on alignment with our training philosophy and capacity. This ensures that we can offer meaningful support to those ready to invest in the process.