Huron Valley Service Dogs

Our Philosophy

HVSD believes that any individual whose life can be improved with a trained service dog should have one.  We support those individuals and their goal of a self-sufficient life by assisting with training (both owner-trained dogs as well as providing HVSD trained dogs), offering support programs, and advocating for our clients.      We will always operate with complete transparency and open communication.

 

HVSD is a for-profit company but does allow donations towards a client's training costs.  Those donations are not tax-deductible.  100% of the donation toward a client’s training will be applied to their contract. 

 

Our Values

HVSD pledges to treat all of our clients with respect and compassion and to work with each team (client and dog) to provide safe, humane, and scientifically based training, remembering always that each team is unique and the path to the end goal may vary for each team.  

 

HVSD will only use positive reward-based training methods and never use, suggest, or encourage our teams to reach training goals using aversive methods or tools.  

 

HVSD trainers are all Karen Pryor academy graduates and are required to maintain yearly continuing education criteria (following the KP submission guidelines).   HVSD trainers will always conduct themselves in a professional, courteous manner while striving to maintain a safe and inclusive training environment. 

Our Anti-Discrimination Policy

 

HVSD works with all people and breeds of dogs and works to promote diversity.  HVSD does not discriminate based on:

• Ethnicity

• Race

• Religion

• Disability

• Gender/sexual orientation

• Age

 

Our Clients

HVSD works with clients who wish to train their own dog with support as well as clients who may not have the ability to physically train their dog.  HVSD does occasionally have dogs that have a basic task training base available for placement.   HVSD will also work with each client to ensure that they understand their rights as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

We offer task training for:

• Mobility

• Allergen detection b

• Hearing alerts

• Autism

• Anxiety

NOTE: HVSD does require a letter from the client’s medical provider/team to begin the training process, as well as a letter from the client's veterinarian stating the dog is in good health with no restrictions and is up-to-date on vaccines.   

 

Dogs entering the HVSD training program with their owner as handler must also be no younger than 12 months old and will not be fully certified for assistance work until they reach 24 months of age.   Each dog must pass:

• An initial assessment given by a HVSD trainer

• Have regular evaluations throughout the training process to ensure progress is being made

• Show proficiency with needed tasks before final certification

• Show a stable temperament throughout the entire training process; behavior issues that may appear during the training process will be addressed and modified if possible.  

• Pass a public access test upon completion of the training program to achieve team certification

 

Each team in training will work with HVSD to develop a training outline which will include, but is not limited to, disability task training, handler skills, and general public access.  This process requires a time commitment of daily training, a weekly (more if needed) meeting with your HVSD trainer, and dedication to reach the final goal of certification. 

Training will be documented by both HVSD as well as the owner to help with achieving the goal and monitoring progress.  

Young dogs, dogs with little to no basic obedience, and dogs that are still struggling with impulse control may take longer than outlined above. 

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There is no guarantee the dog /handler team will pass and that the program can decide at any time to discharge the team because of dog temperament, dog health or training issues.

 

Confidentiality

HVSD recognizes that in working with our clients we will have access to confidential, personal information, as well as detailed information regarding their dog.  All information shared with HVSD will be kept confidential and only shared with individuals or entities at the written request of the client.  That request must outline specific details to be shared.  

In cases where the client, their dog, or the trainer feel that the well-being, safety, or health are compromised or are in immediate danger, HVSD is required to report their observation to the proper authorities.  

 

General Liability Insurance

HVSD maintains a general liability insurance policy and can be provided upon request.  HVSD liability only applies to the training process and the trainers listed on the policy.  It does not cover the client and their dog outside of the training contract, on their personal property, or in public when training without the supervision of a HVSD trainer.  Any injury or damage to personal or public property caused by the client, the client’s dog, or a third-party individual/dog is not covered under the scope of HVSD’s liability insurance and is the responsibility of the client.  

 

Contract

A rough estimate will be given in writing before any training or evaluations will take place.  After an interview and basic evaluation, a written contract with detailed pricing and details will be submitted to the client for review and acceptance.  Once a copy has been signed and returned the training will be scheduled. 

The written contract will outline the process, all associated costs and fee, the client’s obligation in regards to time commitment, all terms and obligations, as well as the process for termination of the contract.  

If at anytime once the contract has been initiated that the dog no longer meets the training criteria, the client is no longer interested/ or needs an assistance dog, or extenuating circumstances arise that require a reassessment or trainer reassignment,  a new document will be provided documenting the changes and that all parties support and agree to the modifications.   

 

Estimated Cost for Various Available Training Programs

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* = dogs entering the program during this phase will need to plan on multiple phases (i.e. P2, P3) to complete their training fully

** =  dogs entering the program during this phase will need to plan on multiple phases (i.e. P3, possibly P4) to complete their training fully

*** = disability skills are to be determined by the client’s need and the dog’s level of prior training.  The overall cost of training will be given in a written estimate after the consultation

 

PRIVATE LESSONS FOR CLIENTS NOT WITHIN REASONABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM, SKYPE, OR FACETIME.   FINAL TEAM CERTIFICATION MAY REQUIRE AND ADDITIONAL FEE (I.E. TRAVEL COSTS) AS PUBLIC ACCESS/ CERTIFICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN-PERSON. 
 

What Will Training Look Like?

HVSD will guide you through basic obedience skills (as needed, case by case basis), as well as determine what tasks you will require from your dog.  Younger dogs will take longer (and cost more) to train as they have so much to learn to help you navigate the world.  They will also require time to mature physically and mentally, which depending on the breed can vary.  

 

After the initial consultation has been performed we will start with the basics and progress to tasks with the goal of ending the training with a public access test.  During the training process HVSD will also be working with you to help you become comfortable with and fully understand your rights as outlined in the ADA.  

 

Fully-Trained Service Dogs 

HVSD is a for-profit organization but does accept donations and payment obtained by the client from an outside source (i.e. lending institution or private lender) with the understanding the money is not tax-deductible.  To determine if an available fully-trained dog will meet the clients needs an interview will be conducted, along with submission of an application.  

 

Typically the client will be added to a waitlist.  Waitlist times can take up to three years to be fulfilled and require a deposit and a pay schedule (if not paid in full or full payment is secured in an escrow account).  Should the dog not be a match or the client changes their mind a refund will be issued as outlined in the contract provided after the initial consultation.   

 

Depending on the availability and level of task training required a fully-trained dog will fall into the price range of $15,000.00 to $60,000.00.   Our fully-trained dogs, depending on the age they were obtained, will live with a trainer for a minimum of six to twelve months before task training will begin.  During this time they will be exposed to new environments, new people, learn to be social around other dogs, learn impulse control, and of course, how to be accepting of household noises and typical daily events.  All dogs over 18 months will be spayed/neutered before placement is complete.  

 

Each fully-trained dog will include:

• Crate with pad, settle mat

• Equipment (i.e harness, leashes, additional tools for public access if needed)

• Grooming tools (brush/comb, dental care items, shampoo, nail trimmers, and handout for grooming)

• Food for two weeks, dishes, and feeding schedule, enrichment items and favorite toys

• Complete veterinarian records, veterinarian health certificate, complete training logs, and copies of public access test results

• Three days of in-person training support (three hours each day) and six months of additional support via text, email, video, zoom, skype, or facetime

 

What is not included:

• Airfare or transport mileage if traveling by vehicle

• Hotel costs

• Additional task training after the client takes possession of the dog

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Board & Train and Day Training Options

HVSD offers board and train packages and well as day training options to help strengthen skills when needed.  Third-party insurance is required for dogs enrolling in this program.  Detailed pricing will be provided upon request for this option once a training plan/schedule is created for the stay.  We recommend Trupanion insurance, however any company's policy will be accepted.  

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PLEASE NOTE, AVAILABILITY OF FULLY-TRAINED SERVICE DOGS IS VERY LIMITED.