Steps to your Service Dog
OUR Programs
Raise and Train Program
*We Pair a Client with a K9 Candidate based on their needs and the strengths and temperament of the dog
*K9 is trained up to a certain point agreed upon by all parties (some choose to take a puppy and start there, while others it is best to take on after a few months).
*K9 and Handler attend weekly training sessions geared to the current stage of training of the K9; they also train on their own throughout the week.
*K9 and Handler must pass all L4A required testing and selected tasks in public before they can “graduate”. (This can take months; this can take over a year).
*PROS: Client receives immediate companionship and benefits from new purpose and mission. Client has new motivation to get out and become independent.
*CONS: There is a chance that the highly selected K9 candidate does not make the cut for Service Work, in which case, the handler can adopt the dog as an ESA and receive a new candidate OR we adopt the dog as an ESA to an ESA applicant and then issue a new candidate.
Distance Learning Program
*The Distance Training Program is right for clients who’s housing exceeds a 2-hour driving radius from the Fort Hood, Texas area. While there are greater plans to build training partnerships who support the Liberty for All mission across the Nation, in the immediate future, our Distance Training Program clients are paired with a K9 candidate and complete training on their own using videos made by our training staff. *Distance clients are required to check in weekly via video conference for real-time training checks. Clients must also financially commit to a minimum of 3, in-person travels to our home location in Central Texas: the first, to pick up their candidate and review basic training skills; the second, to complete the AKC Canine Good Citizen tests and review advanced training skills; and the third, for review of public access skills, final testing, and task verification.
Finished Service Dog Program
*Our clients have the option to choose the Finished Service Dog Program which provides a Service Dog that has completed all required training, testing, and whose tasks suit their individual needs. *Client’s choosing this option understand that a wait list of up to a year may apply. *The Liberty for All Finished Service Dog Program requires clients train and certify with their new partner, in-person, for 2 weeks before the process is deemed complete. *
Step 1
Application Verification
Our team of licensed professionals reviews your confidential information provided on the application to verify eligibility, review provider forms, and select K9 candidates with training staff.
Upon completion of this process, we invite you to meet and greet with candidates we believe are a good match. (can take up to 3 months, depending on the application and client needs). Pending a successful meet and greet, client’s are moved to Step 2.
Step 2
Training
Once successfully matched with a K9, the client takes their candidate home. LAA clients go through a minimum of 3, 6-week classes, 3 certifications, and 600hrs of training with their matched K9s using methods provided by the organization. Raise and Train Clients attend at least one in person class a week during the 3, 6-week courses with 1 month off in between (Client’s still train on their own during this time).
Distance clients are expected to attend a minimum of 3 in-person testing sessions and check-in with trainers at least one time a week to verify progress and address any training issues via video
Step 3
Graduation
After completion of at least 600hrs working with their assigned K9, tasks verification, and the passing of the ARC CGC, CGCA, CGCU, and Public Access tests, the client and K9 will be scheduled for graduation of the Liberty for All, Service Dogs program.
Graduating affords the client documentation provided by the organization verifying the training, tasks, and hours completed in Service Dog work. After graduation, you continue to have the support of Liberty for All Service Dogs training staff throughout your K9’s working life.