Owner Training isn't easy! It takes lots of time, strong commitment and dedicated work. It isn't simple obedience training. I have worked in animal care: nutrition, training, and grooming for 25 years. I started my owner/trainer service dog journey in 2016 with Rhyno, my first Balance and Mobility Service Dog. I mentored for three years with a certified service dog trainer to accomplish my goals. Rhyno has since retired and passed. This year, my new service dog must learn more than just balance and mobility tasks. Rockwell began training in May at 5 weeks old. Now, at 7 months, he is already well into learning his tasks and alerts. 

   So much goes into service dog training. Owner training is an excellent option, but shouldn't be undertaken without tons of research. And, you should be ready to find and ask a trainer because you will need help in some areas! It is my goal to help owner/trainers with finding and testing SDiT prospects, bonding and training with their new pup, and educating them as handlers. Handler education is just as important as Service dog training!