PHASE 1 – Service Puppy Foundations
The first phase of your service dog’s training is essential for establishing a solid, well-rounded foundation that will support the entire journey ahead. This phase is designed to nurture the critical skills, confidence, and emotional resilience that young dogs need to succeed as service animals. At the heart of this phase is relationship-building, creating a strong bond between handler and dog while setting the stage for future training.
Through Phase One, we focus on laying the groundwork for all of the necessary skills that service dogs need to perform reliably in real-world environments. We work with young dogs to introduce essential cues and develop emotional control, which will be integral in their ability to handle stressors and distractions in later phases of training. This phase emphasizes early socialization, impulse control, and the formation of positive, consistent habits that will form the backbone of their service work.
Key Focus Areas:
- Basic obedience and core life skills (sit, down, recall, loose-leash walking, etc.)
- Self-regulation and impulse control
- Early socialization and environmental exposure
- Stress inoculation and confidence building
- Handler-dog communication and engagement
This phase can be completed through one of two structured options: our 6-Week Immersive Camp Program for a fully accelerated experience, or our 6-Week Hybrid Program, which blends immersive training with guided in-home and virtual support.
Option 1: Immersive Camp Program
Our immersive camp option provides a structured, supportive environment in which your dog lives with the Canine Foundations team for three weeks of full-time, personalized training. This format allows us to build and reinforce desired behaviors consistently, using a home-based routine that mirrors real-life family dynamics.
This comprehensive option is ideal for families looking to accelerate progress while ensuring their service dog receives a compassionate, personalized start. The camp format not only establishes a strong training foundation but also provides continuity and expert guidance throughout the transition back home.
Program Breakdown:
Week 6:
Two 1-hour virtual training sessions are scheduled to offer continued support, address any emerging challenges, and help you and your dog move confidently toward the next stage of training.
Weeks 1–3:
Three weeks of immersive camp training where your dog lives with one of our Certified Service Dog Coaches. During this time, your dog receives individualized attention and participates in a custom-tailored training plan designed to address the goals and challenges outlined by you and your family. Training is conducted using ethical, science-based methods and is integrated into a balanced daily routine that includes rest, play, structure, and enrichment.
Week 4:
A 2-hour private in-home transfer session is scheduled to help you and your dog transition successfully. During this session, your Service Dog Coach will review the skills learned at camp and demonstrate how to maintain and build upon them at home. A follow-up phone consultation is also included to answer any questions and support early integration.
Week 5:
This week includes one 1-hour private in-home training session and one 1-hour virtual coaching session. These sessions provide ongoing guidance, ensure skills are being maintained in the home environment, and allow for continued progress in your dog’s development.
Option 2: Hybrid Program
The Hybrid Program offers a flexible training model that combines immersive, in-camp learning with structured in-home and virtual support. Ideal for families who want the benefits of intensive professional training while maintaining a more hands-on role in their dog’s development, this option delivers a comprehensive blend of expert guidance and at-home application.
This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds: expert-led foundation training in a professional setting, followed by in-depth guidance as you take the lead at home. The 6-week Hybrid Program ensures your service dog begins their journey with clarity, consistency, and confidence—while empowering you with the tools and knowledge to support long-term success.
Program Breakdown:
Weeks 1–2:
Your dog participates in a two-week immersive camp, living with a Certified Service Dog Coach in a structured, home-based environment. During this time, foundational service dog skills are introduced and reinforced using a personalized training plan tailored to your dog’s unique learning style and your family’s goals. The immersive setting supports consistency, focus, and a smoother learning curve by minimizing distractions and providing daily, individualized attention.
Week 3:
After camp, a 2-hour private in-home transfer session is conducted to transition your dog back into your home environment. During this session, your Service Dog Coach will walk you through all the skills your dog has learned and demonstrate how to maintain and build upon them. A follow-up phone consultation is also included to provide additional support and ensure a smooth adjustment.
Week 4:
This week includes two 1-hour private in-home sessions focused on reinforcing learned behaviors, troubleshooting any challenges, and continuing skill development with the handler present. These sessions allow for guided practice in your real-world environment and help strengthen the dog-handler bond.
Week 5:
The training continues with one 1-hour private in-home session and one 1-hour virtual session, giving you both in-person and remote support to fine-tune skills and provide coaching on emerging needs as your dog transitions into daily life.
Week 6:
Two 1-hour virtual training sessions round out the program, providing continued support, review, and coaching to solidify skills and prepare the team for the next phase of training.