Serving all of Iowa and beyond
our SERVICE DOG PROGRAM
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
Frederick Family Dog Training LLC, also known as FFDT, is a private, family owned training company specializing in working dogs such as service, therapy, and emotional support. Because we are a private trainer, we issue our own Certificates and hold our standards to or above the American Kennel Club, Assistance Dogs International, APDT, IACP, and other training organizations. FFDT is an approved AKC evaluator, and we utilize the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program, as well as specialized skills/tasks in our working dog requirements and foundational skills. We also hold accreditation through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants as an accredited dog trainer, as well as through the Animal Behavior College as a certified service dog trainer and contracted mentor trainer, We are professional members of the APDT International and maintain LIMA compliance throughout our training programs and practices.
We train using “The FFDT Way”, a pending trademark training method, combining canine behavior and science with human behavior and science. We practice positive reinforcement, science based training, and believe in the human and canine connection.
FFDT SERVICE DOG PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
You do not have to have all of these requirements done prior to enrollment, rather, we meet where you are and train from there. Whether it's a brand new puppy just starting out, or a dog with prior training, you belong here.
- Basic Obedience and Foundational Skills
- FFDT Basic12 List Mastered
- AKC Home Manners or equivalent
- AKC Canine Good Citizen
- AKC Community Canine and/or Urban or equivalent
- Public Access Test, tested by FFDT
- Acceptance into FFDT Service Dog Program
- $400 Enrollment Fee
- Service Dog Program Track Chosen: Program A or Program H
- Service Dog Agreement Signed
- Intake Appointment
- FFDT Service Dog Important Skills List
- Up-to-date on all vaccinations required by state law
- Letter from doctor on need/approval for service dog
- Dog registration if required by city/county/state
- AKC Registration if titling (see “Additional Testing Page” for more information on AKC Titling)
- Minimum age at graduation: 18 months (can begin training any age)
- Spayed/Neutered
- Task training specific to handler needs
- Minimum six lessons with FFDT trainer
- Minimum completion of one Intensives (total of 1200 minutes) within nine months of enrollment
- Minimum twelve successful documented public outings done on own (lessons not included)
- Minimum two group trains (included in enrollment)
- Demonstrated impulse control and ability to function with distractions
- Free from inappropriate reactivity, aggression, and behavior problems
- Minimum: One annual Service Dog Check-in lesson post-graduation for the successive three years
SERVICE DOG INFO
AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLERS
AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLERS
AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLERS
There is no age requirement for handlers. If obtaining a service dog for your child, we will work with both the child and the parent as a co-handler.
KINDS OF SERVICE DOGS
AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLERS
AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLERS
We are trained in a variety of kinds of service dogs, so if you need a specific type of working dog, we are able to train the dog to fit your needs. See our list of Types of Service Dogs under the "What is a Service Dog Tab".
SERVICE DOG FINDER
AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLERS
SERVICE DOG FINDER
If you do not already have a dog to be evaluated as a potential service dog, we are able to find the perfect dog for you through our Service Dog Finder Service. This is an optional, additional service. The Find me a service dog service is $150 and it does not include the cost of the dog. We go through a vetting process to find dogs that c
If you do not already have a dog to be evaluated as a potential service dog, we are able to find the perfect dog for you through our Service Dog Finder Service. This is an optional, additional service. The Find me a service dog service is $150 and it does not include the cost of the dog. We go through a vetting process to find dogs that could be a good fit. Normally, we use reputable breeders and begin with puppies.