The Best Service Dog Training in Rhode Island

If you’re living with a disability in Rhode Island, it might be worth training your pooch (or a new puppy) to become a service dog. Not only do these lovable creatures provide invaluable assistance with everyday tasks, but they also receive legal protections under federal and state laws.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) affords anyone with an eligible disability the civil right to bring a service dog into any “public accommodations” (restaurants, entertainment venues, retail stores, educational institutions, etc.). Businesses, including landlords and airlines, cannot charge for a service dog or treat the owner differently, providing the animal is housebroken and well-behaved.

Rhode Island’s human rights laws also offers the same protections as the ADA, which means service dogs are covered by both state and federal law.

Although there are no formal certification or registration requirements, a canine must be adequately trained to qualify as a service dog. In this article, we’ll cover what to consider when searching for a service dog trainer and then review the top five providers in Rhode Island.

What to Look for When Choosing Service Dog Training

Choosing an appropriate service dog training center is the first step towards turning a canine companion into a bonafide service animal.

Regardless of whether you choose an online or in-person trainer, it’s best to stick with an established operator with years (or decades) of industry experience. Look for a provider with a proven track record with your specific disability.

Not all trainers work with every dog. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it could mean they excel at training a specific breed. Some insist on working with a custom-bred puppy, while others accept existing pets (after a rigorous evaluation) or source animals from a local shelter. In any case, check whether these conditions align with your needs.

For a brick-and-mortar establishment, it’s worth assessing the facilities in person before committing. Are the kennels in good shape? Do the dogs have plenty of open space? A low-quality trainer will cut corners and deliver subpar results.

While a sizable waiting list is indicative of a successful business (or a popular non-profit), you should consider your own timeline, as well. If you need an animal trained in a hurry, there’s no point joining a five year waiting list.

Finally, cost is a crucial consideration. While the law requires a service dog to be capable of supporting its owner, there’s no legal requirement to enlist a professional trainer. An online training course gives you the necessary tools to train your animal at home and saves you thousands compared to an in-person program.

Online vs. In-Person Service Dog Training

So, what’s the best option for training a service dog: in-person or online? Both methods have their advantages, which we’ll discuss below.

While an in-person course requires you to attend scheduled classes, an online program lets you train your animal at your convenience—you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your own home. The most significant benefit, however, is cost. Online programs give you all the support and guidance you need at a fraction of the price of an in-person course.

Although rigid and expensive, in-person programs may achieve better results because an experienced professional provides expert, tailor-made training sessions. Furthermore, the in-person option puts less burden on the owner, which is essential when a severe disability renders self-training impractical. Both humans and canines also get ample opportunity to socialize and exercise—active and outgoing owners often find in-person training more fun.

Pros of Online Service Dog Training Pros of In-Person Service Dog Training
Cost-effective: online courses cost a fraction of the price of in-person programs Less owner burden: trainers do most of the work, essential for people with severe disabilities.
Convenience: train your dog at a time that’s suitable for you Expertise: in-person trainers draw on years of experience to achieve optimal results
Comfort: no need to leave the comfort of your own home Exercise and socialization: you and your dog will get out and about

The Best Service Dog Training in Rhode Island

Now you’re up to speed, it’s time to check out the top service dog training programs in Rhode Island—both in-person or online. We’ve searched long and hard to identify and review the top courses in the state to make the selection process easier for you.

US Service Animals Online Training

The top dog in virtual training, US Service Animals Online Training gives you everything you need to teach your canine to become a service dog from home. The six-module program consists of 12 easy-to-follow videos that outline cutting-edge animal behavior theories and how they apply to your four-legged friend. Unlike other online programs, you’ll get customized support from a professional service dog trainer throughout the course.

The comprehensive program teaches your pet to assist with various disabilities, including blindness, hearing loss, diabetes, mobility issues, and epilepsy. No breed or size restrictions apply, and you get a handy certificate at the end (there’s also an optional service vest, collar, collar tag, and leash).

Cost: $349

Location: Online only (6 video modules)

Certificate: Yes

1:1 Support: Yes

Equipment Provided: Clicker, plus optional service vest, collar, collar tag, and leash

Link: www.usserviceanimals.org

Modern Dog Training

Located in Warwick (near Providence), Modern Dog Training is a professional outfit run by Kristen Noel, a hotshot animal behavior specialist with a slew of prestigious qualifications. Kristen has been in the training business since she was 16 and currently boasts over a decade of experience working with animals, including service dogs.

She and her team use a holistic, science-based approach which follows the “progressive reinforcement” methodology. The program adheres to stringent International Association of Assistance Dog Partners Standards, and takes place at the customer’s home or the Warwick facility. The first step is a 1.5-hour consultation to evaluate individual needs, plan the program, and provide bespoke advice on selecting an appropriate puppy.

Cost: Contact for a quote

Location: Warwick, Rhone Island

Certificate: Unspecified

1:1 Support: Yes

Equipment Provided: Unspecified

Link: www.moderndogri.com

NEADS

This reputable nationwide non-profit trains service dogs and places them into the homes of people in need throughout America, including Rhode Island. Volunteer prisoners at the medium-security Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institution do most of the training with in-depth guidance provided by the organization.

NEADS can place service animals in the homes of people with autism, physical impairments, hearing loss, or PTSD—either children, adults, or veterans. The organization only trains handpicked, purpose breed puppies, in order to optimize results. Funding is acquired from the federal government and community donations.

Cost: Free (expect a long waiting list)

Location: Nationwide, including Rhode Island

Certificate: Unspecified

1:1 Support: Yes

Equipment Provided: Unspecified

Link: www.neads.org

Loyalty Service Dogs (LSD)

LSD is a well-established service dog training business that provides much-needed animals to people with disabilities around America. The company works explicitly with autism, diabetes, epilepsy, and PTSD (you’ll need to look elsewhere if you have a different disability). Program fees are high, but the business offers an interest-free payment option and can advise on fundraising methods.

Training takes place at their facility and public access locations around the state. Applicants must be at least six years of age and have been diagnosed with an eligible disability more than 12 months ago. LSD handpicks its puppies from approved breeders, although applicants may get some input regarding the breed.

Cost: $20,000-$26,000

Location: Nationwide, including Rhode Island

Certificate: Unspecified

1:1 Support: Yes

Equipment Provided: Unspecified

Link: www.loyaltyservicedogs.com