If you’re living with a disability in Alaska, 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.
In addition, Alaska’s Human Rights Law prohibits public accommodations from barring a service animal that accompanies a person with a physical or mental disability.
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 Alaska.
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 Alaska
Now you’re up to speed, it’s time to check out the top service dog training programs in Alaska—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
Alaska Dog Works
This highly-regarded Alaskan company trains service animals through its comprehensive Lead Dog Program. Canine graduates learn all the skills they need to assist people with autism, mobility impairments, and psychiatric conditions, including PTSD—no other disabilities are catered for, at this stage.
The business occasionally agrees to train an existing pet but will almost always insist on handpicking a suitable new puppy from a breeder. With over 20 years of experience in specialist service dog training, they’ve found this approach to be the most effective. The program takes approximately two years, and incorporates both private lessons and public access sessions. The program mimics the college structure—think freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. Canines must pass examinations at each stage before progressing.
Cost: $10,000-$20,000
Location: Willow, Alaska
Certificate: Yes
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified
Link: www.alaskadogworks.com
Midnight Sun Service Dogs
Midnight Sun is another well-regarded local non-profit, which specializes in providing service dogs for veterans and first responders. The organization collects funding from community donations and corporate sponsorships, then uses these resources to train animals in-house, which it places free of charge. Innovative fundraising initiatives allow sponsors to put a logo patch on the dog’s vest or give the animal a name.
Applicants are expected to get involved with the training process by attending sessions both at the facility and at public access locations. Applications open during the spring and fall, with the organization prioritizing people with the greatest needs.
Cost: Free
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Certificate: Unspecified
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Yes