Arizona state law upholds the service dog access requirements put in place by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. This means that individuals who need a service dog in the state can benefit from public access rights and additional housing rights protected by the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA).
To take advantage of these service dog rights, it’s important that individuals in need of a service animal properly train their dog. Only dogs that are trained to perform disability-related tasks for their owners are legally considered service dogs, which means that you must teach your dog service skills to get the benefits a service animal is granted. You can train your own service dog or purchase a fully-trained service dog – there are no specific regulations when it comes to the training program you choose.
In this article, we will give you our choices for the best service dog training in Arizona. Once you complete one of these programs with your dog, and your dog is comfortable performing tasks related to your disability in public and at home, they will be an official service dog and able to accompany you wherever life takes you.
What to Look For When Choosing Service Dog Training
When choosing service dog training, there are a few essential things to keep in mind that can help you direct your decision. In general, it’s a good idea to try and decide between online and in-person service dog training, as either type might be a good fit for your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Once you have a good idea about the type of training you are interested in, you can look at the specific category of service dog training offered (such as guide dogs or psychiatric service dogs), the trainer’s experience, and if there are any breeds of dog or specific training skills that the trainer does not offer. You should also be aware of any waitlist times, as very popular service dog training centers tend to have longer wait times.
Keep in mind when training that emotional support dog training is different than service dog training – service dogs must be trained to complete disability-related tasks for their owners, while emotional support dogs only provide comfort and support with their presence. Make sure you know the difference before selecting a trainer.
Online vs In-Person Service Dog Training
There are two types of service dog training – online and in-person. Both training types have their own benefits and negatives, and the specific type you choose really depends on personal preference and your lifestyle.
To start with, online training is usually better for individuals who need a more flexible schedule. With online training, you can train at your own pace and repeat lessons as necessary until your pup gets the skills down. Online training also tends to be more cost-effective, which is beneficial for those who wish to train their service dog to avoid the expensive costs of purchasing a fully trained pup.
On the other hand, your service dog in training may thrive with structured classes in person and the opportunity to socialize with other humans and dogs. This is especially important for puppies and dogs that learn better when they are involved in group classes or removed from the distractions of their own home.
Ultimately, online training options are the preferred option for those with a busy lifestyle since they offer convenience and flexibility.
| Pros of Online Service Dog Training | Pros of In-Person Service Dog Training |
| Cost-effective: Online training is usually much cheaper than in-person classes | Socialization: In-person training is good for dogs that need socialization with humans and other dogs |
| Flexible scheduling: Online training allows you to fit in lessons whenever your schedule allows | Structured schedule: Some dogs and people work better with a set, consistent training schedule on a daily or weekly basis |
| Repeat lessons: Online training allows you and your dog to repeat lessons until you are sure the material has been learned | In-person guidance: Sometimes, in-person guidance from a professional trainer can help overcome difficult training challenges with your dog |
The Best Service Dog Training in Arizona
Once you’ve thought about the type of service dog training you’d like to invest in, it’s time to explore your top options in Arizona. Below, we give you an overview of the best service dog training facilities to help your pup get up to par.
US Service Animals Online Training
US Service Animals provides an online-only training course that you and your dog can take at your own pace. The course includes six video modules that you can work through when your schedule allows for it, and you can repeat each lesson as needed until your dog learns what they need to know. Plus, US Service Animals provides equipment and a certificate upon completion, allowing you to truly take service dog training into your own hands.
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: https://usserviceanimals.org/service-dog-training
All 4 Paws Training
All 4 Paws Training is a service dog training facility that works to enable individuals with disabilities to self-train their own service dogs. The facility specializes in training all varieties of service dogs and therapy dogs, and courses are offered to bring your dog from a completely untrained puppy or older dog to a well-behaved and properly trained service animal. Costs vary depending on the courses you need to take and how quickly your dog learns the material; contact the facility for specific pricing costs.
Cost: $245 to $500+
Location: Tempe, AZ
Certificate: Unspecified
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: No
Link: www.all4pawstraining.com
AZ Dog Sports
AZ Dog Sports is a popular training facility that strives to help owners in need train their own service dogs for an affordable price. Owners can train their dogs to become mobility, psychiatric assistance, PTSD, diabetic alert, or therapy service dogs, and all trainers at AZ Dog Sports are Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDTKA). Training is science-based, and all dogs are evaluated by trainers before training begins to ensure your dog can thrive throughout the training programs.
Cost: $1,000 to $2,900
Location: Phoenix, AZ; some online options
Certificate: Yes
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Yes
Link: www.azdogsports.com
Dogs 4 Vets
Dogs 4 Vets is a unique service dog training facility that provides fully trained service dogs to veterans in need while also offering training options for veterans and their family members who wish to train their own service dogs. This organization is a non-profit designed to help veterans who need a service dog but are dealing with the high costs of adopting a service dog, and trainers are mostly other veterans. There is no cost for the training programs for Dogs 4 Vets, as long as you are a qualified applicant. That said, you may need to pay a small application fee to register.
Cost: $0 for eligible applicants
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Certificate: Unspecified
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Yes
Link: www.dogs4vets.org
K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training
Led by expert trainer Marsha Durfee, K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training provides a way for dog owners in Arizona to benefit from highly skilled trainers and an outcome-focused propriety service dog training program. Every service dog entering the training program is given a customized training plan, something that helps dogs and owners reach their training goals with less stress. Dogs are also evaluated by the facility’s own service dog stress test to make sure they have the temperament for service dog work. Pricing for these courses varies, so you will need to contact K9 Paws for details.
Cost: Contact for Pricing
Location: Golden Valley, AZ
Certificate: Yes
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified