Training your dog to perform service dog tasks in Connecticut is a great way to build a stronger bond with your dog and teach them to provide you with the aid you need to get through your day. When you train your dog to perform service skills, they become a legally recognized service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Connecticut state law.
Both the ADA and Connecticut law provide public access protections for individuals who need a service dog. Under these laws, individuals with service animals can accompany their owner into any business, restaurant, or public and private space where the dog’s presence creates a health hazard or presents a danger. Of course, your dog must be trained to perform disability-related tasks and be well-behaved, which is where service dog training comes in.
Our article gives you an overview of the best service dog training programs in Connecticut, including online and in-person programs. With the help of a training facility, you can work with your dog to teach them the service dog skills they need to know and benefit from your service animal’s assistance as soon as possible.
What to Look For When Choosing Service Dog Training
As you start to think about choosing a service dog trainer, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. These considerations can help you narrow down your options and select the type of training that works best for you and your dog.
First, you should think about whether you are interested in online training or in-person training. Both of these training types have their pros and cons, and one might be better suited to your lifestyle and preferences.
You should also be considering cost, as there is a range of prices when it comes to service dog training depending on what you need help with instruction-wise, the trainer, and the length of the overall course.
Make sure to take into account the trainer’s experience and expertise, as some trainers specialize in training certain types of service dogs, and others refrain from training certain breeds. This is especially important to keep in mind before booking, as you don’t want to contact a trainer who ultimately cannot help you and your pup.
Online vs. In-Person Service Dog Training
Deciding between online and in-person service dog training is one of the most difficult parts of narrowing down your training options. However, each of these training types has different pros and cons, and you can use these to help you make your decision.
Online training tends to be more cost-effective, and it is often more convenient for those who need a flexible training schedule or those who wish to train in the comfort of their own home. You can also repeat lessons and go at your own pace, something that can be much more difficult to accomplish when training in person.
On the other hand, in-person training offers your dog a chance to socialize, and it can be enjoyable for outgoing dogs and owners. You can also get specific training tips when it comes to more complex training issues, and some owners prefer the set schedule that in-person training provides.
| Pros of Online Service Dog Training | Pros of In-Person Service Dog Training |
| Train on your own time | Great for socialization |
| Repeat courses as necessary, move at your own pace | Targeted, personalized training tips for complex situations |
| Often more cost-effective | Great for those who enjoy set schedules |
The Best Service Dog Training in Connecticut
After you’ve taken the time to think about the type of service dog training you prefer, you can look through our choices for the best service dog training in Connecticut. All of these facilities offer dog-friendly training options, with some offering online courses in addition to in-person service dog training solutions.
US Service Animals Online Training
A convenient training option for individuals who need more flexible scheduling or those who prefer to train from their homes, US Service Animals offers a comprehensive course of online video training. The course has six modules for you to follow with your dog, and you can take these lessons at your own pace.
Equipment is provided with this course, and you get a certificate for your dog upon completion. Customized support is available to help you and your dog achieve all of your training goals.
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
K9 National Services
K9 National Services provides training for psychiatric service dogs, therapy dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and hearing assistance dogs. Each training program with the facility is based on positive reinforcement techniques, and programs are customized to each owner and dog as needed. Training is offered in-home to create the best experience for owners and their dogs and in order to make a lasting change in a dog’s skills.
Cost: Varies, Contact for Pricing
Location: West Hartford, Hartford, and Farmington, Connecticut
Certificate: No
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: No
Link: https://www.k9nationalservices.com/
Joyful Paws Service Dogs
Joyful Paws Service Dogs offers training options for dogs that are partially trained and dogs that are just starting their training. The owner-led training program helps to guide owners to train their own service dogs, and trainers work to understand owner’s needs, including specific budget restraints and preferences for in-person or group classes. Joyful Paws Service Dogs also offers fully trained service dogs where owners will finish the dog’s training alongside their new companion to start building a working relationship.
Online seminars and group outings are also offered for individuals who need more socialization for their dog or want to learn about specific topics in the service dog training world.
Cost: $45-$700+
Location: Windsor, Connecticut
Certificate: No
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: No
Link: https://joyfulpawsservicedogs.com/
Dog Training Elite
Dog Training Elite is a facility that prides itself on extensive service dog training options, with several different package options available for owners who need a solution for service dog training. Prices vary based on the package you choose, and trainers aim to tailor training to your needs as necessary. You can benefit from one-on-one lessons and support, or you can enroll your pup in group classes as needed.
Psychiatric service dog training, therapy dog training, and autism service dog training are some of the most popular training program options offered by Dog Training Elite.
Cost: Varies, Contact for Pricing
Location: Southern Connecticut
Certificate: No
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: No
Link: https://dogtrainingelite.com/connecticut
LEDR Dog Training
Service dog training at LEDR Dog Training is given under the expertise and guidance of two highly qualified dog trainers. Your dog will be given an initial evaluation to determine their suitability for service dog work, and the trainers will work with you to understand your service dog needs. From there, a careful training program will be developed, and you and your dog will work with the trainers to learn new skills and build up tasks until your dog is fully trained.
Every training plan with LEDR Dog Training is different, and costs vary because of this. Contact the facility for questions about pricing and information on a personalized service dog training program.
Cost: Contact for Pricing
Location: Windsor, Connecticut
Certificate: No
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified
Link: https://ledrdogtraining.com/