If you’re living with a disability in Wyoming, 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, provided the animal is housebroken and well-behaved. Furthermore, Wyoming’s disability rights law provides similar protections to the ADA and defines service dogs under the same terms.
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 Wyoming.
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? Your choices come down to online and in-person and both methods have their advantages.
While an in-person course requires you to attend scheduled classes, an online program lets you train your animal at your convenience, you won’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 structured 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 Wyoming
Now you’re up to speed, it’s time to check out the top service dog training programs in Wyoming—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.
1. US Service Animals
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
2. K9’s 4 Mobility
This reputable Wyoming non-profit places fully-trained service dogs into the homes of people in need throughout the state. Although the name implies the organization only works with mobility impairments, that’s not actually the case. K9s 4 Mobility also trains pooches for people with Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, PTSD, autism, anxiety, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and hearing loss.
Applicants must undertake an interview, and then prove they have the financial means and sufficient space to house the animal. All dogs are handpicked from select breeders before undergoing a rigorous training regime that lasts 1-2 years. The placement phase goes for 10-12 days and involves intensive one-on-one tuition. An alternative owner-trained program is available for applicants who’d rather take a more hands-on approach.
Cost: Free of charge for approved applicants (expect long waiting lists)
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Certificate: Unspecified
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified
Link: www.k9s4mobility.org
3. Rockin E Dog Training and Consulting
Rockin E Dog Training and Consulting is one of the best when it comes to service dog training in Wyoming. Co-owner Teresa Bingham is one of the best trainers in the state thanks to her 14 years of experience working in veterinary clinics and even animal shelters. When you add her status as a CPDT-KA Certified Behaviorist to this resume you end up with a trainer that knows dogs inside and out – literally.
While it’s not the main service that this dog trainer offers, you’ll find that their service dog programs are effective for physical and psychiatric service dogs. What’s more, classes for these training methods are one-on-one and done with positive reinforcement. Trainers also focus on bonding dogs with their handlers and the result is productive service dog training that tends to be affordable.
Cost: Varies
Location: J &, 1482 Commerce Dr UNIT K, Laramie, WY 82070
Certificate: Unspecified
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified
Link: https://www.rockinedogtraining.com/
4. Medical Mutts
Medical Mutts is a sizable in-person and online training provider that teaches you how to train your four-legged friend to become a service dog. Although the program doesn’t dictate the breed, most people report achieving more favorable results when training renowned service species (Labs, Retrievers, etc.). Nonetheless, your animal will need to pass a strict temperament evaluation before being accepted into the course.
Medical Mutts offers service dog training advice through videos, one-on-one coaching, forums, and lessons, all of which use tried-and-tested positive reinforcement techniques. Canine candidates must pass four separate semesters to graduate, which typically takes a little over one year, in total.
Cost: $1,600 (all four semesters)
Location: Online
Certificate: Unspecified
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified
Link: www.medicalmutts.org
5. Dogs and Tags
Dogs and Tags is a veteran-focused psychiatric service dog training organization in Wyoming. The organization focuses on pairing people who struggle with PTSD with dogs that can help their condition. The organization can train dogs to pick up items, fetch medications at a specified time, and find help when someone needs it. Dogs and Tags are also flexible and can help you with your current dog or even point you in the right direction if you need help finding a suitable service dog breed.
Plenty of additional resources are available when working with Dogs and Tags as well ranging from financial assistance to service dog registration and vest etiquette.
Cost: Unspecified
Location: 7618 Aztec Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82009
Certificate: Unspecified
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified
Link: https://www.dogsandtags.org/
Find the Right Service Dog Trainer in Wyoming
Finding the right trainer for your service dog is the most important part of having one. You need to make sure they’re adequately trained to handle your needs and that they properly bond with you. The good news is that any of the trainers we covered in this article can help you with your service dog needs. Whether you need in-person or online service dog training in Wyoming, we have you covered.