This inexpensive workshop on April 18 is for you if you’re considering a service dog for yourself, a family member, or a client or patient. It is also for you if…
- You’re wondering whether it would be better to train your own or apply to a program
- You would like more information about which laws apply and what the service dog training process is
- You have other questions about service dog training
Service Dog Owner Training: Is this the path for me?
Date: April 13
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Animal Alliances, 137-E Damon Rd., Northampton, MA 01060
Cost: $10
What You Will Learn
Topics we’ll cover include…
- Service dog laws, definitions, terminology, and standards
- Owner training versus programs — pros and cons of each
- The path of owner training: The steps in training a service dog
- Finding the right trainers and programs
- Question and answer
The Presenter
Sharon Wachsler is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), and owner of At Your Service Dog Training in Wendell, MA. A former disability information specialist and service dog owner-trainer, Sharon offers private and group classes, pre-adoption consulting and assessment to service dog owner-trainers. She consults and speaks on service dog training to trainers, owners, and community groups.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is open to the public — all are welcome! The material is geared to be especially helpful to…
- People with disabilities (of any type) that are considering obtaining or training a service dog for themselves
- Friends and family members of disabled people who are considering obtaining or training a service dog for their loved one
- Those already training a service dog who have questions about the process
- Therapists, physicians, and other healthcare providers who prescribe service or emotional support animals to clients or patients
- Pet professionals (e.g., veterinary staff, dog trainers, kennel or dog daycare staff) who would like to know more about service dogs
- Members of the disability community who would like to know more about service dog handler rights and responsibilities and the lifestyle and work involved with handling or training a service dog
Note: This workshop is for humans. Please leave your pet dog at home. If your service dog or service-dog-in-training accompanies you, it will need to be able to settle quietly for two hours around many people.
