Francie graduates from university with Deputy Dog Paddy by her side.

Generally the Deputy Dog “academic” course has three levels - Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.

Teams are not automatically promoted to the next level - they may have to repeat different sessions more than once before moving on.

The goal of everyone entering the program is to be certified a Deputy Dog team. When the team and instructors agree they are ready, a test is conducted, scored by two evaluators. The evaluation covers obedience, communication, assistance, precision and most importantly teamwork. The test requires that the dog do at least three tasks. These may include bringing the remote or telephone, turning on a light, opening a door, pulling a wheelchair, helping the owner up or other acceptable exercise clearly benefiting the owner.

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Training Your Dog for Service

We would love to talk with you about Deputy Dog!

The most important component in the success of our program is you.

The ideal student will be a highly motivated person with the commitment and time to be successful. You must understand the entire process - training, lectures and homework. Health, family support and temperament are all important.

Please fill out the application below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

You will observe a class, followed by an in-home interview. Matching you with an appropriate dog for service will be the first option. If you already have a dog that may be well-suited for service work, your dog/relationship will be evaluated during additional interviews.

APPLICATION

*COVID UPDATE: DELAYS RESULTING FROM THE PANDEMIC HAVE SET BACK SCHEDULING CONSIDERABLY. THERE IS AN EXTENDED WAIT TO START THE PROGRAM. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ACCOMMODATE EVERYONE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

Dash opens the door.

Applications for assistance dogs will be accepted regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual preference, age or disability. Applicants must live within 50 miles of program headquarters. Applicants must be able to take care of an assistance dog, both physically and financially.

Applicant must be actively pursuing the goal of independent living and seeking to improve the quality of their life through partnership with an assistance dog. Applicant must agree to follow through with all aspects of the Main Line Deputy Dog process, to complete team training and to abide by all program follow-up requirements and procedures.

Successfully attending and completing Main Line Deputy Dog’s service dog training program does not signify that the graduate is a service/assistance dog trainer or qualified to train and/or place service/assistance dogs. Assistance Dogs International has specific standards that an individual must meet in order to be a certified assistance (service and/or hearing) dog trainer - and taking part in this program does not meet these requirements.

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