Most service dogs are initially selected from local animal shelters, rescue groups, and service dog puppy raisers. They are carefully evaluated prior to selection and only the best of the best become candidates, graduate, and are certified. Please note that Patriot Paws' selection process is extensive. Although generous, please do not try to donate your family pet to Patriot Paws.

Once fully trained, the dogs are able to assist physically disabled individuals to accomplish daily tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Each dog is customized to the individual needs of the owner. The dogs are trained to perform many services including:

Get help in emergencies! Pick up and retrieve items Open and close doors and cabinets Pull wheelchairs Provide bracing to stand, walk, and sit down Help with chores, such as laundry Take shoes and socks off

Perhaps one of the most beneficial remedies is the unconditional love and devotion a dog can provide to their lifelong partners. Once a strong bond forms between the person-dog relationship, the dog’s trust, devotion, and a desire to please will follow.

The cost to train a service dog is approximately $20,000. This expense represents 12 to 18 months training, housing, feeding, and health related costs. Patriot PAWS Service Dogs Organization specializes in using positive reinforcement to train its dogs.

The minimum standards for all service dog centers affiliated with ADI are listed below. All centers are encouraged to strive to work at levels above the minimums.

Minimum Standards for Training

1. A minimum of one hundred twenty (120) hours of training over a period of no less than six (6) months, which must take place under the supervision of the program's trainer. During that time, at least thirty (30) hours of regularly scheduled training must be devoted to field trips and public exposure.
   
   
2. Basic obedience skills that the dogs must master with voice and/or hand signals are: sit, stay, come, down, heel, and off-leash recall.
   
   
3. The dog must show social behavior skills of no aggression, no inappropriate barking, no biting, no snapping/growling, no inappropriate jumping on strangers, no begging, and no sniffing of people.
   
   
4. The service dog must be trained to perform at least three physical tasks.
   
   
5. The training time with the student prior to placement must be a minimum of no less than thirteen (13) days. This is both public and private. All graduates must be given a solid education in appropriate behavior for the team. The dog should stay as invisible as possible and not interfere with people.
   
   
6. The training facility must require the recipient to complete a follow-up progress report once a month for the first six (6) months following the placement. Personal contact will be done by qualified staff or a program volunteer within twelve to eighteen (12-18) months of graduation and annually thereafter.
   
   
7. Identification of the Service Dog will be accomplished with a laminated ID card with a photo of the dog and partner and names of both recipient and dog. In public the dog must wear a harness, backpack, or slicker with a logo that is clear, easy to read, and identifiable as a service dog.
   
   
8. The staff of the training center must demonstrate knowledge of the disabilities of the clients it works with. The Organization shall make available educational material on different disabilities.
   
   
9. The recipient must agree to abide by the Minimum Standards for Assistance Dog Partners.
   
   
10. At the onset of training, every dog will be spayed or neutered and will have a thorough medical evaluation to determine that the dog does not have any physical problems that would cause difficulty for a working dog. Service dogs help people with physical disabilities accomplish daily tasks that would otherwise be fatiguing or even impossible alone. By enhancing the recipient's mobility, service dogs quickly become valued companions.