BELLY UP
DOG TRAINING
You're not alone, and you're not expected to figure it out by yourself!
Training your own service dog is a big commitment. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or worried you’ll “mess it up.” Whether you’re just beginning the process or already in training and hitting roadblocks, I’m here to walk with you every step of the way. I’ve helped many people like you turn a high-energy dog with no direction into a reliable, life-changing partner.
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This process is about more than just obedience. It’s about building trust, building skills, and building the kind of freedom that comes with having a service dog who truly works for you.
What Is a Service Dog?
A service dog is more than a well-behaved companion. They’re a highly trained partner who helps mitigate your disability through specific tasks. This could mean alerting you to medical episodes, supporting you through psychiatric challenges, or assisting with mobility.
A service dog:
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Is trained to perform tasks directly related to your disability
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Can accompany you into public places where pets aren’t allowed
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Must demonstrate excellent behavior, focus, and reliability in a wide range of environments
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Whether you're still choosing your dog or already have a promising candidate, we’re here to help you shape them into a dog that truly supports your needs.
Discover What a Service Dog Can Do for You
Here are just a few of the powerful ways a service dog can support your daily life and help you feel more in control
Create Confidence
Whether it’s running errands, navigating busy spaces, or just stepping outside, a service dog can make those moments feel safer, calmer, and more manageable.
Provide Meaningful Assistance
From mobility support to medical alerts to deep pressure therapy, service dogs are trained to perform life-improving tasks that truly make a difference.
Offer Stability
A well-trained service dog can help reduce anxiety, interrupt distressing behaviors, and provide consistent relief in moments when you need it most.
Build Independence
With a service dog by your side, you’re not just getting help, you’re gaining the freedom to take on more of life on your own terms, with a trusted partner every step of the way.
How it Works
We know how overwhelming it can feel to start the service dog journey, so we’ve designed a clear path that sets both you and your dog up for success from the start.
Step 1: Start with the Service Dog Foundation Program
Every team begins here. This program builds the essential skills all service dogs need and helps us assess whether your dog is truly suited for this kind of work. Not only does it create a solid training base, it also helps you avoid wasting time, energy, and money on a dog that may not thrive in this role.
Step 2: See Where Your Dog Shines
By the end of the Foundation Program, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what your dog is capable of and we’ll guide you to the next best step based on your dog’s performance and your goals:
1. Well-Trained Companion
If it turns out your dog isn’t the right fit for service work, you’ll still walk away with a well-behaved, well-trained dog you can enjoy at home and in everyday life.
2. At-Home Service Program
For dogs who are great at tasks but struggle in public settings—or for handlers who don’t need public access—we offer a full training path to turn them into reliable at-home helpers.
3. Service Dog Program
If your dog shows strong potential for full service dog work, you’ll move on to our comprehensive Service Dog Program, where we focus on advanced task training, public access skills, and real-world reliability.
Rhett T.
Working with Mackenzie has made a huge difference for Tom. She breaks things down in a way that’s super easy to understand, which made training feel way less overwhelming. What I really appreciated was how she adjusted everything to fit my dog instead of following a one-size-fits-all plan. Her patience, knowledge, and real-world advice helped us make real progress and actually enjoy the process. Couldn’t recommend her more!
Service Dog Programs
A little bit about our programs...
Every program is private one-on-one lessons done in your home, which means we focus entirely on you and your dog. That individual attention helps your dog learn more quickly and makes the training more effective, which allows you to be able to do more things with your dog quicker.
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Each of our Service Dog programs includes a step-by-step Service Dog Guide tailored to the path you and your dog are on. Packed with expert tips, practical advice, and helpful reminders, your guide is there to support you at every stage of your journey.
The Service Dog Foundation Program
Training a service dog is more than just teaching commands, it’s the start of building a life-changing partnership. You’ve taken that first step with hope for more stability, more freedom, and more support. This program is where that vision begins to take shape.
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We start with structured in-home lessons and public field trips, so that your dog can learn to stay calm, focused, and responsive both at home and out in the real world. You’ll build essential skills like leash walking, settling quietly, responding to basic cues, and ignoring distractions, so that your dog becomes more reliable, and you feel more confident in daily life.
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Along the way, we observe your dog’s personality, reactions, and ability to handle new challenges, so that you’re not left wondering if they’re the right fit for service work. Instead of relying on guesswork, you’ll gain clarity about your dog’s potential and whether continuing on this path is the best choice for both of you.
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By the end, you’ll have a solid training foundation, a deeper understanding of your dog, and a clear direction forward. Whether your dog moves into task training or supports you in other ways, this program ensures you start from a place of strength, with the guidance and peace of mind you need.
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This program is typically completed in 16 lessons and includes:
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Two years of support and four refresher sessions, because life doesn’t always go as planned. Whether you pause between programs or need a tune-up, we’re here when you need us.
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Our Service Dog Foundation Guide is a written guide that helps reinforce what we cover in lessons, gives you reminders and tips between sessions, and answers common questions so you’re never left guessing. It’s an extra layer of confidence you can hold in your hands.
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The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a key milestone that helps track your dog’s progress and readiness for future service work, helping you feel confident they’re on the right path.
The At-Home Service Dog Program
Not every service dog needs to navigate grocery stores or crowded sidewalks to make a life-changing impact. Some of the most important support happens at home, where anxiety spikes, mobility is challenged, or daily routines become overwhelming.
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This program is built for those moments. Whether your dog helps with medical episodes, mobility around the house, or provides grounding during mental health struggles, we’ll give you the tools to bring real support into your everyday life.
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You and your dog will train together in your home environment where help is needed most, working on custom tasks designed specifically for your needs — things like retrieving items, interrupting anxiety, providing deep pressure therapy, or assisting with movement. We'll also focus on obedience and structure, so your dog can offer calm, reliable support in your most vulnerable moments.
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We’ll help you navigate the unique challenges of service work at home, without the added stress of preparing for public access. You'll walk away with not just a trained dog, but the confidence and skills to live more independently with your partner by your side.
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This program is typically completed in 3 months and includes:
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Tasks tailored to you, ensuring your dog learns specific skills that meet your individual needs and help you navigate daily life with greater ease and independence.
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Lifetime support and refresher lessons, so you never have to worry about training setbacks or questions, help is always just a message away, whenever you need it.
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The At-Home Service Dog Guide, a detailed companion resource to help you reinforce training between sessions and stay focused on your long-term goals.
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Training in your real environment, which means your dog learns to assist you exactly where it matters most, right in your home and daily routines.
The Full Access Service Dog Program
Right now, going out might feel like walking a tightrope—juggling your health, your needs, and the fear of something going wrong in public. You may be avoiding situations you used to enjoy, depending on others more than you'd like, or feeling like your world is getting smaller. You’re ready for more freedom, more stability, and a partner who has your back.
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This program is designed to turn that hope into reality by teaching your dog the public manners and task work they need to help you navigate life with confidence and ease. We train both at home and in public, helping your dog stay focused in places like stores, medical offices, restaurants, and busy sidewalks. Whether it's lying quietly under a table or ignoring distractions, we build rock-solid behavior in real-world environments so you can go out knowing your dog will behave appropriately and reliably.
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You’ll also get personalized task training tailored to your medical needs, whether that’s alerting to anxiety, blocking or guiding, retrieving medication, interrupting harmful behaviors, or something else. Your dog won’t just be well-behaved, they’ll be actively working to support you in meaningful, practical ways.
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Along the way, we’ll guide you through what it means to be a service dog team under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including your legal rights, public access etiquette, and how to advocate for yourself when necessary. We’ll also do progress testing at key stages to ensure your dog is meeting the behavioral and task performance benchmarks expected of a working service dog.
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This program is typically completed in 6 months and includes:
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Lifetime support and refresher lessons, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re never alone in the journey, whether your dog needs a brush-up or you just want reassurance things are still on track.
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A full service dog gear kit, including a vest, ADA cards, leash, and patches, everything you need to feel prepared, supported, and confident when stepping out into the world as a working team.
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The Full Access Service Dog Guide, packed with real-life advice, public access tips, and helpful checklists to guide you every step of the way—no guesswork, just support.
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Certification benchmarks like the Canine Good Citizen Urban and our own Service Dog Test, ensuring your dog is not just trained, but ready, through real-world evaluations that build your confidence.
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Training for essential public skills, such as tuck, under, heel, and settle, so your dog fits seamlessly into daily life without drawing unwanted attention or getting in the way.
Get in touch with us today by texting, calling, emailing, or leaving us a message through the website!
We'll be in touch with you ASAP!
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What happens after I contact you?Once you reach out, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can to schedule a consult. This is a chance for us to get to know you and your dog and you get to know us, hear what’s been going on, and talk about what you’d love to see change. We’ll walk you through your options so you can choose the program that feels like the best fit for you.
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Do you offer guarantees on the training provided?We’re fully committed to giving you and your dog the best experience possible. Every dog is different, so we tailor the training to what actually works for your dog and we stick with you throughout the process. While we don’t offer a formal guarantee (because dogs aren’t robots!), we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to give you the tools, confidence, and real-world skills to keep the progress going long after training ends. We're not just here to teach your dog—we're here to help you both succeed, together.
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Will I be involved in the training process?Absolutely. Since we only offer private training, you’re involved every step of the way. We’ll coach you through the process so you’re not just watching your dog improve, you’re the reason they do. That way, the training works not just during sessions, but in real life, with you in the lead.
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What if I’m not sure which program is right for us?No problem. Just reach out and tell us about your dog, we’ll set up a time to talk and walk you through your options, so you feel confident choosing what fits best.
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Do you work with owner-trained service dogs?Yes! We specialize in helping people train their own service dogs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have a dog in mind, we’ll guide you through each step—obedience, task training, and public access.
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What types of service dogs do you train?We train dogs for a variety of roles, including psychiatric service dogs, medical alert (such as for fainting, migraines, or blood sugar), and mobility assistance. If you're not sure if your needs qualify, we're happy to talk through it with you.
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Can any dog become a service dog?Not every dog is the right fit for service work. They need the right temperament, health, and work ethic. If you're unsure whether your dog is a good candidate, we can assess them and give you honest feedback before moving forward.
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How well versed are you with service dog training?I’ve been training service dogs since 2016 and specialize in guiding both dogs and handlers through every step of the journey, from early foundations all the way to advanced task work and public access. I’m certified through a professional dog training school where I trained under renowned dog trainers and hold accreditations with the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen evaluator and Temperament Test certified trainer. My programs are designed not just to teach tasks, but to build reliable, well-mannered dogs who can truly make a difference in their handler’s life. I stay current on ADA guidelines and tailor training to each individual’s needs, whether that means preparing for busy public environments or supporting independence at home. You're not just getting a trainer. You’re getting a partner who understands the emotional weight of this journey and is here to support you every step of the way.
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What if I don't have a dog yet? Can you help me find one?Yes! While I don’t place dogs myself, I can absolutely help guide you through the process. I’ll give you advice on what to look for in a potential service dog candidate (things like temperament, age, and energy level) to help set you up for success from the very beginning.
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Is there a certification or test at the end?While there’s no official government certification for service dogs in the U.S., we do offer a variety of test, along with our own personalized service dog test when your dog is ready. This helps ensure they’re working reliably and confidently in the real world.
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How long does service dog training take?It depends on your dog, your needs, and how much time you’re able to put into training. On average, it takes 1–2 years to fully train a reliable service dog. We’ll help you build a plan that fits your timeline and goals.