Assistance Dogs

Service Dog, Therapy Dog, Assistance Animal,

Emotional Support Animal, or Companion Animal?

This is a very confusing area for most people.
There is a huge difference between each of these and clarification ensures that there is no confusion about the laws in place regarding them.

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We are currently accepting new

applications for our Spring 2020 Class


>> A Splash About Our Programs <<

Our programs are designed around people who have invisible disabilities. We are currently accepting applications for our Fall program.

An invisible disability could be (but isn't limited to):
  • anxiety
  • seizures
  • diabetes
  • a hearing loss
  • PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • mobility issues (such as losing balance or needing support)
  • other issues that still permit the client to train their own dog
This is because our clients train their own dogs.

We do NOT assist with the training dogs for individuals that are physically or visually impaired (Mobility Service Dogs or Guide Dogs).

Instead, if the potential client is physically unable to stand, or is visually impaired, we will refer them to an appropriate and qualified trainer or organization.

>> How Our Programs Work <<


As stated above, this is an owner-trainer program. This means you, the owner, will be professionally instructed on how to train your own dog, at your own speed, under both the direct and indirect supervision of our certified trainers.

We utilize a balanced training approach. This means that by following through with the trainer's direction and technique, you will use proven methods that are based on both positive and negative re-enforcement training techniques. More Button

Upon completing the course, your Service Dog should not be refused access to restaurants, grocery stores, or movie theaters. Provided they behave as trained, you will have access to anywhere that the general public is allowed to enter and remain.


"But, I need my dog with me in public to keep me calm"


We understand that there are individuals that truly need a dog that will help to keep them calm.

These individuals are encouraged to take their dog or Companion Animal with them to the store but not into the store and, as always, they should be cautious of the weather conditions before leaving them in a parked car.
These dogs, or Companion Animals, are not qualified to have public access.

Only a Service Dog is granted public access because a doctor has identified the individual as disabled and the Service Dog must be trained to mitigate (or reduce) the individual's disability.

Is a Service Dog right for you?   <-- Click on the link to find out more.

Qualified trainers are available for your pet dog or Companion Animal. You can find Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) trainer online at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) website.

Additionally, the Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon periodically offers dog training classes. We have included a link to their site here.

You are strongly encouraged to interview each potential trainer to verify their qualifications. After all, your CGC trainer is working for you.

Remember, our programs are exclusively for disabled persons who are in need of, and eligible for, a Service Dog which is specifically trained to perform tasks that mitigate the handler's disability.

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