OAT Modules and Fees

We understand the vast needs of many people living with disabilities. The Owner-Assisted Training program is not able to serve individuals who are non-verbal, that require a full-time caregiver or that cannot gain independence from the use of a service dog.

Basic Obedience

Fee: $200

This is a 6-week required class to ensure all dogs have at least basic obedience which includes: sit, down, walk on loose leash, leave-it and come when called.

The class will be once per week.

Application

Fee: $275

Before beginning our classes, each person must apply and participate in a consultation with a staff member of Four Paws and a Wake Up. The person must have a documented disability as defined by the American with Disability Act Title II regulations (ADA) (https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleII_2010/titleII_2010_regulations.pdf).

Consultation

Fee: Included with Application

Prior to beginning our classes, we meet with the client and their spouse or significant other to talk about the needs of the client and the training.

This meeting helps to ensure clients have an understanding of the commitment to the training and expectations for training. Following this meeting a training agreement is sent to the client.

OAT Level 1

Fee: $1,200

Building on basic obedience skills, this class will focus on positioning, commands and foundational skills needed for service dog work, and beginning outings. It is required for all participants.

Participants will learn how to properly socialize their dog in training, how to deal with fear issues, how to keep a training log, preparatory training skills for retrieving objects and foundational behaviors for service dogs, accompanied outings and completion of the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation.

If successful, at the conclusion of this level, a team will receive an identification for their dog and a service dog in training vest.

OAT Level 2

Fee: $1,500

This module will focus on intermediate commands, behaviors, and skills including simple retrieval of objects, increase the criteria of our foundation behaviors accompanied (with Four Paws Trainer) and unaccompanied (without Four Paws Trainer) outings of increasing difficulty, and review of access laws both state and federal. Outings will be including dining out at a casual restaurant, and a short grocery shopping experience.

This level is required for all participants.

OAT Level 3

Fee: $1,500 to $2,400

This module is customized for each individual and will focus on more specific commands and skills depending on the person's disability. It will include advanced obedience, skills training, accompanied and unaccompanied outings. An evaluation of commands and skills, the AKC Urban Canines Good Citizen evaluation and a Public Access Test will conclude the training.

Package 1- Designed for individuals with post-traumatic stress, panic, and anxiety disorders.

Package 2- Designed for individuals with basic balance, mobility, and back issues that could include the use of a cane or harnessed dog.

Package 3 - Designed for individuals with advanced mobility issues using a manual or power wheelchair.

Service Dog Assessment

Included in Curriculum fees

This is a scheduled assessment of skills and public access with the person and their dog. Successful results will provide the person and their dog with a certification letter attesting to the completion of the training and successful evaluation, a service dog identification card, and a service dog tag for the vest

This level is only offered to individuals completing the Owner-Assisted Training program of Four Paws and a Wake Up.

OAT Follow-Up

Consultation with a trainer by telephone. Up to 4 follow-ups in the first 2 months after completion of successful certification after which a fee of $50 per consultation will be charged.

OAT Private Training Session

Fee: $150 per hour

This is a one-hour scheduled training session for clients with a trainer to problem-solve or teach a new skill.

OAT Re-assessment: Every Other Year

Fee: $100

This is a scheduled assessment of skills and public access with the person and their dog. Successful results will provide the person and their dog with a certification renewal letter attesting to the completion of the training and successful evaluation and updated service dog identification. This is a mandatory assessment of any Owner-Assisted Service Dog Team that completed the Owner-Assisted Training program of Four Paws and a Wake Up.

OAT Important Information

It takes time, patience, and repetition to train a service dog.

Each Owner Assisted Training team is expected to train apart from the scheduled class time. If you do not work with your dog, it shows, and the dog will not progress in its’ level of training.

The best way to practice training is to include training in your everyday life. For example, when getting ready in the morning, ask the dog to sit and down three times. Repeat again at different times throughout the day.

A parent or partner may assist with the training at no additional cost.

Four Paws and a Wake Up believes the handler of the dog must be the person with the disability.

Not every dog is cut out for the job. Some dogs that begin training will not complete the Owner Assisted Training.

Additional costs to the owner will include liability insurance, equipment, various levels of dog treats for the dog, and meals when on some accompanied outings.

Training fees are non-refundable.

Four Paws and a Wake Up reserves the right to not accept an applicant and/or the dog presented for training.

Looking for Financial Assistance?

Disability Grants for Individuals