SERVICEDOG TRAINING SCHOOL Reviews 

I cannot thank Service Dog Training School International (SDTSI) enough for their Intensive Service Dog Training Program! My dog, Big Max, and I have had an incredible experience, and I highly recommend this course to anyone serious about training their service dog.I’ve read some reviews saying the course is too easy, like a children’s book, but for someone like me and Big Max, it was perfect. The training is designed to be clear, structured, and easy to follow, making it ideal for both first-time handlers and experienced dog owners. The videos are incredibly well-explained, and most importantly – they work! Within two weeks, Big Max had learned all the basic obedience skills, and by week four, he had mastered his service dog tasks. He is now an amazing companion and service dog in my daily life, helping me with tasks I never thought he would learn so quickly. A special shout-out to Julie from the US training team, who went above and beyond to help us with airline regulations.

If it helps anyone here's what I learned about for those flying with their service dog:

✈️ Domestic flights within the EU & US are free for service dogs.
✈️ If flying into the UK (Heathrow Airport), there is a £400 charge for self-trained service dogs, but once paid, there are no issues at all with entry. If you're looking for a well-structured, effective service dog training program, look no further than SDTSI. Highly recommended!

Overall, this course has helped me grow as a trainer and deepen my bond with my dog. I’m eager to continue developing his skills and feel confident that, with time and dedication, we will achieve our goal of having a reliable cardiac alert dog.

I have a lot of feelings. In 2023, I enrolled in the PSD training course with my SDIT. I have been working with dogs in multiple capacities for more than 2 decades, & this felt very dog 101.Overall,it is a mere glimpse into the service dog world; would be of most value to someone who has NEVER worked with a dog in any capacity, and best suited to the “at home” variety of SD versus full Public access. And it is absolutely below most intermediate handlers or experienced owner-trainers, plus offers no actual trainer verified PSD PAT results.

I would also like to note: they’re not ADI accredited which was misleading as I mistakenly thought they were, & selected them for this reason. I’m not sure how that would play out in actual international travel or US state to state air travel yet, but you do have a printable certificate with trainer names on it to log if traveling. (We haven’t tested it out yet but they do claim to be available on standby for questions.) The certificate provided by this school are most likely not going to be adequate enough for EU/International cert requirements because there not connected with International guide dog school (IGDS) or assistance dog international groups (ADI). Consider that when signing up if you’re doing this for international travel purposes!

I found the structured written lessons reasonable if you were a newbie, but wish the videos were more accurate with real life demonstrations of multiple dog breeds instead of just animations. Video lessons are simply cartoon animations, which isn’t really what I was expecting to receive, and was a little disappointing. Real dogs would be more effective. I think it would also be better to show some troubleshooting videos when teaching skills and not just text based solutions. And if you ask your trainer a question, I’d love for them to have replied with a video answer or more detailed reply than a handful of sentences.

Honestly, it’s mediocre overall even though I truly wanted to love it. Once you start getting past the basics? It’s sort of wishy washy and not very in depth at all. There are way more relevant courses out there that will more adequately cover specifics. Additionally you could source a plethora of books you can purchase which often have YouTube channels corresponding; free YouTube content from certified trainers in the US and UK would likely even be more effective for your task training needs. I think in order for this basic PSD course to be successful you’ll truly need to be utilizing outside materials with the supplied info, and to me that doesn’t make the cost worth it if it’s over $100-$150

Additionally, there is legally NO CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION required to have a service dog in the US. That’s right — if you’ve paid for a service dog certification or registration card or “service dog license” either online or in person for anyone residing in the United States, it doesn’t mean your dog is a service dog; your dog needs to meet ADA requirements and that’s it. Also, this course DOES NOT actually require any proof of live hours of training and claims it can be done in mere weeks — the typical service dog requires 100+ hours of training at BARE minimum to really complete the ADAs behavior and single task requirements. For multiple tasks to be learned efficiently, generally will take daily training for an average of 1-3 years. This would be a good base place to start for a novice but make no beans about it — a service dog isn’t made in a week, and even if you take 2yr to complete the course at your own pace they aren’t guaranteeing your dog won’t wash. And since you’re not doing live sessions, the trainer is only able to evaluate curated video content from submissions, meaning someone may be passing a dog as a “certified service dog” when they should be washed out of public access. There is no actual PAT administered either, and there appears to be an additional paid course for that in their offerings but you’d probably be better off doing in person CGC/CGCU tests and classes with the AKC.

Dog training is a highly unregulated industry, and I couldn’t find any listing of the credentials or names of the org’s trainers until I had already paid for and started the course. If you’re looking for more professional certified trainers that have verifiable training backgrounds and CEUs this may not be the right option for you.

Would recommend this mostly for “at home service dogs” only where it’s more forgiving for your dog to make a mistake, or for those with money to burn who feel lost in a sea of information and lessons and want a simple intro on how to start and then continue on their own with an in-person trainer from there. If you can get this on a sale price it may be more worthwhile for those two purposes.

Otherwise, don’t really recommend it.

Lucky and I had a fantastic experience with the Intensive Service Dog Training. It was the perfect opportunity to refresh the basics and refine the tasks I had taught him a while ago. The training helped us improve our skills, strengthen our bond, and work on precision in our commands. I truly appreciate the structure of the program and how it allowed us to progress in a supportive environment. I highly recommend this training !

My name is Miriam P. Tierno, and I am excited to share my profound journey of training my Great Pyrenees dog Angel, who has blossomed into an invaluable companion through the professional guidance provided by this Therapy Dog training course. From the moment I began, I was captivated by the rich lessons presented, particularly the engaging videos that showcased real therapy dogs positively impacting lives in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Each video served as a powerful reminder of the joy and comfort therapy dogs bring, reminiscent of the cherished memories I hold dear from my time with my former therapy dog, Patches, who was certified and evaluated by Therapy Dog International. For five incredible years, Patches spread joy throughout our community, even earning a feature in our local newspaper for a heartwarming story that celebrated his contributions. The nostalgia invoked by the course materials flooded my mind with treasured memories, reinforcing the importance of this work. I am deeply grateful to my tutor, Renee Fang, for her unwavering support throughout this transformative experience. Six months ago, I adopted Angel from a rescue farm in South Carolina, where she had been dumped near the entrance. Her arrival in my life felt like an answered prayer, especially after the heart-wrenching loss of my previous therapy dog due to illness. From the very first day I brought her home, Angel has been nothing short of a blessing, showcasing her remarkable qualities as a sweet, intelligent, and genuine dog. I am confident that she will evolve into an amazing therapy dog for our community, bringing warmth and comfort to those in need. Her enthusiasm for training has made the entire process not only enjoyable but also profoundly rewarding. Angel's eagerness to connect with others is a testament to her potential. As we progressed through the course, I found myself increasingly inspired by her ability to adapt and respond to the training exercises, reinforcing my belief in her future as a therapy dog. The bond we are developing is not just a product of training; it is a deep connection built on trust and understanding, which is essential for any therapy animal. I envision Angel's journey as a way to honor the memory of Patches, carrying forward the legacy of joy and healing that therapy dogs provide. Together, we are embarking on a mission to spread love and compassion, aiming to uplift those who are struggling or in need of companionship. This experience has not only been about training a dog but also about rediscovering my own purpose in the community. I have learned the importance of resilience and hope through Angel's unwavering spirit. Each lesson we complete, each command she masters, brings us one step closer to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I am passionate about continuing this journey, advocating for the benefits of therapy dogs, and fostering a deeper understanding of their roles in supporting mental health and emotional well-being. As we move forward, I am committed to ensuring that Angel continues to learn as I am preparing her to become a certified therapy dog who can bring joy and comfort to those who need it most. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, the presence of a therapy dog can make all the difference, and I am proud to be part of this community of dedicated individuals who share the same vision. Angel and I are ready to make a difference, and I am brimming with excitement for what lies ahead. Together, we will embark on countless adventures, spreading smiles and comfort wherever we go, and I cannot wait to share our journey with others who are eager to witness the incredible bond between a therapy dog and those they serve. With each passing day, I am reminded of the profound impact that love and companionship can have, not just for those we aim to help but also for ourselves. The journey of training Angel is more than just preparing her to be a therapy dog; it is a journey of growth, healing, and hope, and I am grateful for every moment we share along the way.

The information is very useful and the course structure is amazing.

Just finished the Certified Intensive Psychiatric Service Dog Training Course. The course was great! Communication with my tutor easy. Made so much progress in such a short time with my dog. Can really recommend the servicedog training school and the course I did.

I have completed the Certified Psychiatric Service Dog Training Course offered by the Service Dog Training School International (SDTSI), and I am thrilled to share my positive experience. This course was an incredibly enriching journey, providing me with the tools and knowledge needed to train a psychiatric service dog effectively. From the very first lesson, it was clear that the program was thoughtfully designed to offer a comprehensive and accessible education.

The course materials were detailed and easy to follow, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. The step-by-step guidance ensured consistent progress and instilled confidence throughout the training process. Beyond teaching the necessary skills, the course also fostered a deeper bond with my canine companion, which has been truly rewarding.

What truly sets SDTSI apart is their stellar customer service and unwavering support. Every question I had was promptly and thoroughly answered by their team, which made the entire experience seamless and stress-free. Their dedication to helping clients achieve their training goals is evident and greatly appreciated.

In addition to the Psychiatric Service Dog Training Course, I have also completed the Air Travel Course for Service Dogs and the Service Dog Trainer Program Certification with SDTSI. Each program has been an exceptional learning experience, equipping me with a robust foundation of knowledge and practical skills. These courses have further enhanced my understanding of service dog training and strengthened my ability to work confidently with my canine partner.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Certified Psychiatric Service Dog Training Course by SDTSI to anyone considering training a psychiatric service dog. The knowledge, support, and sense of community they provide make this program a truly exceptional experience!

I would like to thank Service Dog Training School immensely for the service and support they have given me since the beginning of my journey with my dog. The patience in answering all my questions, the dynamic and effective training, the feedback and evaluations made it possible for my support dog to travel with me, and he did impeccably, he was a true lord, I am very happy, fulfilled and grateful.

My service dog Chiara and I just completed our first flight together and she did beautifully! I was so relieved to find this training school for us. I have anxiety and panic attacks but had no idea I could have her trained as a service dog to assist me! She is an 11 lb Maltese mix and just a little too big to fit comfortably under the seat on a plane so I had been making 11 hour drives to visit family. This is a game changer! I was just able to visit my mother 11 hours away on a 90 minute flight. Chiara is 2.5 years old and has always been well behaved so it was pretty easy to get her to do the lessons. Hardest part was getting the videos done because I am no TikToker! Thank you SDTSI for making my soul dog a great service dog.

This school I found thanks to the my friend and I'm so happy that I did it! SDTS has amazing team - very helpful, polite and careful guys! They answer absolutely all my questions and there was no hidden information or direct sales (as another schools do). All communication was so pleasant. And I had no doubts that I want to study my dog at SDTS.

The process of study by itself was easy and smooth. Lessons are not too long, they are easy to understand and easy to practice. My dog ejoyed studying process so much too (since she took much treats along it and yummy treats are very important, you know :) ).
After finishing course I feel confident at public places as I know my and my dog's rights and I know how my dog should act.
The information at course is very useful, clear and well structured. I would say it will suit to the newbies as well.
I recommend SDTS to everyone who wants to create right models of behavior for their dogs, who wants to take an opportunity to have Service Dog, who wants dog which will be friend, assistant and pride.
Noone will be near you all their life, but dog will be. So choose for them only the best things. SDTS is one of it :)

I highly recommend this course. In particular I am forever grateful to Julie Morrissette who has been so extremely helpful and gave me the confidence to take my dog to the next level of training. Without Julie I would have lacked the confidence to try. She is that encouraging live voice to walk me though any challenges. Julie’s wisdom, dog experience and patience is the reason why I so highly recommend this course.

The experience with Service Dog Training School International was exceptional. The help was immeasurable and the tutors were friendly and so very helfpul! I can not recommend the program enough.

We loved our experience. The training was paced very well for both me and my dog. I was shocked at how well he performed. Kudos to the program.

Really great experience and so quick on grading and sending the certificate. We couldn’t be happier!

PSD class for my pup was easy to follow. I was able to train my 6 months old maltipoo all that she needs with the help of the courseswe took from the class. I recommend this school for their great customer service and easy to follow training and courses.

Outstanding organization. Highly recommend. You will not be disappointed. If you are, by some chance, the excellent customer service staff WILL help to resolve any issues to your satisfaction.

I am so disappointed in this.
Silly graphics made with less efforts than children’s book, extremely long and drawn out lessons, mostly just texts telling you how to do things with maybe a silly animation of a cartoon that is not representative of an actual dog.
The staff respond many days later when you have questions, and the website claims to train certain specific scenarios like plane training and they barely have a paragraph or two about it
Horrible experience, please consider another training source.

I used the express PSD course to train our labradoodle. I was absolutely blown away by the support offered through out the training process. Before beginning the program all of my emails were answered promptly and thoroughly and even after certi they offered support with any questions I had. I would recommend this service for anyone who is looking to train their service animal.

You can earn the credential's on-line, but it is up to the individual to know the laws put into place, because believe or not, everyone may not be up to speed or familiar with how to respond to a handler or service animal in public. Everyone may not have a physical disability. A person can look fine, but the opposite can be occurring mentally. A store owner or public vendor may refuse access to your service animal not knowing the legal protocol. If you live in the U.S.A. , please go over the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) so that you can educate people that may deny you and your service animal access to public service rather it be a restaurant or shopping center. There's many service animal impersonators, so if you're representing a trained service animal make sure you've actually put in the time and effort to comfortably travel with your service animal in public. If you the handler isn't able to control you pet whether it be aggressive barking towards others, not sitting when commanded, or relieving themselves without warning, that's just something you have to work on (not the end of the road). Me and my service animal has earned our Certificate of Completion for Intensive Psychiatric Service Dog Training and the Service Dog Trainer Program (WE ARE NOT EXPERTS BY ANY MEANS lol, but we've come a long way since 2021). Now, I've said all that to say this....I still get denied access to some public places with my service animal (there's a possibility it will happen if you go to enough places sooner or later, but this is why I said know the laws. I can only inform personnel in the U.S.A. , so please do not attempt to cross reference the following info outside of the U.S.A.

A state / local government facility can verify your service animal with 2 questions.

1. Is the service animal required because of a disability? Yes

2. What work or task has the service animal been trained to perform? Note: Combat Veterans, you do not have to state the acronym associated with your disability (You have anxiety, panic attacks, and night terrors. Don't ask me how I know.)

the state / local government facility is NOT allowed to:

Request any documentation that the dog is registered, licensed, or certified as a service animal.

Require that the service dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of a person's disability.

(This information is public at ADA.gov / The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division)

Service animals are not required to wear vests (a vest doesn't make a service animal a service animal... training does). It doesn't take long to know if a service animal is trained or not. If a handler can not control its furry friend, they can and probably will be asked to leave by law. If you've had enough patience to read this post, please use the same patience and time to train your pet properly (even after earning the certificates).