Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Emotional Support Animal Training

Training dogs who have an important job to do for people who depend on them.

Whether you are preparing a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, or Emotional Support Animal, the foundation always starts in the same place: a dog with the right temperament, solid skills, and a genuine connection with their guardian.

Robin is an AKC® Certified Evaluator and can guide you through the Canine Good Citizen® program which is an essential first step for all three tracks.

Service Dogs

Service Dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A letter from a medical professional is required.

Robin currently trains Service Dogs for:

  • Mobility assistance

  • Bracing

  • Anxiety support

  • Seizure alert

As an AKC® Certified Evaluator, Robin can administer the Canine Good Citizen® evaluation as part of your Service Dog training program.

Service Dog training takes time and requires significant commitment from the guardian. Robin will discuss the full training path, expectations, and options during your Consultation Call.

Darci, a service dog, with me on a beach trip

Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dogs bring comfort and joy to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other settings.

Therapy Dogs need a gregarious, people-loving temperament and must pass both the Canine Good Citizen® evaluation and a separate test administered by an approved Therapy Dog certifying organization.

As an AKC® Certified Evaluator, Robin can administer the Canine Good Citizen® evaluation as part of your Therapy Dog preparation, and Robin can discuss the local organizations that administer the Therapy Dog Evaluation in the Charlotte area.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide comfort and support to their guardians and are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Unlike Service Dogs, ESAs are not required to perform specific tasks nor have public access rights. That said, they can be taught tasks like Service Dogs and bring great comfort to their guardians.

Robin uses the Canine Good Citizen® training as a foundation to ensure your dog has the manners and skills to be a positive presence in your home and community.

How to Get Started

All three tracks begin with a Consultation Call where Robin will discuss your goals, your dog, and the right path forward.

Real science. Real results. Compassion and education for dogs and the humans who love them.

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Professional photography by Amelia Winchester Photography