Service Dog Training Programs
At Specialty Dog Training™ (SDT), we believe in harnessing a dog’s natural desire to work, their devotion, and their intelligence to create life-changing service dog partnerships. With over two decades of experience, our team specializes in developing highly skilled service dogs who provide independence, confidence, and peace of mind to their handlers.
Our CEO and Training Director, Graham Bloem, has trained working dogs for 18 of his 23 years as a professional dog trainer. Together with our certified team, he leads one of the most elite service dog training programs in the country.
Why a Service Dog?
Living with a disability presents challenges that can feel overwhelming when faced alone. A properly trained service dog can:
- Increase independence and confidence
- Assist with daily tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible
- Reduce stress—both mentally and physically
- Provide freedom to enjoy more activities and opportunities in life
Assistance dogs have been changing lives for decades, and at SDT we are proud to carry on that mission.
Types of Service Dogs We Train
We specialize in the following service dog categories:
- Psychiatric Service Dogs – PTSD, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injuries, and related conditions
- Mobility Assistance Dogs – balance, bracing, and retrieval tasks
- Seizure Response Dogs – alerting and responding to seizure activity
- Autism Service Dogs – support for children on the spectrum, including safety and calming tasks
- Dementia & Alzheimer’s Support Dogs – Providing companionship, structure, and safety for adults navigating changes in memory and cognitive function. These dogs are trained for tethering, tracking, and gentle support, helping families ensure peace of mind while enhancing daily quality of life.
(Inquiries outside of these areas may be referred to other organizations that specialize in specific service dog work.)
The SDT Service Dog Training Process
Our programs are built on patience, consistency, passion, and skill. Training a reliable service dog requires time and dedication—typically 12–24 months, depending on the dog and needs of the client.
Every dog in our program receives a minimum of 120 hours of hands-on instruction over 6–9 months, with at least 30 hours dedicated to public access conditioning. Most of our service dogs complete 1–2 years of training to achieve the highest reliability.
Dogs are taught to:
- Maintain advanced obedience in all environments
- Ignore distractions (people, food, noise, lights, unusual surfaces)
- Provide specific task training for their handler’s needs
- Remain calm, focused, and unobtrusive in public settings
All graduating dogs must pass:
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test
- Community Obedience Exam
- Public Access Test
- Task-specific performance test
Handlers must also pass a test covering service dog laws, commands/cues, handler responsibilities, and basic medical care.
Program Requirements
To ensure success, SDT requires the following:
- Medical Documentation – A letter from a licensed medical professional recommending a service dog and stating the medical reasoning.
- Consultation – A minimum one-hour phone consultation prior to enrollment.
- Evaluation – If training your existing dog, they must pass a behavioral evaluation and suitability test.
- Dog Acquisition – If you do not yet own a dog, SDT will help you acquire one with the right temperament, size, and abilities. We may source from shelters, rescues, or trusted breeders. Acquisition begins only after program commitment (training agreement + financial contract).
- Travel Requirements – Clients outside San Diego County must cover travel/consulting expenses. Some may be required to travel to San Diego for handler training. In special cases, our trainers may provide handler training at your location.
- Program Standards – We will not pass any dog showing aggression toward people or animals. Service dogs must not solicit attention, food, or sniff while working. They must remain focused, even in highly distracting or stressful environments.
👉 Please note: SDT service dog training is not for personal protection or guard dog work. These services are available through our separate Protection Dog Programs.
Emotional & Practical Impact
Owning a service dog is about becoming a team. Many of our graduates say that partnership and teamwork are the most rewarding aspects of having a service animal. Together, you and your service dog will build a relationship rooted in trust, reliability, and independence.
Getting Started
Step 1: Review the program details above to ensure a service dog is right for you.
Step 2: Submit our contact form to express your interest.
Step 3: Our team will reach out within 24–48 hours to schedule your phone consultation.
👉 Take the first step toward greater freedom, independence, and peace of mind. Schedule your complimentary service dog consultation today.
Important Note
Specialty Dog Training™ is a California S-Corp and a for-profit entity. Our training services are entirely separate from our nonprofit partner, Shelter to Soldier®. If you are a post-9/11 veteran seeking a service dog, please visit Shelter to Soldier to learn more about their nonprofit programs.