Learn how to task service dogs in our service dog shadow student program. You get to first observe and then also work hands-on with service dogs we are training to understand precision tasking.
As a Service Dog Shadow Student, you get to spend an entire week with us. You will participate in all service dog training sessions and have in-depth discussions about those sessions afterward. We will talk about dogs and service dog training all week. You will experience a different kind of relationship building, public access training, and reliable tasking. You can learn about training principles and learning theory. Discuss the importance of genetics and evolutionary psychology. Review training methods, tools, and techniques. And discuss canine health, and so much more. There is no set curriculum, as it varies weekly based on which service dogs we have on-site and what stages of training they are in.
We will work with a multitude of dogs during your week with us. There is plenty of time to talk between the service dog training sessions. In addition, there is plenty of time to talk at the end of each day.
Each Service Dog Shadow Student week is 5 days long and lasts from Monday through Friday. Days include a minimum of 8 hours, often longer. If we are meeting with clients, going on service dog outings, or recording a podcast that week, you get to participate.
Administrative Points
Shadow students are welcome to bring one of their dogs along during shadow week. We can even spend a few hours working on a specific challenge you are struggling with. Personal dogs can mingle with service dogs. We have several dog-friendly hotels close by. We recommend the Residence Inn by Marriott as it is the closest.
Shadow Student weeks are limited and only offered 2 to 3 times a year.
You will be required to sign a release of liability waiver on your first day. You will also be required to sign a confidentiality agreement that pertains to us personally, our business, our client, and our lives and homes. The confidentiality agreement will NOT pertain to any dog-related skills, methods, or knowledge you gain during the shadow week because that would be ridiculous.
Shadow Student weeks are $2000/per week and must be pre-paid in full to reserve one of the limited spots. Booked Shadow Student reservations are non-refundable, but depending on availability, may be able to be rescheduled in case of emergencies.