Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about dog training, service dogs, or how our programs work? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact us and we’ll get back to you directly.
Click the links below to skip directly to FAQ categories:
General Dog Training
What training methods do you use?
Positive reinforcement exclusively. We use science-backed methods that build trust and cooperation between you and your dog — no punishment, no prong collars, no shock collars, no corrections. Our lead trainer Valerie Fry holds her Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) certification, one of the most rigorous positive reinforcement credentials in the industry.
What areas do you serve?
We’re based in Rockwall, TX and serve the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area — including Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Garland, Mesquite, Wylie, Sachse, Forney, Lavon, and surrounding communities. Contact us to confirm availability in your specific area.
How do I know which training program is right for my dog?
It depends on your dog’s age, current skill level, and what you’re trying to accomplish. Our Board & Train program is best for dogs that need intensive foundational work. In-Home Training works well for behavior issues that only show up at home. Group Classes are ideal for socialization and CGC prep. And if you’re working toward a service dog, our Service Dog Training program has a clear step-by-step pathway. Reach out and we’ll help you figure out the best fit.
How long does it take to train a dog?
It depends on the program and your goals. Our Board & Train is two weeks. In-Home Training packages run 3–5 sessions for most issues. Group classes vary by series length. Service dog training is the longest commitment — typically 12 to 24 months from start to fully task-trained. Consistency between sessions is the biggest factor in how quickly any dog progresses.
Do you work with all breeds?
Yes. Breed matters far less than temperament and trainability. We work with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages — including mixed breeds, rescue dogs, and adult dogs who’ve never had formal training.
Do you work with older dogs?
Absolutely. The old saying about old dogs and new tricks is a myth. Adult and senior dogs are completely capable of learning new skills — it just requires consistency and the right approach. In some ways, older dogs are easier to work with because they have longer attention spans than puppies.
Are you bonded and insured?
Yes. The Service Dog Team Academy is fully bonded and insured. While your dog is in public with us during training, we assume full responsibility — as long as the location is pre-approved.
Board & Train
How long is the Board & Train program?
Two weeks. Your dog lives with our trainer full-time during that period, following a structured daily schedule in a real home environment — not a kennel.
How much does Board & Train cost?
The two-week program is $1,950, with a $200 non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot. The remaining balance is due at drop-off. Follow-up public training sessions after the program are available at $600 per four sessions.
Will my dog forget their training when they come home?
Not if the transition is handled correctly — and ours is. Your dog comes home on the same schedule and structure we established during the two weeks. We also transition into weekly public training sessions with you after the program, so you learn how to maintain and reinforce everything your dog learned.
Where does my dog stay during Board & Train?
In our trainer’s home — not a kennel or commercial facility. We only accept a small number of dogs at a time so every dog gets genuine individual attention. Before drop-off, we invite you to come visit and see the environment where your dog will be staying.
Can Board & Train be a starting point for service dog training?
Yes — and for many of our service dog clients, it is. The two-week program builds the foundational obedience skills required before a dog can begin task-specific service dog training. Dogs who complete Board & Train and qualify for the service dog pathway can continue directly into that program.
Service Dog Training
What qualifies someone for a service dog?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is for a person with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other disability. The dog must be trained to perform specific tasks that directly mitigate the handler’s disability. There’s no income requirement, no application process, and no government approval needed — what matters is the disability and the task training.
What’s the difference between a service dog, an ESA, and a therapy dog?
A service dog is task-trained for a specific disability and has full public access rights under the ADA. An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort through companionship but is not task-trained and does not have public access rights under the ADA — only housing protections. A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort to others in settings like hospitals or schools and has no special public access rights. If you’re unsure which category applies to your situation, contact us.
Does a service dog need to be certified or registered?
No. The ADA does not require service dogs to be certified, registered, or wear a vest. Online registries that sell certificates are not legally recognized. What matters is that the dog is trained to perform specific tasks and is under control in public. We work toward AKC Canine Good Citizen certification as a meaningful training milestone — but it’s not a legal requirement.
Can I train my own dog to be a service dog?
Yes — the ADA permits owner-training. You don’t need to use a professional program. However, the standards required for a reliable, task-trained service dog are high, and most owner-trainers benefit significantly from professional guidance. Our program is specifically designed to support owner-trainers through every phase of the process.
How long does service dog training take?
The full process typically takes 12 to 24 months depending on the dog, the handler’s needs, and the complexity of the tasks being trained. Our program is structured in clear phases: Board & Train foundation, weekly public training sessions, Canine Good Citizen certification, CGC Urban, and task-specific training.
How much does service dog training cost?
Board & Train foundation: $1,950 with a $200 deposit. Follow-up public training sessions: $600 per four sessions. Task training: $1,950 per 12-session package — most handlers complete two packages ($3,900 total). If your dog already has solid obedience skills, you may be able to skip the Board & Train phase and begin directly with task training.
Do you work with veterans or people with PTSD?
Yes. We have experience training psychiatric service dogs for veterans and civilians with PTSD, anxiety, and other psychiatric disabilities. Our co-owner Keisha Tucker is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) licensed by the state of Texas — a background that gives her a unique understanding of the challenges many of our clients face.
Can my dog have public access during training?
In Texas, yes. Service Dogs in Training (SDITs) have the same public access rights as fully trained service dogs under state law. Your dog can begin public access training immediately after completing our Board & Train program — you don’t have to wait until training is complete.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
What is the Canine Good Citizen test?
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is a 10-step evaluation that tests your dog’s manners and your control as a handler. It covers things like accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, and reacting calmly to distractions. It’s a nationally recognized benchmark for well-trained dogs and a required milestone in our service dog training program.
Do you offer CGC testing?
Yes. Both Valerie Fry and Keisha Tucker are certified AKC CGC Evaluators, meaning they administer the test themselves. If you’re training with us, your dog is prepped and tested by the same team — no need to find an outside evaluator.
What happens after my dog passes the CGC?
In our service dog program, passing CGC unlocks expanded public access privileges — including plane travel and access to additional approved locations. From there, dogs can progress to CGC Urban and task-specific service dog training.
In-Home Training
What behaviors can in-home training address?
In-home training is ideal for behaviors that happen at home — jumping on guests, barking at the door, counter surfing, destructive chewing, house soiling, leash reactivity in the neighborhood, resource guarding, and separation anxiety. If the problem only shows up in your home environment, training there is the most direct way to fix it.
How many in-home sessions will my dog need?
Most single-issue behavior problems show meaningful improvement in 3 sessions with consistent at-home practice. More complex or multiple issues typically need 5 or more sessions. We’ll give you an honest assessment after the first visit.
What are your in-home training rates?
3 sessions: $350. 5 sessions: $550. Individual sessions: $150 each (weekly availability not guaranteed). Contact us to book.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
Reach out through our contact page or call us at (469) 786-7877. We’ll talk through your dog’s situation, recommend the right program, and walk you through next steps. For Board & Train and service dog training, a $200 deposit holds your spot once you’re ready to commit.
Do I need to come to you, or do you come to me?
Both, depending on the program. Board & Train involves dropping your dog off with us. In-Home Training comes to you. Group classes are held at a designated location in the DFW area. Service dog training includes weekly public sessions out in real-world environments throughout the area.
What should I have ready before my first session?
For any program, bring your dog’s vaccination records, a list of the behaviors you’re working on, and any questions you have about the training process. For Board & Train, we’ll walk you through a full drop-off checklist when you book. For in-home sessions, just have your dog’s usual treats on hand — we’ll take it from there.