COMPANION KENNEL

FULLY TRAINED PYSCHIATRIC COMPANIONS WITH UNLIMITED FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT

helping support PTSD Service Dogs for Survivors of abuse at no cost*

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*a percentage of all adoption fees go our sister 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

How It Works

These Companions are highly trained and tested to be by YOUR side throughout YOUR mental health journey. Entirely custom trained for their future handlers, you (and your therapist, if you have one) are fully involved in the process.

You fill out the form (it's free!)

To get the ball rolling, start by filling out the form below

We meet on Zoom

You'll get an email to schedule a free Zoom call with me to discuss adopting a Companion

Either consult with me on a dog you want to get started with, OR choose a dog I already have available
Monthly Zoom Check-Ins
- With just you, or you and your therapist
Weekly Update
- Every week get updates on your dog's training, no matter what level you're on
Videos of each completed test
- After each level, your dog will be tested by an independant evaluator to ensure accurate results

I start training YOUR dog

You get your dog

One-on-one Pairing in Indianapolis
- When you come to Indianapolis to get your dog, you'll have access to me for 24hrs a day during the pairing process.
Unlimited follow-up lessons
- After getting your dog, an unlimited amount of one-on-one lessons with me is included to maintain the dog's training
  - Note: clients can schedule these with me over Zoom, or in person in Indianapolis
All training equipment included
- Anything needed to maintain your dog's training will be included. You won't need anything extra.
With a week's worth of dog food
- I'll make sure you have food for at least a week for your new dog.
Any needed dog supplies
- Any leashes, collars, bowls, crates, etc. will be included with your dog at the beginning of "Pairing"

Tasks:

4 entirely custom Service Dog Tasks are included, and more are negotiable.

Once we get into the process, we'll brainstorm with you (and maybe also your therapist!) to discuss what would be helpful for this particular dog to learn to help YOU with your unique symptoms and experience.

Note: I don't teach "blocking" or "crowd control" unless given a note by your therapist.

(pricing ranges from $9,000 - $50,0000)

Level 1 Companion

Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

3-day long pairing in Indianapolis (learn how to use the dog I train for you)

Testing: Canine Good Citizen

Note: Testing is done by independent evaluator to ensure accurate scoring

12-14 weeks of training
Focus:
- Manners
- Greetings
- Basic Obedience
- Potty Training
- Socializing
- Desensitizing

At this level, we're focusing on setting the pup up for success. With a focus on basic obedience, socializing, and desensitizing, we'll introduce the dog to all the things they may encounter - including mobility aids, other animals (not just dogs), kids, etc.

By the end of this level, the dog will be an excellent house pet with consistent obedience commands, and impressive manners.

Level 2 Companion

Utility Dog

1 week long pairing in Indianapolis (learn how to use the dog I train for you)

Testing: Urban Canine Good Citizen

Note: Testing is done by independent evaluator to ensure accurate scoring

Additional 14-16 weeks of training
Focus
- Begin task training (proofed for home use)
- Weekly outings to pet-friendly locations
- Public proofing of commands
- Instill constant engagement

This is when we begin introducing the dog to Tasks and turning up the dial on the dog's expectations. We'll start going out in public, introducing the dog to new environments, and customizing the dog's training to your lifestyle.

By the end of this level, the dog will be ready to perform all of their tasks around the house and will be cleared to go out in public to certain enviroments.

Level 3 Companion

Service Dog

2 week-long pairing in Indianapolis (learn how to use the dog I train for you)

Testing: Public Access Test

Note: This test is completed once pairing has begun

Additional 20-28 weeks of training
Focus
- Task proofing in busy public environments
- Complete control in all situations
- At least 200 hours of public training in non-dog friendly locations
- Tailoring dog to client's lifestyle and needs
- Living life out with their handler

This is when most of the Service Dog training will take place. At this level, the dog knows everything that they need to do - the challenge is proofing all of that knowledge while out in public.

These dogs will be going out to dinner with me, shopping at my stores with me, and generally preparing for living as a Service Dog in the real world. Not only will be be proofing their general behavior, we will also be calling on them to preform their Tasks at a reliable level. By the time they're paired with you, they should be Tasking with near perfect accuracy.

Once your dog is ready for you, we have two whole weeks together to make sure you're feeling confident and ready to take on the world with your new Service Dog, and we'll spend that time working through any and all scenarios you may find yourself in as a Service Dog Handler. Then, after we're done, you have my unlimited follow-up support with the dog.

Pick any level to end with

Holistic Approach

Dog Trainers aren't psychiatrists, which is why I think it's so important to involve mental health professionals in every step of the process while their clients go about obtaining a Service Dog, Utility Dog, or Emotional Support Dog.

This dog WILL have an impact on your mental health. That's the whole point! And why I think we need to be extra responsible when discussing adding a dog into your journey. Not only will they be by your side at your best times, they'll be by your side during your worst times - and what they do during your worst times is so important for your long-term recovery or mental health management.

Now, once you receive your dog, you have unlimited follow-up support from me to maintain the training. It doesn't make sense to me to give you a dog and not offer my support as both you and the dog move through life together. Things will change, and challenges will arise - but you're not alone with those challenges. I'm by your side, every step of the way.

Community. Support. Wholeness.
I don't think Companions make successful teams without all three.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in indianapolis?

Nope! You can come to Indianapolis to get your dog. During "pairing" is when I'll teach you how to use all the training your dog has, and varies depending on which level your dog graduated at.

What training equipment comes with the dog?

Once we begin "pairing", you'll be given everything you need to properly take care of the dog for at least a week, including food, a crate, a collar, a least, food and water dishes, etc.

What can I use my follow-ups for?

As long as it pertains to the training your dog got while they were with me, anything! These follow-ups are valid for the life of the dog, and can be used anytime you need help.

What does "retraining" mean?

If you've not kept up with your dog's training and follow-ups are not enough, than I can take your dog back for a "retrain" - for an additional fee depending on how much training needs to be done.

What is "Pairing"?

"Pairing" refers to the time we spend pairing you and the dog together as a team. Depending on what Level you go with, pairing will take varying amounts of time.

Can My dog be trained as a service dog?

Generally, I only train dogs I select to be Service Dogs. I do sometimes offer Board and Trains, but a situation where I train a Service Dog through a B&T is extremely rare.

Visit this page for more information on Board and Trains.

What happens if the dog drops out?

At the beginning of each "Level", I will give you a percentage grade on how likely I believe the dog is to succeed in the next, and you have the choice to continue. If you do and the dog doesn't complete the stage, you get a refund of 50% for that Level.

Are there any payment options?

Payment is due by the time that training begins, but we can coodinate that with your financial situation.

I also take Credit Card and Affirm Payments (for a small fee).

Can I meet my dog before training is over?

Generally we'll want to keep meeting to a minimum until the dog's training is completed, but we can do small playdates with the dog every quater until they're done with their training.