Owner-trained or Program-trained: Which Would You Choose?

The process of getting a service animal can be daunting, especially if it is the first time going through the process. Before talking with Piedmont student, and friend, Jessica Sconyers, I did not know that owner-trained service dogs was a thing. I had only been educated on dogs that are trained through some kind of program. Now that I have done more research on both, I wanted to provide some information on each and see which you would choose?

OWNER-TRAINED SERVICE DOG

With owner-trained, or self-trained, service dogs, you are responsible for everything. That includes obtaining the dog, training the dog, hiring a professional trainer, covering all costs, and more.

Costs of owner-trained service dogs can vary significantly and depend heavily on different scenarios. Some varying costs include the general health of the dog, how much trainers cost, how often you use the trainer, supplies, and any unexpected factors.

Also, if you decide to get a well-bred or rescue dog, the price can be higher.

Training the dog yourself also means you have to commit a lot of your time, especially if you are doing so without a professional trainer. You have to be able to learn about dog training, actively training the dog on your specific needs, teach good behavior techniques and avoiding bad behavior, and all additional basic dog training.

PROGRAM-TRAINED SERVICE DOG

Program-trained dogs can also vary in prices. A lot of times the expensive price is off-set by donations. As unfair as it sounds, guide dogs and dogs needed for mobility are often paid for my donors more than psychiatric service dogs. Without donations or assistance, psychiatric service dogs can range from $20,000 to $30,000.

Program-trained service dogs are less time consuming. The most time consuming part is spending a few weeks at the program center getting paired with, spending time with, and learning with a dog. Another time consuming part is fundraising for the money to get the service dog.

If you needed a service dog, would you choose a owner-trained or a program-trained dog?