Pet Intel. is a member of Canadian Association of Service Dog Trainers. We adhere to their standards of practice  when it comes to testing and certification protocols.

To understand more about Service Dogs in Ontario please read our blog post. For more detailed information regarding our protocols and methodologies as well as national standards of practice, please visit Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers website. 

Our service dog services are offered as professional assistance with self-training. This means that our clients must be capable of independently implementing a guided behaviour and training protocol.

To qualify for our services, we require that the individual have:

1. Both professional and personal support outside of their service dog and coach;
2. Full ownership of their physically healthy dog;
3. Physical and emotional capability to care for their dog's basic needs;
4. The financial resources to cover the cost of our services;
5. A complete understanding of the time commitment, resources and responsibilities associated with self-training a SD;
6. An acceptance that even with a full commitment to the process, there is NEVER a guarantee that their dog WILL become a service dog;
7. An understanding of the current local laws regarding service dogs. 

Service Dog Candidate Assessment & Training Process

Initial Consultation & Evaluation

Every team begins with a Service Dog Candidate Consultation, which includes our formal Evaluation of Potential Service Dog Candidate.
During this session, we assess:

• The dog’s temperament, learning history, and early indicators of service dog suitability

• The handler’s goals, lifestyle, and capacity for ongoing training

• Whether the team is a suitable match for our virtual or in-person support model

This consultation is a preliminary requirement and does not guarantee acceptance into ongoing service dog training services.

Service Dog Preparation Programs

Our service dog curriculum is built on three progressive, developmental programs. Each program is 8 weeks in duration and provides structured guidance, video feedback, and individualized coaching.

If a dog is beyond the puppy/adolescent stages and can demonstrate equivalent skills, they may be eligible to enter directly into the final program.

1. Puppy Blueprint Program (8 weeks)

Foundational training covering early communication, engagement, environmental exposure, and essential life skills.

2. Thriving Teen Program (8 weeks)

Structured adolescent training focusing on impulse control, emotional regulation, social behaviour, and environmental stability.

3. Becoming Their Best Program (8 weeks)

The final stage of service dog preparation, introducing pre-task behaviours, handler-specific routines, and readiness for public access and task training.

These three programs form the required foundation for any team pursuing service dog work through our training system.

Ongoing Training & Certification Support

After completing the required programs, most service dog teams continue with:

• Weekly one-on-one training sessions

• Estimated duration: Until certification, typically 1.5–2 years of age

Training during this period includes:

• Public Access Training

• Task Training & Specialization

• Canine-Assisted Therapy techniques integrated throughout

• Progress tracking, readiness evaluations, and preparation for interim and final certification assessments

Important Considerations

While our programs provide a comprehensive and supportive pathway toward service dog certification, no trainer or organization can guarantee a dog will certify. Success depends on multiple factors, including:

• Temperament and developmental trajectory

• Health and soundness

• Training progress and consistency

• The dog’s suitability for the specific tasks required by the handler

Each team receives personalized guidance, and all sessions incorporate canine-assisted therapy principles to support emotional well-being, partnership building, and functional skill development.

To inquire about Service Dog Training Services, please contact us.