Question 1

What is the difference between a started dog or puppy and a fully trained dog?

Accepted Answer

• All dogs or puppies sold by Facility Dogs of America have the same foundation starting with being thoughtfully selected and purchased from a reputable breeder, and continuing with intensive puppy raising which includes structured socialization, potty training, crate training, basic household manners, and foundation for public access work through early exposure to public access settings.
 • A fully trained dog from Facility Dogs of America will have completed Phases 1-3 of the service dog training program with one of our professional trainers and been introduced to all items in Phase 4: Public Access training.
 • A started dog from Facility Dogs of America will have completed at a minimum Phase 1: Basic Skills training, but may also have Phase 2: Advanced Skills, and Phase 3: Disability Skills, depending on the client’s needs.
 • Started puppies from Facility Dogs of America do not complete any phases of the Facility Dogs of America service dog program but receive intensive puppy raising from one of our professional trainers before heading to their homes at 16 weeks old.
 • After purchase, all clients will need to progress through all four phases of the Facility Dogs of America Service Dog Training Program to complete training with their service dog.

Question 2

Should I get a started dog or puppy instead of a fully trained dog?

Accepted Answer

At Facility Dogs of America we try to offer many different flexible options for our clients starting their service dog journey. Started dogs and puppies offer our clients the ability to select a dog that fits their training needs and budget. Some of our clients are confident in their ability to train advanced skills, so they don’t need a fully trained dog, but aren’t able to commit to the extensive time needed to raise and socialize a puppy. Other clients may prefer training their service dog’s disability skills themselves, such as with scent-based diabetic alerts. A started dog or puppy will give you a solid foundation and a great head start in your service dog journey.

Question 3

What does the cost of the dog represent?

Accepted Answer

We purchase a puppy from a breeder that breeds for health and temperament. The price of these puppies is $4,000 each plus the cost of transportation to get them to a trainer. Then the training begins with the puppy at just 8 weeks old.  Puppies have between five and ten training sessions a day.  They live in a structured environment and soon learn that most puppy behaviors need adjusting.

Started puppies stay with a trainer for two months and started dogs anywhere from four to fourteen months with training done every day. Breaking down the daily cost, our typical board and train for puppies is $300 per day, which would total $18,000 for 60 days of training (that does not include the acquisition cost, veterinarian bills, food, toys, etc.), much more than our price for a started puppy. For started dogs, the price also includes special testing conducted by a non-primary trainer, and most importantly, lessons with the new handler (3 virtual lessons while dog is still in training, 5 in person lessons, 5 lessons for ownership transfer training, and 2 lessons after the transfer has been completed).  The cost of the Meet & Greet ($300) is deducted in our final price for the dog.

Overall, our started puppy and started dog prices are heavily discounted, with the intent to offer our clients a very well started service dog in training to continue in the Facility Dogs of America Service Dog Training Program.

Question 4

Is the price of the dog negotiable?

Accepted Answer

No, the cost of the dog is already discounted and does not represent the amount of time and effort the trainer has invested.  Consider that the cost of a 4-week puppy Board and Train Program is $8,400 and the average time that a puppy listed for sale has spent with a trainer is a minimum of two months (plus with dog sales we have the cost of all supplies, acquisition, veterinarian visits, etc.).

Question 5

Do you have a payment plan or financing available so I can pay for the dog over time?

Accepted Answer

Facility Dogs of America does not have a payment plan available as we are not in the financing business.  However, we recommend PayPal Credit as a financing option. They offer loans up to six months with no interest.

Question 6

How do you select which dogs to acquire for dog training/selling purposes?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we are only capable of intaking dogs that we have determined to have an optimal success rate of completing our program, with easy transportation to/from a trainer’s location for assessment and pick-up.  If a trainer has availability and interest with intaking a dog, the breeder/seller is first interviewed to determine if they meet our standards.  We also require that a copy of OFA or PennHip reports on the dog (or generational reports if the dog is under 4 months old) are provided.  If your dog is current on all vaccination records, the trainer will schedule a thorough assessment and temperament test in person with the dog to determine if he/she is a good fit for our program.

Question 7

I like this program, but I want a specific breed of dog and would like the training customized to fit my needs.

Accepted Answer

This dog sale program is intended to optimize the success that a specific dog will be sold.  For this reason, we do not take special requests for specific breeds and disability skills.  We look at our client base as a whole to determine what breeds and what disability skills are most requested at any specific time.  This helps us have greater success in selling a dog quickly so we have availability to intake the next dog. Even if a client promises to put a deposit on a dog as soon as we intake and start training, if that client changes their mind later in the process Facility Dogs of America would have possession of a dog with a lower likelihood of being sold quickly (which hinders our availability to continue intaking dogs).  We do understand that many clients want this customized training and use of a specific breed. We are able to accommodate these wishes with our Board & Train program.  We are happy to help you select a dog and use our Board & Train program (many clients use this long-term – sometimes throughout the puppy stage or throughout the adolescence stage).  Please see our Service Dog Training FAQ for more information.

Question 8

I understand that I can’t change or customize the skills of a Started Dog, but would you be able to add additional skills to the training process after I put the deposit down?

Accepted Answer

Started Dogs available for purchase with Phase 3 training were acquired to be trained for a specific skill set or sets (see our Dog Sales: Disability Skills Training list). The dog was initially selected for training to fall within that designated set list. However, if you would like to add an entire set list to the dog’s training, that may be an option depending on the trainer and the dog’s capability. In many situations, this may not be an option. If you add an entire set list, the cost of the dog will change – likely by a few thousand dollars depending on the set list.  To add just a few customized skills to the dog’s training, the most effective and cost-efficient route is to purchase the dog as is, and following ownership transfer the continuing lessons can include adding any skills/behaviors that you would like customized to fit your needs.  Facility Dogs of America does not start any physical support training where pressure is applied on a dog until the dog is fully matured, has certified x-rays, and approval from a veterinarian.

Question 9

How do I know the Started Dog is really trained?

Accepted Answer

We take our comprehensive training process very seriously.  The primary trainer of the dog is not the same person as the tester.  We require that a non-primary trainer on our staff tests the dog on Phase 1: Basic Skills (including a temperament assessment), Phase 2: Advanced Skills (including a behavior assessment), and Phase 3: Disability Skills (aside from spay/neuter requirement). After your Initial Consultation, you will receive a program book that outlines the requirements of every dog/handler team in our program. Please note that the primary trainer is the “handler” of the dog through testing.  This means that the handler is highly experienced and is a professional.  You will need to have many lessons and practice with the dog regularly before he/she responds to you the same way. Our testing/training process with the dog and the primary trainer are the exact same as what we require of all clients and their dogs.

Started Dogs do not receive Phase 4: Public Access training, but we will ensure that they have been introduced to public environments.  Started Dogs are not fully matured.  Expecting a young un-matured dog to complete refined disability skills in public is unrealistic and while the dog will be taught to understand skills at time of purchase, they will not be refined and ready-to-work in public. Dogs are not sold as certified service dogs. Once transferred to the new owner, the handler/dog team will need to test out of each phase together prior to becoming a certified team.

Question 10

How does the dog purchase process work?

Accepted Answer

1. Client has an Initial Consultation ($225 plus any applicable travel charges, see our FAQs on Service Dog Training). This may be done in person or virtually.  
2. If both the client and the trainer believe that an available dog may be a good match for each other, the client will need to submit an application for the dog. 
3. If the application is approved, a “Meet and Greet” is scheduled ($300 plus any applicable travel charges).  During this time, you will learn more about the dog and the trainer will review the exercise, care, and practice requirements of the dog.   This Meet and Greet is highly recommended to be completed in person but may be completed virtually if necessary.  If the Meet and Greet is not completed at the client’s home, we will need to complete a virtual (Facetime or Zoom) review of the premises where the dog will be kept.
4.  Following the Meet and Greet, client and trainer will both determine if this dog is a good fit.  There is no guarantee that the trainer will believe the dog is a good match for you, even if you strongly desire to purchase the dog.  Our goal is to match a dog and a client that will work well together. 
5. If client and trainer decide to move forward, the initial client paperwork (letter of medical necessity and completed Service Dog Overview Agreement) will need to be completed prior to putting a deposit on the dog. 
6. A Deposit Agreement is required to be signed and a deposit of $5,500 will need to be received by Facility Dogs of America. 
7. Please see the dog’s approximate availability date.  We estimate that all dogs will remain with Facility Dogs of America for several months following our initial acquisition. You may put a deposit (“hold”) on the dog several months before the approximate availability date. 
8. The purchaser must complete a minimum of 3 virtual lessons and a minimum of 5 private lessons (in-person).  The cost of these 8 lessons is included in the $5,500 deposit. If travel charges are required and/or if additional lessons are needed, those costs will be invoiced separately, and payment will be due upon receipt of the invoice.  (While we strongly encourage the 5 private lessons be completed prior to transfer training, you may complete the 5 private lessons (in-person) at the same time as transfer training).
9.  When the dog is ready for their final testing with a non-primary trainer, the official ownership transfer date will be scheduled within 2 weeks of the testing date.  If you are unavailable for the dog to come into your home within those 2 weeks, ownership will still transfer (balance paid, and Ownership Transfer Agreement signed) at the 2-week mark.  Additional days will be invoiced as Maintenance Boarding. 
10. Transfer training will take place at your home (travel charges may apply) and includes 5 hours of training typically over a two-day period (2.5 hours one day/evening and 2.5 hours the next day).  Trainer will keep the dog with them at their hotel overnight in between the two days of transfer training. 
11. We strongly recommend scheduling 2 lessons weekly for the first 2 weeks the dog is in your home and weekly lessons for at least 4-6 weeks. Once the dog is settled in more, lessons should continue at a minimum twice each month.

Question 11

What is the deposit for?

Accepted Answer

The deposit is to officially put a “hold” on the dog. The dog will be available to purchase for anyone until someone has submitted the full deposit amount of $5,500. Partial deposits are not accepted to “hold” the dog.

Question 12

What if it doesn’t work out (I change my mind, dog doesn’t progress in training, etc.), but I already have a deposit on the dog?

Accepted Answer

We understand!  This does happen occasionally.

If Compass Key determines that the dog is not progressing with training or otherwise becomes unsuitable to be a service dog, the full deposit amount will be returned. The Initial Consultation charge and Meet and Greet charges are not refundable. If we have another dog available for purchase, now or in the future, you are welcome to place a deposit on a new dog.

If, for any reason, you decide to not move forward with purchasing a dog that you have already placed a deposit on, partial deposit refunds may be available depending on when the deposit was submitted, how many handler pre-ownership transfer lessons have been completed, and when the dog was intended to be transferred to you for ownership.

Question 13

What guarantees do you have on the dog?

Accepted Answer

We guarantee that we have tested the Started Dog in all areas of included phases, and a socialization to public access.  That does not mean the dog is perfect, is robotic in any of the cues/behaviors, or will perform 100% of the time. Started puppies receive extensive socialization and foundational training, but no guarantees can be made on how a puppy will mature after being sold, temperament or health wise.

We guarantee that we have had various health clearances performed by a veterinarian.  Before Facility Dogs of America lists a Started Dog or Puppy for sale, we have a completed Veterinarian Health Check Form on file and ensure that the dog is current on age-appropriate vaccinations recommended by the veterinarian.  Please note that we require a new Veterinarian Health Check Form annually on file, so, after ownership of the dog is transferred, we will need a new form on file annually.  This Veterinarian Health Check Form does not mean that the dog is
guaranteed to be cleared of any future diseases, illnesses, or injuries.

Question 14

Why do I need lessons with the dog when he/she isn’t even mine yet?

Accepted Answer

We want to be sure you are prepared when you do own the dog!  It is important for the handler of the dog to be consistent and patient. Your trainer will teach you how to work with this individual dog.

Question 15

How often will you provide updates on the dog’s progress while he/she is still in training?

Accepted Answer

Training updates will be in the form of lessons (either in-person or virtual) with you.  We recommend a minimum of one lesson every 3-4 weeks while the dog is still residing with the trainer.

Question 16

What is transfer training?

Accepted Answer

The final step before the dog comes to live in their new home! Transfer training will take place at your home (travel charges may apply) once the dog has completed testing and training requirements and is ready for ownership transfer.  It includes 5 hours of training which is typically completed over a two-day period (2.5 hours one day/evening and 2.5 hours the next day).  The trainer will keep the dog with them at their hotel overnight in between the two days of transfer training.

Question 17

Will the dog stay at my house at all during the training or transfer process?

Accepted Answer

Transfer training will always take place in your home.  We strongly recommend that the private lessons completed before the dog’s ownership transfer also take place in your home.  The dog will remain with the trainer (sleeping, hotel stays, etc.) until the dog is officially transferred into your ownership.

Question 18

How long will you keep the dog? Why is there only an approximate availability date? When will I know the exact date a dog will be available for ownership transfer?

Accepted Answer

The average time a dog will remain with a trainer is 2-6 months, depending on age, maturity, and previous training.  When we list a dog for sale, we typically have just acquired him/her. The approximate availability date is 2 months from Facility Dogs of America's acquisition date for a Started Puppy, and usually 4-6 months for a Started Dog. We will not have a more precise availability date for Started Dogs until they have tested through Phase 1. The approximate availability date is an estimate.  Sometimes the trainer will have additional time to devote and have the capacity to intensely work on cues/behaviors causing this availability date to be sooner. Sometimes the trainer will not have the capacity to intensely work with the dog and/or the dog is struggling to learn some cues/behaviors causing the availability date to be later.  In either instance, it will not affect the cost of the dog.

Question 19

I really want this dog right now. I don’t care that he/she hasn’t completed training or that I haven’t had any lessons yet. How much will the dog cost if I just take ownership now?

Accepted Answer

These dogs are only sold within the parameters set forth under “How does the dog purchase process work?”  Another option that may work for you is selecting a dog of your choice for training and using Facility Dogs of America trainers for an extended Board & Train program.

Question 20

The dog has spent so much time with the trainer, will he/she ever bond with me the same way?

Accepted Answer

Bonding with a dog takes time!  The trainer will always have a bond with the dog and the dog is likely to recognize them and get very excited for years to come!  We recommend spending a lot of time during the first few weeks playing, going for walks, practicing the cues and giving rewards for cues the dog especially enjoys performing.  If at all possible, we also recommend that the dog does not leave your side for the first week (stock up on groceries/errands as much as possible before the dog comes to your home to stay) – If you go downstairs, so does the dog. If you go in the bathroom, so does the dog.  If you go to the kitchen, so does the dog. All of this helps with bonding.

Question 21

If the dog is really trained, do I really need to practice and exercise with him/her daily?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Yes. Yes!   Even service dogs that have been working for years still need practice and exercise. This is a crucial step in the ongoing training for your dog. Consider the dog similar to a high school graduate – he/she has had a lot of education and training, but now needs to go out in the real world and be put to work.  This takes more than just education and training; it takes daily practice too! They will not be perfect on their first day on the job working with a new person.

Question 22

If the dog is really trained, why do I need to have even more lessons after I own him/her?

Accepted Answer

Practicing is fantastic! But, what if we could show you a way to do it better, more effective, and a way that the dog improves with each response? Our lessons are geared towards teaching YOU how to work with your dog more effectively.

Question 23

If the dog has already passed through phases in the Service Dog Training Program, why do we need to do it again?

Accepted Answer

Our program is designed for a team (handler/dog) to complete together. A huge aspect of this is making sure the handler knows how to, well, handle the dog! We want to put you in real-life scenarios that you will likely come across while working with your dog. We want to show you how to work through those scenarios in a way that your dog responds to you. Passing through each phase of our program does just this.  It will take you and your dog through various situations so you are well-prepared when those situations happen again in real life.

Question 24

This dog is going to be a perfect robot once I get him/her into my home …. right?!

Accepted Answer

NO!  Dogs are imperfect beings.  It is never our intention to make them perfect.  We want them to be dogs.  We want them to have fun.  And of course, we want them to be well-behaved and able to provide assistance to those in need.  The top few reasons a dog is not listening:

1. Not enough exercise.  They are bored!  The amount of exercise (running) needed differs with each dog.  Some dogs need several hours of exercise daily to work to their fullest potential. 
2. Not enough attention and/or bonding time. Spend some time just taking a slow walk with your dog or laying down petting him/her. 
3. Not enough (or, sometimes too much!) practice. We recommend 5-7 sessions daily of about 5 minutes each for most dogs.  
4. Adolescence.  Yes, even dogs go through adolescence! Most dogs go through adolescence between about 4 months to about 14 months (sometimes starting younger, and sometimes lasting until a bit older). A dog’s adolescence period can be trying.  There will be times when they act as if they have forgotten literally everything they know. Remain patient! They have not forgotten everything, so continue with numbers 1-3 above!

Question 25

After the ownership transfer, what if I decide I no longer want the dog?

Accepted Answer

We hope this never happens but understand that sometimes clients will have a change of heart. Facility Dogs of America maintains a “first right of refusal” in our Ownership Transfer Agreement.  If you decide that you no longer want to keep the dog, please contact Facility Dogs of America first to determine if we have the ability to intake the dog again in the future.

Question 26

What does the cost of the dog represent?

Accepted Answer

We purchase a puppy from a breeder that breeds for health and temperament. The price of these puppies is $4,000 each plus the cost of transportation to get them to a trainer. Then the training begins with the puppy at just 8 weeks old.  Puppies have between five and ten training sessions a day.  They live in a structured environment and soon learn that most puppy behaviors need adjusting.  They also learn nearly 40 cues that are taught (sit, down, stay, wait, come, leave it, off, place, back, heel, touch, etc.).  These puppies stay with a trainer for ten to fourteen months with training done every day. The cues are refined with duration, distance, and distractions to ensure that these dogs remained focused on their handlers regardless of the level of stimuli.

Breaking down the daily cost, if a service dog in-training were with the trainer for one year, and the price of the dog is $48,000, that comes out to $131 per day, but that does not include the acquisition cost, veterinarian bills, food, toys, etc.  On average, trainers end up earning about $62 per day training a puppy. That's not very much when considering the outings for socialization, the sleepless nights, and all of the countless aspects of raising a young puppy.

Non-profit service dog organizations value their dogs to be between $75,000 and $85,000.  They come up with this number based on the 100's of hours of training and all other costs related to raising and training a service dog.

The price also includes special testing conducted by a non-primary trainer, and most importantly, lessons with the new handler (3 virtual lessons while dog is still in training, 5 in person lessons, 5 lessons for ownership transfer training, and 2 lessons after the transfer has been completed).  The cost of the Meet & Greet ($300) is deducted in our final price for the dog.

Question 27

Is the price of the dog negotiable?

Accepted Answer

No, the cost of the dog is already discounted and does not represent the amount of time and effort the trainer has invested.  Consider that the cost of a 4-week Board and Train Program is $6,300 and the average time that a dog listed for sale has spent with a trainer is a minimum of six months (plus with dog sales we have the cost of all supplies, acquisition, veterinarian visits, etc.).

Question 28

Do you have a payment plan or financing available so I can pay for the dog over time?

Accepted Answer

Compass Key does not have a payment plan available as we are not in the financing business.  However, we recommend PayPal Credit as a financing option. They offer loans up to six months with no interest.

Question 29

How do you select which dogs to acquire for dog training/selling purposes?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we are only capable of intaking dogs that we have determined to have an optimal success rate of completing our program, with easy transportation to/from a trainer’s location for assessment and pick-up.  If a trainer has availability and interest with intaking a dog, the breeder/seller is first interviewed to determine if they meet our standards.  We also require that a copy of OFA or PennHip reports on the dog (or generational reports if the dog is under 4 months old) are provided.  If dog is current on all vaccination records, the trainer will schedule a thorough assessment and temperament test in person with the dog to determine if he/she is a good fit for our program.

Question 30

I like this program, but I want a specific breed of dog and would like the training customized to fit my needs.

Accepted Answer

This dog sale program is intended to optimize the success that a specific dog will be sold.  For this reason, we do not take special requests for specific breeds and disability skills.  We look at our client base as a whole to determine what breeds and what disability skills are most requested at any specific time.  This helps us have greater success to sell a dog quickly so we have availability to intake the next dog. Even if a client promises to put a deposit on a dog as soon as we intake and start training, if that client changes their mind later in the process Facility Dogs of America would have possession of a dog with a lower likelihood of being sold quickly (which hinders our availability to continue intaking dogs).  We do understand that many clients want this customized training and use of a specific breed. We are able to accommodate these wishes with our Board & Train program.  We are happy to help you select a dog and use our Board & Train program (many clients use this long-term – sometimes throughout puppy stage or throughout the adolescence stage).  Please see our Service Dog Training FAQ for more information.

Question 31

I understand that I can’t change or customize the skills, but would you be able to add additional skills to the training process after I put the deposit down?

Accepted Answer

Dogs available for purchase were acquired to be trained for a specific skill set or sets (see our Dog Sales: Disability Skills Training list). The dog was initially selected for training to fall within that designated set list. However, if you would like to add an entire set list to the dog’s training, that may be an option depending on the trainer and the dog’s capability. In many situations, this may not be an option. If you add an entire set list, the cost of the dog will change – likely by a few thousand dollars depending on the set list.  To add just a few customized skills to the dog’s training, the most effective and cost efficient route is to purchase the dog as is, and following ownership transfer the continuing lessons can include adding any skills/behaviors that you would like customized to fit your needs.  Facility Dogs of America does not start any physical support training where pressure is applied on a dog until the dog is fully matured, has certified x-rays, and approval from a veterinarian.

Question 32

How do I know the dog is really trained?

Accepted Answer

We take our comprehensive training process very seriously.  The primary trainer of the dog is not the same person as the tester.  We require that a non-primary trainer on our staff tests the dog on Phase 1: Basic Skills, Phase 2: Advanced Skills (including a behavior assessment), Phase 3: Disability Skills (aside from spay/neuter requirement), and an introduction to Phase 4: Public Access Training of our Service Dog Training Program prior to the transfer of dog’s ownership. During your Initial Consultation, you will receive a program book that outlines the requirements of every dog/handler team in our program. Please note that the primary trainer is the “handler” of the dog through testing.  This means that the handler is highly experienced and is a professional.  You will need to have many lessons and practice with the dog regularly before he/she responds to you the same way. Our testing/training process with the dog and the primary trainer are the exact same as what we require of all clients and their dogs.

We will not officially test dogs through Phase 4: Public Access Training for multiple reasons, but we will ensure that they have been introduced to public environments.  The majority of dogs available for purchase are not fully matured.  One of the requirements of our Phase 4: Public Access Training checklist is that the dog is at least 1 year old and fully matured. While Phase 3: Disability Skills requires that all dogs are introduced to the foundation of disability skills, Phase 4: Public Access Training requires that the dog’s disability skills are both refined and can be accomplished with no coaxing in public.  Expecting a young un-matured dog to complete refined disability skills in public is unrealistic and while the dog will be taught to understand disability skills at time of purchase, they will not be refined and ready-to-work in public.

Dogs are not sold as certified service dogs. Once transferred to the new owner, the handler/dog team will need to test out of each phase together prior to becoming a certified team.

Question 33

How does the dog purchase process work?

Accepted Answer

1.      Client has an Initial Consultation ($225 plus any applicable travel charges, see our FAQs on Service Dog Training). This may be done in person or virtually.  
2.      If both the client and the trainer believe that an available dog may be a good match for each other, the client will need to submit an Application for the dog. 
3.      If the Application is approved, a “Meet and Greet” is scheduled ($300 plus any applicable travel charges).  During this time, you will learn more about the dog and the trainer will review the exercise, care, and practice requirements of the dog.   This Meet and Greet is highly recommended to be completed in-person, but may be completed virtually if necessary.  If the Meet and Greet is not completed at the client’s home, we will need to complete a virtual (Facetime or Zoom) review of the premises where the dog will be kept.
4.      Following the Meet and Greet, client and trainer will both determine if this dog is a good fit.  There is no guarantee that the trainer will believe the dog is a good match for you, even if you strongly desire to purchase the dog.  Our goal is to match a dog and a client that will work well together. 
5.      If client and trainer decide to move forward, the initial client paperwork (letter of medical necessity and completed Service Dog Overview Agreement) will need to be completed prior to putting a deposit on the dog. 
6.      A Deposit Agreement is required to be signed and a deposit of $5,500 will need to be received by Facility Dogs of America. 
7.      Please see the dog’s approximate availability date.  We estimate that all dogs will remain with Facility Dogs of America for several months following our initial acquisition. You may put a deposit (“hold”) on the dog several months before the approximate availability date. 
8.      The purchaser must complete a minimum of 3 virtual lessons and a minimum of 5 private lessons (in-person).  The cost of these 8 lessons is included in the $5,500 deposit. If travel charges are required and/or if additional lessons are needed, those costs will be invoiced separately and payment will be due upon receipt of the invoice.  (While we strongly encourage the 5 private lessons be completed prior to transfer training, you may complete the 5 private lessons (in-person) at the same time as transfer training). 
9.      When the dog is ready for their final testing with a non-primary trainer, the official ownership transfer date will be scheduled within 2 weeks of the testing date.  If you are unavailable for the dog to come into your home within those 2 weeks, ownership will still transfer (balance paid, and Ownership Transfer Agreement signed) at the 2-week mark.  Additional days will be invoiced as Maintenance Boarding. 
10.	Transfer training will take place at your home (travel charges may apply) and includes 5 hours of training typically over a two-day period (2.5 hours one day/evening and 2.5 hours the next day).  Trainer will keep the dog with them at their hotel overnight in between the two days of transfer training. 
11.	We strongly recommend scheduling 2 lessons weekly for the first 2 weeks the dog is in your home and weekly lessons for at least 4-6 weeks. Once the dog is settled in more, lessons should continue at minimum twice each month.

Question 34

What is the deposit for?

Accepted Answer

The deposit is to officially put a “hold” on the dog. The dog will be available to purchase for anyone until someone has submitted the full deposit amount of $5,500. Partial deposits are not accepted to “hold” the dog.

Question 35

What if it doesn’t work out (I change my mind, dog doesn’t progress in training, etc.), but I already have a deposit on the dog?

Accepted Answer

We understand!  This does happen occasionally.

If Facility Dogs of America determines that the dog is not progressing with training or otherwise becomes unsuitable to be a service dog, the full deposit amount will be returned. The Initial Consultation charge and Meet and Greet charges are not refundable. If we have another dog available for purchase, now or in the future, you are welcome to place a deposit on a new dog.

If, for any reason, you decide to not move forward with purchasing a dog that you have already placed a deposit on, partial deposit refunds may be available depending on when the deposit was submitted, how many handler pre-ownership transfer lessons have been completed, and when the dog was intended to be transferred to you for ownership.

Question 36

What guarantees do you have on the dog?

Accepted Answer

We guarantee that we have tested the dog in all areas of Phases 1-3 (aside from spay/neuter requirement if dog is under 1 year old or otherwise not recommended to be sterilized yet), and an introduction to Phase 4 (dogs under 1 year old and not fully matured cannot test through Phase 4) of our Service Dog Training Program.  That does not mean the dog is perfect, is robotic in any of the cues/behaviors, or will perform 100% of the time. 
 
We guarantee that we have had various health clearances performed by a veterinarian.  Before Facility Dogs of America lists a dog for sale, we have a completed Veterinarian Health Check Form on file and dog is current on age-appropriate vaccinations recommended by the veterinarian.  Please note that we require a new Veterinarian Health Check Form annually on file, so, after ownership of the dog is transferred we will need a new form on file annually.  This Veterinarian Health Check Form does not mean that the dog is guaranteed to be cleared of any future diseases, illnesses, or injuries.

Question 37

Why do I need lessons with the dog when he/she isn’t even mine yet?

Accepted Answer

We want to be sure you are prepared when you do own the dog!  It is important for the handler of the dog to be consistent and patient. Your trainer will teach you how to work with this individual dog.

Question 38

How often will you provide updates on the dog’s progress while he/she is still in training?

Accepted Answer

Training updates will be in the form of lessons (either in-person or virtual) with you.  We recommend a minimum of one lesson every 3-4 weeks while the dog is still residing with the trainer.

Question 39

What is transfer training?

Accepted Answer

The final step before the dog comes to live in their new home! Transfer training will take place at your home (travel charges may apply) once the dog has completed testing and training requirements and is ready for ownership transfer.  It includes 5 hours of training which is typically completed over a two-day period (2.5 hours one day/evening and 2.5 hours the next day).  The trainer will keep the dog with them at their hotel overnight in between the two days of transfer training.

Question 40

Will the dog stay at my house at all during the training or transfer process?

Accepted Answer

Transfer training will always take place in your home.  We strongly recommend that the private lessons completed before the dog’s ownership transfer also take place in your home.  The dog will remain with the trainer (sleeping, hotel stays, etc.) until the dog is officially transferred into your ownership.

Question 41

How long will you keep the dog? Why is there only an approximate availability date? When will I know the exact date a dog will be available for ownership transfer?

Accepted Answer

The average time a dog will remain with a trainer is 6 months, depending on age, maturity, and previous training.  When we list a dog for sale, we typically have just acquired him/her. The approximate availability date is 6 months from Facility Dogs of America’s acquisition date for a new puppy, and usually less for an adult or foundationally trained dog. We will not have a more precise availability date until the dog/handler team have tested through Phase 3: Disability Skills (aside from spay/neuter requirement), and starting their introduction to Phase 4: Public Access (typically this is 4-8 weeks before the listed approximate availability date).  The approximate availability date is an estimate.  Sometimes the trainer will have additional time to devote and have the capacity to intensely work on cues/behaviors causing this availability date to be sooner. Sometimes the trainer will not have the capacity to intensely work with the dog and/or the dog is struggling to learn some cues/behaviors causing the availability date to be later.  In either instance, it will not affect the cost of the dog.

Question 42

I really want this dog right now. I don’t care that he/she hasn’t completed training or that I haven’t had any lessons yet. How much will the dog cost if I just take ownership now?

Accepted Answer

These dogs are only sold within the parameters set forth under “How does the dog purchase process work?”  Another option that may work for you is selecting a dog of your choice for training and using Facility Dogs of America trainers for an extended Board & Train program.

Question 43

The dog has spent so much time with the trainer, will he/she ever bond with me the same way?

Accepted Answer

Bonding with a dog takes time!  The trainer will always have a bond with the dog and the dog is likely to recognize them and get very excited for years to come!  We recommend spending a lot of time during the first few weeks playing, going for walks, practicing the cues and giving rewards for cues the dog especially enjoys performing.  If at all possible, we also recommend that the dog does not leave your side for the first week (stock up on groceries/errands as much as possible before the dog comes to your home to stay) – If you go downstairs, so does the dog. If you go in the bathroom, so does the dog.  If you go to the kitchen, so does the dog. All of this helps with bonding.

Question 44

If the dog is really trained, do I really need to practice and exercise with him/her daily?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Yes. Yes!   Even service dogs that have been working for years still need practice and exercise. This is a crucial step in the ongoing training for your dog. Consider the dog similar to a college graduate – he/she has had a lot of education and training, but now needs to go out in the real world and be put to work.  This takes more than just the education and training; it takes daily practice too! They will not be perfect on their first day on the job working with a new person.

Question 45

If the dog is really trained, why do I need to have even more lessons after I own him/her?

Accepted Answer

Practicing is fantastic! But, what if we could show you a way to do it better, more effective, and a way that the dog improves with each response? Our lessons are geared towards teaching YOU how to work with your dog more effectively.

Question 46

If the dog has already passed through phases in the Service Dog Training Program, why do we need to do it again?

Accepted Answer

Our program is designed for a team (handler/dog) to complete together. A huge aspect of this is making sure the handler knows how to, well, handle the dog! We want to put you in real-life scenarios that you will likely come across while working with your dog. We want to show you how to work through those scenarios in a way that your dog responds to you. Passing through each phase of our program does just this.  It will take you and your dog through various situations so you are well-prepared when those situations happen again in real life.

Question 47

This dog is going to be a perfect robot once I get him/her into my home …. right?!

Accepted Answer

NO!  Dogs are imperfect beings.  It is never our intention to make them perfect.  We want them to be dogs.  We want them to have fun.  And of course, we want them to be well-behaved and able to provide assistance to those in need.  The top few reasons a dog is not listening:

1. Not enough exercise.  They are bored!  The amount of exercise (running) needed differs with each dog.  Some dogs need several hours of exercise daily to work to their fullest potential.

2. Not enough attention and/or bonding time. Spend some time just taking a slow walk with your dog, or laying down petting him/her.

3. Not enough (or, sometimes too much!) practice. We recommend 5-7 sessions daily of about 5 minutes each for most dogs.

4. Adolescence.  Yes, even dogs go through adolescence! Most dogs go through adolescence between about 4 months to about 14 months (sometimes starting younger, and sometimes lasting until a bit older). A dog’s adolescence period can be trying.  There will be times that they act as if they have forgotten literally everything they know. Remain patient! They have not forgotten everything, so continue with numbers 1-3 above!

Question 48

After the ownership transfer, what if I decide I no longer want the dog?

Accepted Answer

We hope this never happens but understand that sometimes clients will have a change of heart. Facility Dogs of America maintains a “first right of refusal” in our Ownership Transfer Agreement.  If you decide that you no longer want to keep the dog, please contact Facility Dogs of America first to determine if we have availability to intake the dog again in the future.

Question 49

What is a service dog (assistance dog)?

Accepted Answer

Service dogs (sometimes referred to as assistance dogs) assist people with physical, neurological, or psychological disabilities to perform everyday tasks. They help people overcome limitations caused by the disability and increase their independence and quality of life. They can provide alerts before the handler experiences a medical problem or assist when the problem occurs. They provide a wide range of assistance to address many types of physical limitations. They alert people with hearing impairment to ringing phones and doorbells. They can help people with Post Traumatic Stress, Military Sexual Trauma, or Traumatic Brain Injury to function successfully in public, helping them to feel secure and easing stressful situations. Each service dog/handler team is individually trained to address the unique needs of the handler. The Facility Dogs of America Service Dog Training Program is designed to exceed training requirements of service dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are instead interested in Therapy Dog training, where dogs are trained to visit individuals in different facilities to visit clientele for comfort, please contact us for additional information.

Question 50

How is having my dog trained through Facility Dogs of America different than getting a dog through a non-profit service dog organization?

Accepted Answer

Clients of Facility Dogs of America reap significant benefits that many reputable non-profit service dog organizations do not offer:

-The most common is that Facility Dogs of America is able to train clients' privately-owned dogs, assuming those dogs prove to be good candidates.  Most non-profit organizations breed and train their own dogs and do not train their clients' pet dogs.  
-We train dogs for clients of all ages. Sometimes the handler of the dog is not the actual client and, is instead, the client’s parent, guardian, or caretaker.  There are no age requirements for handlers, but they must be able to give cues, corrections, and properly handle the dog throughout each phase of the Service Dog Training Program.  
-Our clients are involved in every step of the training process from the beginning to the end, including lessons that we conduct in our clients' homes.  
-There are no excessive wait times with Facility Dogs of America. Most non-profit organizations have lengthy waiting lists (sometimes a few years) to receive a dog.  
-Non-profit organizations typically receive a large number of applications, but very few individuals are accepted because there are a limited number of dogs available.  We are able to accept many clients after reviewing and completing our Initial  Consultation; no applications needed!  
-Your dog’s training will be customized to your needs rather than having generalized disability mitigation training that may not apply to you.

Question 51

How long does it take?

Question 52

How much does it cost?

Question 53

I don't have money for training; do I have other options?

Question 54

If I have several lessons in a short period of time, will I complete the training program much faster?

Question 55

Is the cost for training tax deductible?

Question 56

What is the cost of each training package?

Question 57

Do you provide training for Emotional Support Animals (ESA), training if I do not need my dog to accompany me in public, or training for just a few specific disability tasks?

Question 58

I don't currently own a dog.  Can you help me find one?

Question 59

Does my dog have to be a certain age to start training?

Question 60

What breeds of dogs do you use?

Question 61

I am not located close to any of your trainers.  Is there any other way you can help me?

Question 62

Why shouldn't I just buy a vest online that indicates my dog is a service dog?

Question 63

Is my dog guaranteed to become a service dog?

Question 64

What documentation do you require for the program?

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Started Dogs and Puppies For Sale

What are started dogs and puppies?

Started Dogs

Learn more about started dogs

Interested in a Started Dog?

Learn more about started puppies

Started Puppies

Interested in a Started Puppy?

Started Dogs and Puppies FAQ

What is the difference between a started dog or puppy and a fully trained dog?

Should I get a started dog or puppy instead of a fully trained dog?

What does the cost of the dog represent?

Is the price of the dog negotiable?

Do you have a payment plan or financing available so I can pay for the dog over time?

How do you select which dogs to acquire for dog training/selling purposes?

I like this program, but I want a specific breed of dog and would like the training customized to fit my needs.

I understand that I can’t change or customize the skills of a Started Dog, but would you be able to add additional skills to the training process after I put the deposit down?

How do I know the Started Dog is really trained?

How does the dog purchase process work?

What is the deposit for?

What if it doesn’t work out (I change my mind, dog doesn’t progress in training, etc.), but I already have a deposit on the dog?

What guarantees do you have on the dog?

Why do I need lessons with the dog when he/she isn’t even mine yet?

How often will you provide updates on the dog’s progress while he/she is still in training?

What is transfer training?

Will the dog stay at my house at all during the training or transfer process?

How long will you keep the dog? Why is there only an approximate availability date? When will I know the exact date a dog will be available for ownership transfer?

I really want this dog right now. I don’t care that he/she hasn’t completed training or that I haven’t had any lessons yet. How much will the dog cost if I just take ownership now?

The dog has spent so much time with the trainer, will he/she ever bond with me the same way?

If the dog is really trained, do I really need to practice and exercise with him/her daily?

If the dog is really trained, why do I need to have even more lessons after I own him/her?

If the dog has already passed through phases in the Service Dog Training Program, why do we need to do it again?

This dog is going to be a perfect robot once I get him/her into my home …. right?!

After the ownership transfer, what if I decide I no longer want the dog?

What does the cost of the dog represent?

Is the price of the dog negotiable?

Do you have a payment plan or financing available so I can pay for the dog over time?

How do you select which dogs to acquire for dog training/selling purposes?

I like this program, but I want a specific breed of dog and would like the training customized to fit my needs.

I understand that I can’t change or customize the skills, but would you be able to add additional skills to the training process after I put the deposit down?

How do I know the dog is really trained?

How does the dog purchase process work?

What is the deposit for?

What if it doesn’t work out (I change my mind, dog doesn’t progress in training, etc.), but I already have a deposit on the dog?

What guarantees do you have on the dog?

Why do I need lessons with the dog when he/she isn’t even mine yet?

How often will you provide updates on the dog’s progress while he/she is still in training?

What is transfer training?

Will the dog stay at my house at all during the training or transfer process?

How long will you keep the dog? Why is there only an approximate availability date? When will I know the exact date a dog will be available for ownership transfer?

I really want this dog right now. I don’t care that he/she hasn’t completed training or that I haven’t had any lessons yet. How much will the dog cost if I just take ownership now?

The dog has spent so much time with the trainer, will he/she ever bond with me the same way?

If the dog is really trained, do I really need to practice and exercise with him/her daily?

If the dog is really trained, why do I need to have even more lessons after I own him/her?

If the dog has already passed through phases in the Service Dog Training Program, why do we need to do it again?

This dog is going to be a perfect robot once I get him/her into my home …. right?!

After the ownership transfer, what if I decide I no longer want the dog?

What is a service dog (assistance dog)?

How is having my dog trained through Facility Dogs of America different than getting a dog through a non-profit service dog organization?

How long does it take?

How much does it cost?

I don't have money for training; do I have other options?

If I have several lessons in a short period of time, will I complete the training program much faster?

Is the cost for training tax deductible?

What is the cost of each training package?

Do you provide training for Emotional Support Animals (ESA), training if I do not need my dog to accompany me in public, or training for just a few specific disability tasks?

I don't currently own a dog. Can you help me find one?

Does my dog have to be a certain age to start training?

What breeds of dogs do you use?

I am not located close to any of your trainers. Is there any other way you can help me?

Why shouldn't I just buy a vest online that indicates my dog is a service dog?

Is my dog guaranteed to become a service dog?

What documentation do you require for the program?

What is Assistance Dogs International (ADI)?

Are you affiliated with any organization that is recognized by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and would provide certification for me and my dog?

What happens once I complete the Facility Dogs of America Service Dog Training Program?

I travel via airplane frequently; will my dog be able to go with me?

What types of service dogs do you train?

Once my dog has completed training, are they able to go everywhere with me?

Sign me up! How do I start?