Canine Support Teams
Service Dog
Goldens, Labs, Standard Poodles, Lab/Golden Crosses, Doodles, Mixed Breed Rescues
Assistance Dogs International
Org provides:
Pre-approved Vet Costs
$350 towards Spay/Neuter
Leash
Puppy Collar
Vest
Heartworm - provide or reimburse
Flea/Tick - provide or reimburse
Raisers pay for:
Food
Crate
Toys
Treats
Grooming Supplies
Bowl
Large Collar
Treat Pouch
Poop Bags
Grooming for breeds like Poodles
Supplies & Financial
Assistance
Basic Skills
Basic obedience commands, directional commands, Socialization, Loose leash walking, Crate training, Potty training, Public access behavior, Self-control around distractions, Grooming, Puppy needs to pass a Canine Good Citizen test before turning in
Training Responsibilities
Online Application
Attend a puppy program orientation session
Read the puppy raiser manual
Complete a home visit (will be scheduled after you attend orientation).
Attend two hands-on dog handling training classes (will be scheduled after your home visit).
Agree to abide by all the rules and responsibilities of puppy raisers.
Minimum of one class per month
Non-Local Raisers must sign up for obedience classes at own expense
Zoom classes/lessons with Puppy Instructor
Process
2 monthly classes at CST Facility
Monthly outings with puppy
Monthly training reports due on the 10th of each month for month before
Remote raisers sign up for local training classes at their own expense
Time Commitment
When advised by Puppy Raiser instructor (around 12-18 months)
Neuter/Spay
Martingale Collars
4-6' Black Leash
Gentle Leader (case by case, only with approval)
Training Equipment
Puppy Raiser manual and Group Classes 2x a month. All new skills are introduced in puppy classes. The Puppy Raiser Instructor demos new skills and provides instruction chats in class where raisers get the chance to practice new skills, ask question, and receive feedback. Canine Good Citizen Test Items.
Training Guidance
Generally, at 18 months of age our dogs are turned in for formal training at CST HQ. We have individual scheduled turn in times with the puppy raisers and trainers. This allows the raisers privacy during a nerve-wracking and emotional day as well as gives them one on one time with the trainers. Raisers can reach their puppy raiser instructor by phone, email, or BAND app at any point to ask questions, arrange for a meeting, or anything else they may need! After turning in the Puppy Raiser Instructor will send updates to puppy raisers throughout their advance training in the Prison Pup Program.
Matriculation
Canine Support Teams has graduation once per year (January) and it is open to the public. If puppy raisers have a dog that is graduating, they are invited and recognized at graduation. Everyone who was involved with the dogs graduating (sponsors, donors, breeders, raisers, etc.) can chat with the dog's new handler, learn more about their job, receive a graduation gift, and are recognized on stage with the dog. Contact of new handler isn't shared until Graduation in January.
Graduation
Canine Support Teams is a small program that offers a comprehensive approach to puppy raising and working closely with trainers, utilizes the prison programs to help rehabilitate inmates, provides service dogs free of charge for Veterans and at a discounted rate for civilians and rescue dogs from local shelters to become service animals.
Uniqueness
To gather the most up to date and accurate information about an organization it is best to contact them directly. Pawsible is not partnered with all listed organizations and does not formally endorse every listed organization.