Here is an introduction to our PEP Program and how it works!
Your Service Dog Inc’s PEP Program (Prospect Evaluation and Placement Program) evaluates, matches, and places a Service Dog In Training Prospect with individuals with disabilities.
- Puppy Raisers. Compassionate volunteers raise and train puppies (and dogs which are 3 years old or less) with the help of our Trainers at Your Service Dog School.
- Phase One. Our Trainers at Your Service Dog School donate their time and skills and work with the Puppy-Raisers to teach the Service Dog In Training puppy or dog to do the basics.
- Phase Two. Our Trainers at Your Service Dog School either continue to work with the Puppy Raisers to teach the Service Dog In Training to meet generalized needs of a Service Dog recipient (in some situations we may place a Service Dog In Training with a disabled person at this phase to begin to be individually trained for and with the person for whom the dog will be Working, depending upon the situation).
- Phase Three. Service Dogs In Training are placed with their disabled Human Partner (if they have not already been Placed there in Phase 2) to continue to be individually trained for the person for whom the dog will be Working, as we continue to train the dog to meet the specific needs of the person they will Work for.
We feel that allowing the individuals who have applied for a Service Dog to participate in training their own Service Dogs helps them to achieve independence, dignity, and sense of purpose. Their participation in gives them a sense of accomplishment and helps build the bond between them and the dog, and that is why we do the work we do.
