Welcome to Caped Canines
Assistance Academy!
Navigating the world of assistance dogs can feel overwhelming. Caped Canines was founded to ease this burden for those in need of a canine companion. What sets us apart from other service dog training organizations? Caped Canines specializes in assisting individuals who have the ability to self-train their dogs. Our goal is to provide these individuals with a solid foundation for their potential working dog and guide them through the entire process—from puppy raising and obedience training to public access testing and specialized tasks.
Our founders, Justine Oakwood and Tori Tilley, bring a combined 25 years of dog training experience to the table. As pet dog trainers, we've encountered hundreds of individuals who could benefit from an assistance dog but don't need to invest $50,000 or wait 1.5-3 years for a placement. They have the capability but lack the necessary training skills. That's where we come in!
Let's go for a walk to see if Caped Canines Assistance Academy is the right fit for you. Then, head over to our "Ideal Client" page to see if you're the right fit for us!
Understanding
Assistance Dogs
There are three main types of assistance dogs.
If you're not sure whether or not you need
a service dog, check out the "Understanding
Assistance Dogs" tab of our website before proceeding.
Finding the right Breed and Breeder
Finding the right breed for your needs is one of the most critical components of making sure you have a dog who will adequately do the job you require. Once you've selected the appropriate breed for you, sifting through the hundreds of breeders to find an ethical breeder who tests for all of the right things and gives your potential puppy the best start in life is the second most critical component on your journey. We can do all the right things in the training process, but starting with a genetic mess can be the difference between putting all of your time, money, and energy into a dog who passes or fails. Review our "Breeding" tab now!
Our Fast Start Program
Now that you've chosen your breed, selected a breeder, and are ready to begin, the overwhelming array of options can be daunting. This is where our Fast Start program comes in. To create a service dog that excels under pressure, distractions, frustrations, and challenges, our Fast Start program initiates your dog's training journey. Let the professionals handle the foundational work to ensure your puppy has the best chance of becoming the dog you desire.
Explore our base programs under the "How to Create a Caped Canine" tab. The Fast Start Program alleviates the pressure of building a perfect foundation for your dog. By moving your dog between our professionals and your home, skills are gradually transferred and generalized. Once your dog is ready, the Caped Canines Assistance Academy (CCAA) will guide you through Public Access Testing (PAT) and task training. You'll never feel alone in your training journey.
Intake Form
If all of the above information looks good to you, your next step is simple. Please complete our "Intake Form" by following this link. The more detailed your responses are, the better our quotes, training timelines, and estimates will be. Please note that our intake form is only open when we are seeking new clients, which is an average of 1-2 times per year. Keep an eye on our social media channels for announcements on when the intake form will be available.
