The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs
Pawsible Partner
Psychiatric Service Dog, Facility Dog
Labs
ADI Candidate Program
The organization provides:
Vet Bills
Flea/Tick and Heartworm Preventatives
All equipment and supplies
Raiser pays for:
Food
Supplies & Financial
Assistance
Basic Skills:
Basic obedience commands, Socialization, Loose leash walking, Potty training, Public access behavior, Self-control around distractions, Grooming
Advanced Cues:
Advanced obedience, Light Pressure Therapy, Deep Pressure Therapy, Light Retrievals
Training Responsibilities
Initial Application
Interview with Staff
Process
Training classes twice a week
Time Commitment
6 month-1 year
Neuter/Spay
Gentle Leaders
Harnesses
Flat Collars
Martingale Collars
Training Equipment
Raisers are given a manual and weekly classes.
Training Guidance
Puppy raisers are involved in every step of the process including meeting the new handler and helping them to get to know the dog.
Matriculation
TESSD has an annual party to celebrate our puppy raisers, clients, dogs, and therapy dog teams. At this party, they have a special speech for each of the raisers that have graduated a dog that year. It’s a great time for all of the teams and raisers to get together.
The puppy raisers and new handlers keep in close contact long past graduation.
Graduation
TESSD provides service dogs specifically for teens and young adults struggling to complete their education due to their mental health.
Their program is unique in their placement process as all new handlers work with their service dog and TESSD staff closely for a full year after placement. Most service dog organizations provide two weeks of training.
TESSD also has an owner training program.
TESSD has very flexible raising options such as only weekends or holidays.
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.