Service dog programs
A clear path toward meaningful partnership.
Service dog work is a long-term relationship between dog, handler, family, and community. We provide the structure, coaching, and honest feedback to make that relationship stronger.
Our service dog programs and sessions are available in both Nova Scotia and British Columbia. The Two-Year Blended Program runs in Nova Scotia only.
See program options
104 hours of individualized guidance for successful owner-training.
$9,999.99 + applicable tax
A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is applied toward the total program cost, followed by 12 monthly payments.
A two-year program combining trainer-led development in the first year with our full Owner-Trainer Program in the second year.
$29,999.99 + applicable tax
A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is applied toward the total program cost, followed by 24 monthly payments.
Join the waitlist and we'll contact you when the next intake opens — email us and we'll add you to the list.
A preliminary suitability review before the Owner-Trainer Program.
$150 + applicable tax
Aptitude testing to help you evaluate whether a puppy may be suited to service dog training.
$150 + applicable tax
Six one-hour sessions tailored to your service dog team's needs and current stage of training.
Sessions may focus on foundational skills, neutrality around people and dogs, public-access skills, individualized disability-mitigating tasks, and handler coaching. Training progresses according to your dog's readiness, suitability, and welfare.
You'll receive practical guidance for training between appointments, at home and in suitable everyday environments.
This bundle is separate from our comprehensive Owner-Trainer Program. It does not include CASDT testing, a program vest, identification, or a completion letter. Participation does not guarantee suitability for service work or certification.
The bundle includes six hours of individual training. The one-hour duration shown in Square is for each appointment.
Bundle fee: $599.99 plus applicable tax.
Contact your regional trainer before booking to discuss your goals and whether this option suits your team.
6 × 1-hr · CAD$599.99
Testing for service dog teams working toward the Canadian Association of Service Dog Trainers (CASDT) standard.
The final CASDT test is included in both our One-Year Owner-Trainer Program and Two-Year Blended Program. Program clients should arrange their included test with their trainer rather than purchase a separate testing appointment.
We retest teams every two years. Subsequent retests are not included in the original program fee.
Standalone testing fee: $399.99 plus applicable tax. Please contact us to confirm retesting fees.
CASDT testing is separate from provincial government service dog certification. Pawsitively Service Dogs does not issue government certification. Applications are made separately through the relevant provincial government program.
Contact your regional trainer before booking to discuss readiness, testing requirements, and arrangements.
BC: jenn@pawsitivelyservicedogs.caNS: melanie@pawsitivelyservicedogs.caGeneral inquiries: info@pawsitivelyservicedogs.ca
CAD$399.99
Free · 30 minutes
A free 30-minute introductory conversation about your dog, your goals, and the support you're looking for.
We'll answer your questions, explain our training options, and help you choose the right starting point. You're welcome to ask about pet training, puppy testing and selection support, service dog assessments, or our Owner-Trainer Program.
This appointment is an introductory discussion. For hands-on training, book an In-Person Consultation & Training Session. To evaluate a dog's suitability for service work, book a Potential Service Dog Assessment.
Duration: 30 minutes
Fee: Free
Location: Online through Microsoft Teams
Book through Square with your regional trainer, or email us if you're unsure which service to choose.
A one-hour private session where we get to know you and your dog, discuss your goals, and begin working on the issues you most need help with.
We'll consider your dog's history, daily routines, and current behaviour, then practise suitable training strategies using humane, evidence-based methods. You'll leave with practical guidance to continue at home.
This appointment is for your initial consultation only. Follow-up individual training sessions are $150 per hour, with six-session bundles also available.
This is a training session, separate from our Potential Service Dog Assessment, which evaluates suitability for service dog work.
Duration: 1 hour
Initial consultation fee: $99.99 plus applicable tax.
Book with your regional trainer, or email us to discuss your needs.
In person · CAD$99.99
Nova Scotia
See local services, the Nova Scotia-only Two-Year Blended Program, contact details, and booking.
British Columbia
See local service dog and pet training, dog walking, contact details, and booking.
One-year program
Train your own service dog with 104 hours of individual training and guidance tailored to you and your dog.
Training includes foundational skills, neutrality around people and dogs, public-access skills, individualized disability-mitigating tasks, and handler coaching. You'll receive homework and guidance for practice between appointments.
The program also includes:
The program typically takes approximately 12 months. Weekly appointments last 1.5–2 hours, depending on your dog's age and needs. Training may extend beyond 12 months to complete the full 104 hours.
A Potential Service Dog Assessment is required before acceptance. Suitability is reviewed throughout training, with your dog's health and welfare as priorities. Participation does not guarantee that your dog will become a service dog.
We retest teams every two years. Subsequent tests are not included in the original program fee.
Program identification confirms participation; it is not government certification. CASDT testing does not replace provincial government certification, which requires a separate application through the relevant government program.
Program fee: $9,999.99 plus applicable tax. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is applied toward the total, with the remaining balance paid over 12 monthly payments. The payment schedule is separate from the training timeline.
Contact your regional trainer before booking to discuss suitability, eligibility, and next steps.
Nova Scotia only
A two-year program combining trainer-led development in the first year with our full Owner-Trainer Program in the second year.
Your dog lives with the trainer while we develop their foundations and service dog skills. The cost of purchasing the dog, food, and veterinary care are covered during this first year.
Your dog moves into your home, and you receive the same training and support included in our One-Year Owner-Trainer Program:
Weekly appointments last 1.5–2 hours, depending on your dog's needs. The handler-training phase may extend beyond 12 months to complete the full 104 hours.
Once the dog moves into your care, you are responsible for food, veterinary care, and all other ongoing expenses. Spaying or neutering, microchipping, and applicable regional licensing are required. If these have not already been completed by the trainer, you are responsible for arranging and paying for them.
Suitability is reviewed throughout training, with the dog's health and welfare as priorities. Participation does not guarantee successful completion or certification.
We retest teams every two years. Subsequent tests are not included in the original program fee.
Program identification confirms participation; it is not government certification. CASDT testing does not replace provincial government certification. Applications for government certification are made separately through the relevant provincial government program.
Program fee: $29,999.99 plus applicable tax. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is applied toward the total, with the remaining balance paid over 24 monthly payments. The payment schedule is separate from the training timeline.
Offered once per year in Nova Scotia. Currently available by waitlist only.
Contact Melanie in Nova Scotia to discuss eligibility and the next intake: melanie@pawsitivelyservicedogs.ca
Start with clarity
Ages six months and older
$150 + applicable tax
A one-hour individual assessment to help determine whether your dog currently shows characteristics compatible with service dog training.
We observe your dog's confidence, behaviour, responses to the environment, recovery from stress, and engagement with you. We also discuss their history and relevant health considerations.
You'll receive feedback about their potential suitability and recommended next steps. This appointment focuses on assessment rather than addressing training issues.
An assessment is required before acceptance into our One-Year Owner-Trainer Program. It is not certification and does not guarantee program acceptance or future success as a service dog. Suitability continues to be reviewed throughout training.
For puppies younger than six months, contact us about Puppy Testing & Selection Support.
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $150 plus applicable tax.
Book with your regional trainer, or email us to discuss your dog.
Before beginning the Owner-Trainer Program, clients will be provided with the applicable documentation and veterinary requirements.
Dogs must meet our program's age, health and behavioural requirements and successfully complete the initial assessment process.
The beginning of the program includes a probationary training period during which suitability for continued service dog training is further evaluated.
Start early
We offer Volhard Puppy Aptitude Testing when your breeder or rescue has not already completed testing, to help assess whether a puppy shows the temperament and confidence that may make them a suitable candidate for service dog training.
We observe the puppy's responses during testing and discuss what those observations may mean for selection and future training.
Puppy testing provides a snapshot of behaviour at that age. It does not guarantee future temperament or success as a service dog. Suitability continues to be assessed as the puppy develops.
For dogs six months and older, please book our Potential Service Dog Assessment.
Puppy testing fee: $150 plus applicable tax.
Contact your regional trainer before booking to discuss the puppy's age, testing arrangements, and availability.
What to expect
Your goals, your dog’s history, your daily routines, and the accommodations that make training accessible all belong in the plan.
A good fit matters. We’ll celebrate strengths, name challenges clearly, and help you choose the safest next step.
Skills need to travel from the training space into homes, workplaces, transit, and the everyday moments that matter.
