Cooperative Paws Service Dog Coach™ is a service dog trainer certificate program developed by Veronica Sanchez M.Ed. CABC, CPDT-KA, an expert in service dog training. The program is for experienced professional pet dog trainers who would like to expand their knowledge of service dog training. Successful graduates earn the respected SDC™ certification. Launched in 2017, the program has educated over 160 trainers worldwide.
Fleur Montambeault PBCB-A, CSAP-BC, SDC
Canilogique, Québec, CanadaThe Need
The demand for service dogs has skyrocketed. Whether working with “owner-trainers,” people with disabilities training their own dogs for service work, or for a nonprofit service dog program, there is a growing need for dog trainers qualified to train service dogs.
A Complex Challenge
There is a lot to think about when it comes to service dogs: disability challenges, legal issues, public access, safety and the dog’s needs. On the other hand, service dog training is extremely rewarding. You train a dog complex, high level skills and make a difference in a person’s life. Also, people training their own dogs for service work are some of the most committed clients you will ever find!
“THANK YOU so much for such an amazing course, I loved diving into all of the fabulous online content, training the practical tasks with my dogs and also your very thoughtful and detailed individual feedback.”
Laura Ryder KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, IMDTB, FFCP, SDC
Western AustraliaLearn from Veronica, a Service Dog Expert
The Cooperative Paws Service Dog Coach™ is the best of both worlds, the convenience of online learning combined with hands-on practice and direct guidance from an industry expert, Veronica Sanchez M.Ed. CDBC, CPDT-KA.
Veronica knows what it’s like to run a pet dog training business. She will give you valuable recommendations to fit service dog training into your business in a way that works for you. You will learn how to help clients, provide an important service and grow your business.
Have a question about how to train a task? Not sure how to address a challenge with a client? You are encouraged to ask questions via email and in course discussion areas. You will receive individualized feedback on your training as you submit videos of your work. Veronica is committed to helping students succeed.
“Veronica was fabulous to work with. She was responsive and thoroughly answered all of my questions. This program is a must have for anyone working with clients who want to train a service dog.”
Laura Sharkey PhD, KPA-CTP, SDC
Woofs Dog Training, VA, USAThe Details
When
/The program is available on a rolling enrollment basis and is designed to be completed in 3 months. Apply anytime. The course is asynchronous, so you can access the materials on your own schedule. Students are expected to spend about 4 hours a week on the course.
Where
/The course is delivered entirely online through recorded video presentations and written materials. You’ll communicate with Veronica, the instructor, via email and discussion forums within the course platform.
How
/You’ll watch video presentations, read materials, complete short projects and quizzes, and submit videos demonstrating your training of two service dog tasks for personalized feedback. Quizzes can be retaken and projects resubmitted as needed. Important note: the dog does not need to be a service dog candidate, and all training can be done at home or in a training facility.
Curriculum
/The course is comprehensive and prepares you to train service dogs for people with a wide variety of disabilities. As an SDC student, you also gain access to an extensive Learning Library filled with scientific research and resources on service dog specialties, including mobility, guide, hearing, psychiatric/PTSD, autism, diabetic, seizure-alert, and more.
- Service dog laws
- Selecting service dog candidates
- Training
- Foundation Skills
- Tasks
- retrieves
- balance/brace
- opening/closing doors
- lights on/off
- hearing alert
- anxiety alert
- Deep Pressure Therapy
- scent-based medical alert (diabetes, seizure)
- Public Access Training
- Incorporating service dog training into your business
- Getting started
- Virtual services
- Marketing
- At-home only service dogs
- Contracts, forms
- Working with People with Disabilities
- Training accommodations
- Communicating with healthcare professionals
- Service dog program challenges
- Placing dogs
- Educating recipients
- And much more!
Tuition
/$3100 USD
Prerequisites
/The course is designed for experienced trainers committed to modern, reward-based training methods. Applicants need to have at least one industry credential that we recognize and hands-on experience working with clients and their dogs. Read details here.
CEUs
/The SDC Certificate has been approved for CEUs as follows: CCPDT CPDT-KA and KSA – 21 CEUs (12 Skills & 9 Knowledge); CBCC – 9 CEUs; KPA – 30 CEUs; IAABC-17 CEUs; PPGA-20 CEUs
“I am incredibly excited to have completed this course, but wow, I learned so much! The content was easy to follow, and there’s so much valuable information.”
Rebekah Glasmeier, KPA-CTP, SDC
Retrieving Independence, TN, USAPractical, Doable Coursework
The SDC program has a flexible format so you can complete lessons at times that are convenient for you. The mix of video presentations, readings, hands-on projects with individualized feedback keeps the process interesting. Successful graduates earn the SDC™ certification and can use the Cooperative Paws SDC® logo in their marketing materials and website.
Business Tools You Can Use
No one likes paperwork! You will receive numerous business tools to use in your marketing including forms, letters, checklists and handouts so you can hit the ground running training service dogs:
- Service dog candidate assessment
- Public access assessment
- New client intake & questionnaire template
- Marketing tools – website content examples, social media and SEO tips
- Client handouts
- Client contract addendum, Medical release, Healthcare provider letters & forms created in consultation with an animal law attorney
Support for Grads
Graduates receive a beautifully printed certificate to frame when they earn the SDC credential. They are listed on our online directory for SDCs. Be sure to check out our Featured Graduates to see their success stories. SDCs also have access to industry updates and support through an exclusive, private email group.
“A huge shout out to Veronica for creating such an amazing and
informative program, for being a lovely teacher and support system through this journey.”
Christie Golebiowski ABCDT, SDC
Training Loyal Companions, Winnipeg, CanadaA Great Value
Service dogs require two years (or more) of intensive training and ongoing maintenance throughout their working career. The training process is flexible and can include private lessons, board and train, day training, and group classes. Just one service dog client can easily offset the tuition. Our graduates often share that service dog training provides steady income, unlike the fluctuating nature of most dog training services. The SDC™ program is a valuable investment, whether you want to work with owner-trainers, a non-profit service dog program or simply to expand your skill set.
- "This program has been such an incredible learning experience, and I’m really proud of the progress Sail, Stevie, and I made along the way. I’m so grateful for the support, flexibility, and feedback you’ve given throughout. It made a world of difference."Bridget Nicholls CPDT-KA, SDCUnleashed Niagara, Ontario, Canada
- “I found the program amazing and your teaching style inspirational. I strive to be more like you with my students.” Leanne Good, KPA-CTP, SDCWow! Dog Training, British Columbia, Canada
“I kept getting requests for service dog training, but I did not feel I knew enough about the topic. When trying to find places to refer the callers, I found very little in the way of positive reinforcement options. Veronica is a skilled, positive-reinforcement trainer, so her program was exactly what I needed to become comfortable helping owners train their service dogs in a way that is enjoyable, fair, and free of intimidation.” Lisa Marino PMCT-2, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, FP-MT, CSAT, SDCHead of the Class Dog Training, Virginia, USA
- “...I was blown away by the content and presentation of Veronica’s service dog training coach certification program. The information is clear and well organized and enjoyable to go through. She covers all of the topics that are needed to become an effective service dog trainer. I am so glad that I invested my time into this program, and I am already using skills that I learned in the course in my everyday work as a dog trainer. Five stars!!!” Elizabeth Ashley CTC, SDCCalvert Dog Academy, Maryland, USA
- "I want to tell you how much I enjoy your courses, and how thankful I am that I decided to add service dog coaching into my services. My service dog clients have been so fulfilling!"Nori Smith, CCDT, CPDT-KA, SDCEvery Dog Training, California, USA
