The program is online but also interactive. Each lesson involves a combination of reading material, video presentations and an “open book” quiz. Lessons also include discussion prompts and you are encouraged to email the course instructor, Veronica, with your service dog training questions. You can retake the quizzes if you need to.
There are 4 required projects. Three of the projects are short (approximately one page) written essays. One requires a visit to a location such as a medical supply store or rehabilitation facility, and another requires a visit to a local shopping mall, supermarket, airport or other similar location.
One project involves submitting 6 videos of your process training a dog two different service dog tasks. One task needs to be a back-chained retrieve with a controlled hold. You choose the other task from a list. Rubrics with requirements for each project are provided so you know exactly what you need to do.
You are encouraged to ask questions in discussion areas in the course or via email. You will received feedback on your training and projects via email.