The heart of Handi-Dogs is our professionally guided owner trained service dog program. Our professional trainers teach people with disabilities how to train their own dogs to assist them as service dogs. We customize a training protocol based on each individual's unique physical, psychological and situational needs. We help people with hearing loss, mobility challenges, diabetes, PTSD and other physical and psychological disabilities. Individuals must apply to enter the program and their dogs must pass an assessment. On average it takes 1-2 years for a handler/dog team to complete training. Typically we are working with 20 - 25 teams at any given time throughout the year. We are accredited by Assistance Dogs International. Our service dog training program helps people become more independent and less reliant on human caregivers. Because people with disabilities are training their own dogs, it often is empowering. As the dogs learn behaviors they teach them, the individual gains confidence which often is a catalyst for living a happier and healthier life.