The Trained Dog Program is designed for individuals who require a fully trained and placement-ready service dog.

Through this program, CCI:

• Selects and trains a dog to meet established service dog standards

• Imprints the dog with behavioural, basic obedience, and public access training

• Matches the dog with a successful applicant based on lifestyle, needs, and compatibility

Following placement, the team undergoes a Public Access Test (PAT) to ensure the handler can safely and effectively manage the dog in public environments.

Upon successful completion of the PAT, the team is recognized as a Service Dog Team in Training and continues working together, focusing on advanced obedience and task-specific skills tailored to the individual.

After a minimum working period of six months, the team proceeds to Certification Testing.

Certification is conducted over a structured three-day evaluation process, and must be renewed every three years to ensure continued compliance with CCI standards.

This program is ideal for applicants who require a highly reliable, ready-to-work service dog, while still participating in structured team development and certification.

The Assisted Owner Trained Program is designed for individuals who want to be actively involved in training but prefer not to raise or independently source a dog.

In this program, CCI provides an imprinted young dog (typically 6–8 months of age) that has already received foundational training and environmental exposure.

The applicant then continues the dog’s development under the guidance of a CCI trainer.

Program Process
The structure of this program mirrors the Owner Trained Program:

• Dog Placement (Imprinted Dog) - CCI places a carefully selected and pre-developed dog with the applicant.

• Probationary Period (30–60 Days) - The team begins a structured evaluation and training period to ensure compatibility and readiness.

• Public Access Test (PAT) - Successful completion confirms the team’s ability to operate safely in public environments.

• Service Dog Team in Training - The team progresses through advanced obedience and task-specific training.

• Certification Testing - A formal three-day certification process is conducted, with recertification required every three years.

The Owner Trained Program is designed for individuals who wish to train their own service dog under the guidance of a CCI trainer, provided they reside within a region supported by our training team.

This program is suited to applicants who:

• Already have a dog, or

• Are considering acquiring a dog (puppy or adult under five years of age)

 

Program Process

• Initial Assessment - The applicant’s dog is evaluated by a CCI trainer for temperament, health, and overall suitability for service dog work.

• Probationary Period (30–60 Days) - The handler and dog enter a structured probationary phase where foundational skills are developed and the team is evaluated for progression.

• Public Access Test (PAT) - Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the team must pass an entry-level Public Access Test. This confirms the dog is safe, controlled, and appropriate for public environments.

• Service Dog Team in Training - Once the PAT is passed, the team is formally recognized as a Service Dog Team in Training and continues progressing through advanced obedience and task-based training.

• Certification Testing - Final certification is conducted over a structured three-day evaluation process, with recertification required every three years.

Important Consideration
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact CCI prior to acquiring a dog, as breed, temperament, and physical structure play a critical role in long-term success within a service dog program.

All CCI programs are built on:

• Task-based training standards

• Structured evaluation and testing protocols

• Public safety and handler reliability

• Ongoing certification requirements

 

These standards ensure every CCI service dog team is trained to support safe, effective, and independent participation in daily life.

If you are considering a service dog, we encourage you to contact CCI to determine the most appropriate program based on your needs, goals, and location.