Accredited Service Dog Training School

OPD-K9 Accredited Service Dog Training Program

At OPD-K9, we are proud to offer an accredited Service Dog Training Program designed to meet the highest standards of reliability, obedience, and task-specific training for individuals living with physical, psychiatric, or developmental disabilities. Our program is tailored to the unique needs of each handler, ensuring a strong bond between dog and owner, and full public access readiness.

Services Provided:

• Custom Task Training
  We train dogs to perform essential tasks such as mobility assistance, seizure response, diabetic alert, PTSD intervention, anxiety interruption, and more—based on the handler’s medical or psychological needs.
• Public Access Training
  Dogs are trained to remain calm, obedient, and focused in a wide variety of public environments, including shopping centers, public transit, airports, and restaurants, following the standards required for full access rights.
• Handler Education & Support
  We work closely with each client to teach proper handling techniques, reinforce command consistency, and build a partnership that ensures long-term success.
• Obedience & Socialization
  All service dogs undergo extensive foundational obedience and advanced off-leash control, ensuring reliability and safety in public settings.
• Certification & Documentation
  Upon successful completion, each dog-handler team receives accredited documentation supporting their training and public access rights, recognized under Canadian service dog guidelines.

Why Choose OPD-K9:

With a reputation for excellence in protection and working dog training, OPD-K9 brings that same level of dedication and expertise to our service dog program. Our trainers have extensive experience in behavior modification, public access protocols, and medical alert task training, ensuring each dog is not only dependable but also a true lifeline for their handler.

Contact us today to begin your journey with a professionally trained, life-changing service dog from OPD-K9. 

289-626-7117

OPD-K9 Service Dog Training Program

Program Delivery

The OPD-K9 Service Dog Training Program is structured to guide and support handlers training their own service dogs from start to finish. Training is delivered through weekly or bi-weekly private lessons with an assigned OPD-K9 instructor. These sessions take place in a variety of environments within our service area, including—when possible—the student’s home.

Handlers may also choose to enhance their training with supplemental services such as group classes, virtual seminars, day training, or board & train options.

Program Cost

Private 1-hour lessons (in-person or virtual):

• $105 + HST with an associate instructor
• $125 + HST with a senior instructor

Handlers starting from the beginning should plan for 50 to 100 lessons, with total training costs typically ranging between $10,000 and $15,000.

Training Timeline & Process

Step 1: Obtain Medical Documentation

Speak to your doctor and obtain a letter confirming your need for a service animal to mitigate a disability. This is required under Ontario law. OPD-K9 must receive this documentation before booking your Meet & Greet. (Need help? A sample letter template is available.)

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Complete the application form below. Please allow 30 minutes to provide accurate and detailed information.

Step 3: Book Your Meet & Greet

This 60-minute introductory session includes you, your dog, your assigned instructor, and any support persons you’d like to bring. The session includes basic environmental exposure, introductory training, and an initial behavioural assessment of your dog. This is a low-pressure opportunity to get to know your trainer.

Step 4: Trial Period (12 Weeks)

Following the Meet & Greet, you’ll begin a 12-week Trial Period consisting of private lessons (paid in full as a package). These sessions are held in pet-friendly environments only. Completion of the Trial Period does not guarantee advancement. (Refer to our payment plans, policies, and refund guidelines for full details.)

Step 5: Entrance Exam

At the end of the Trial Period, you’ll complete an Entrance Exam. Passing teams receive an “In Training” vest and are eligible to continue to advanced services such as Group Classes, Day Training, and Board & Train. Note: Passing this exam does not guarantee program graduation.

Step 6: Public Access & Task Training (1–2 Years)

Ongoing private sessions will focus on public access obedience, advanced task training, and real-world scenarios. Each team progresses at their own pace depending on individual needs, commitment, and dog temperament.

Step 7: Final Evaluation

The final test is a 90-minute evaluation assessing public access behaviour, team communication, task execution, handler understanding of dog body language, and service dog laws.