Self Trained or Program Service Dog?

General Forum
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I don’t use Reddit much, but I could use some advice. I’ve been thinking about getting a Psychiatric Service Dog for a few years and am starting to take it more seriously.

I’ve done a lot of research on breeds, tasks, and laws, but I’m torn between applying for a program dog or training one myself with the help of trainers. I’ve found some promising organizations, but they have issues. For example, some require a $20k fee for a dog that isn’t fully trained for public access, and one program wants you to puppy train an older service dog for a month before even considering you, plus they don’t let you choose your own vest. Does that mean the dog won’t really feel like yours?

Training your own dog seems cheaper, but it might end up costing more. It offers more freedom, but there’s a risk it might not work out. I have trouble staying focused for long periods and worry I might not be able to fully commit to self-training. However, I’m multilingual and not used to English commands, so self-training could be a good fit for that.

I’ve seen self-training costs as high as $85k, which is $67k more than the program I’m looking at. Is it worth paying more for the freedom and bonding of training your own dog instead of waiting 2 years for a partially trained one?

If anyone can share costs for self-training (excluding food and vet) or has recommendations for programs in the PNW (including California), I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks so much! :bowing_woman:t2:

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Weekly lessons with a service dog trainer for my owner-trained service dog cost around $20k, the same as a program dog. On top of that, I had expenses for the dog itself, daily care, and vet visits, with the risk of potentially losing the investment if the dog didn’t work out. Even in programs that breed dogs specifically for service work, the failure rate is about 50%, and it’s higher for owner-trainers. If a program dog is an option, it might be a better choice than paying a similar or higher amount for an uncertain outcome.

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:smile:Hallo breeders, the best option for you will be determined by your unique circumstances and choices. It’s often beneficial to consult with a service dog trainer or organization for specialized advice and direction.