Our Process - Step One

We would be happy to assist you in finding the right service dog for your child and family. Our process is pretty simple. First, we need a completed application to give us as much information as possible about your family situation, household dynamics and what type of dog would be best suited for your family. There is no obligation when filling out an application, it is simply a way of giving us detailed information about your needs prior to our initial phone consultation.

Our committee meets regularly to review applications to determine if a service dog is an appropriate fit for your child/family. Once your application is approved, we will set a phone conference and discuss dog selection, needs, etc. At this time we would like to know the tasks that you wish for the dog to perform to aid your child and family. We will also discuss your family's frequent activities, hobbies, etc., so that we can have the best information when we begin to look for dogs to meet your needs.

When Highland Canine Training and the family have agreed to work together, the family is sent our Autism Assistance Service Dog and Training Agreement. At this time the family signs and sends the agreement with a 25% deposit. This deposit ensures that you retain the next available spot on our relatively short waiting list.

Our Process - Step Two

Our staff will then create a dog selection profile for your review and proceed with the purchase of a dog. We acquire the dog and place it into our intensive socialization process until training begins. At this time, you have the opportunity to “meet and greet” with the dog and spend some time getting to know the dog. This time also allows us to meet with you and your family and discuss your needs further. This meeting is not required but is very helpful to us when customizing the dog to fit your needs. Once training begins, we require an additional 25% of the total cost of the dog.

Our Process - Step Three

Training takes on average 4-6 months. Some dogs will take less time and others will take more, depending on the type and amount of tasks that are needed to be taught. During the training process, we will continue to work together to obtain additional information to assist us in training the dog and we will also provide you with updates on the dog and their training progress. Our standard assistance dog includes: on and off-leash obedience training, trailing, repetitive behavior interruption and environmental stability training. Dogs requiring additional training will increase in price. Please feel free to contact us for more detailed pricing to fit your needs.

Our Process - Step Four

Once the training is complete, you can either come to our facility to pick up the dog (we will want to spend about 5 days working with you) or we can deliver the dog to your home. In-Home delivery is preferred by a majority of our clients and has a minimal additional cost. Some of the benefits of in home delivery include:

• Teaching you how to work with the dog in your home where it will live and     work
• Our trainer(s) come to you so that you do not have to travel
• We are able to work with your family outside the home in restaurants,     theaters, stores and other places that you commonly visit
• Our trainers are able to answer questions and demonstrate techniques to     help get the most from your dog while it is transitioning to your home

Upon delivery, the balance of the dog/training cost is due.

The typical cost for a dog is $8,900. This price can increase in the event that you have a need for additional and substantial training (this is uncommon). We also offer FREE follow-up training for as long as you own the dog.