Introduction to SLSD
Thank you for looking into working with Scout's Legacy Service Dogs! Before you join our little family we want to give you some information about how we work, how to get started, and what to expect after you join!
Service Dog Training
Regardless of which one of our programs a dog gets trained in, it will take approximately 2 years to complete training.
​
Our clients have access to our extensive online curriculum, unlimited group outings in the DFW area (even after graduation), and time with our trainers as needed.
All of our dogs graduate with 56 basic obedience commands, public access training, all three Canine Good Citizenship certifications (CGC, CGC-U, CGC-A), and a minimum of three tasks to mitigate the handler's disability.
​
In order to be a good fit for our programs, you need to be self motivated, diligent, and willing to put in the work.
The Application Process
The first step is to book a time to review your application with one of our staff through Services -> Bookable Services -> Apply Now. Once you have done this and paid the $50 application fee you will be sent an email with the application which we ask you to complete before your scheduled interview time. This first step is how we get to know you, your disabilities, and to make sure you will succeed wit Scout's Legacy.
Owner Training
Clients who choose the Owner Training program train their own dog from start to finish, under the guidance of our professional trainers.
We will help the client find a good Service Dog prospect either through one of our affiliated, high quality breeders, or through our amazing contacts at our local shelter. Clients may also bring in their own dog, providing the dog meets all of our requirements and passes our temperament test (please see the Temperament Test section below).
​
Clients are required to communicate with their trainer once weekly, and attend a minimum of one outing per month providing they live in the DFW area. Once all training is complete, the client and their dog will need to pass our final test in order to graduate as a Service Dog Team. The team will need to retest with Scout's Legacy yearly in order to keep their status.
​
Cost for this program to get started is a $500 non refundable deposit and then $300 a month till graduation. You can find out more about our requirements in Services. Owner training has no wait times within our company.
Started Dog Program
The dogs in this program get their start in our Puppy Raiser Program. Once the dog is about halfway through training they will be matched and placed with a client. The client will then finish up the remaining training in the Owner Training Program.
​
We do not match dogs with clients until the dog is a year old. We do our best to find the perfect match for each clients, but please understand that our emphasis is on which dog can provide the best service for a particular client so we cannot take breed preferences into consideration.
​
Dogs in the Started Dog Program will remain property of Scout's Legacy Service Dogs until they graduate from the program as a fully trained Service Dog.
​
Cost for this program is $18,000. This amount is payable is 36 installments over a period of 3 years. There is a wait list for this program. The waitlist will temporarily close if/when all spaces are filled up. The list will reopen as spaces open up.
Fully Trained Program
The dogs in this program will be fully trained by our Puppy Raisers and trainers. Some training will still need to be done to fine tune tasks, make sure the clients understands all commands, and some general team building. This process can last several months.
Even though the dog is fully trained, the client and the dog will still need to take the final test together in order to graduate as a team.
​
We do not match dogs with clients until the dog is almost ready to cycle out of the program. We do our best to find the perfect match for each clients, but please understand that our emphasis is on which dog can provide the best service for a particular client so we cannot take breed preferences into consideration.
​
Dogs in the Fully Trained Dog Program will remain property of Scout's Legacy Service Dogs until they graduate from the program as a fully trained Service Dog.
​
Cost for this program is $25,000. This amount is payable is 48 installments over a period of 4 years. There is a wait list for this program. The waitlist will temporarily close if/when all spaces are filled up. The list will reopen as spaces open up.
Waitlists
Because it takes approximately 2 years to train a dog start to finish, and because of the high demand, there is always a wait list for our Started and Fully Trained Dogs. Once we have a certain number of clients on the wait list, we close the list as we wait for dogs to graduate. If at the time you want to apply these lists are closed, please check back at a later date.
Temperament Testing
Every dog that enters any one of our programs has to pass our temperament test. During this test we look for things like drive, disposition, problem solving skills, confidence, and any other signs that point to whether or not this dog would do well as a Service Dog. We look for innate behavior only, trained behaviors are not taken into consideration. No dogs with aggression issues are accepted into the program. You can find more details on temperament testing in Services.
Payment Plans
Owner Training
$500 Deposit
$300 a month until Graduated
Started Dog Program
$1,000 Deposit
$472 a month for 3 years
Fully Trained Program
Owner Training with a Golden Retriever from Scout's Legacy
$3,000 Deposit
$460 a month for 4 years
$10,000 Total
$1,000 Deposit
$375 a month for 2 years
Ownership
In the Owner Training Program the dog is owned by the client if they purchased it themselves. In the Started and Fully Trained Dog Programs, the dog is owned by Scout's Legacy Service Dogs until the client and dog graduate and all payments have been made.
Matching Process
Matching is done during the latter part of the training process, once we get a good feel for the dog's temperament and abilities. We will match you with the dog who's skills best align with your needs, and therefore we cannot take factors like the dog's breed or gender into consideration.
The Matching Process is only for those in the Started and Fully Trained Program. For the Owner Training Program we very much still wish to help clients find the dog that works for them through the temperament testing information given above.
Resources
Before applying for one of our programs, we highly recommend reading the book "Six Feet to Independence: Understanding Life with a Service Dog" by Lauryn Walton. As one of our Owner Trainers, Lauryn has a unique insight into not only our company, but also about life with a Service Dog and the training process.
