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What kind of service dogs does your company train?
Arizona Goldens LLC is a company that raises, trains, and places highly trained service dogs with adults and children with disabilities. We specialize in training dogs for specifically for Autism. We also have over 14 years of experiance training mobility, vision, and hearing service dogs but only place these type of service dogs now on a case-by-case basis.
All of our dogs are trained to 50+ different commands amounsgt many complex and common situations or environments.
Currently, we do not specialize in placing service dogs to adults or children that have epilepsy.
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Do you place service dogs with young kids or just adults?
Arizona Goldens LLC is one of the few companies and organizations in the United States that does place service dogs with both adults & children. We believe that it is in the best interest of the child, along with the rest of the family, to get a service dog as young as possible. Based on our research, many children respond better in their social, educational, and emotional development with a service dog than without a service dog.
In our child placements, we do necessitate an active parental involvement in both the boot camp process & after graduation depending on the disability and the child.
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Is there a waiting list? How long is the wait?
There is a waiting list for Arizona Goldens LLC service dogs. Our waiting list is not exclusively on a first come-first serve basis, it depends on several factors relating to the successful partnering of one of the puppies in training and the needs of our clients.
The typical waiting list time is 12 to 24 months, depending on several factors. Some of the factors we evaluate in the placement process include:
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Needs Analysis -
| This analysis helps us understand the specific items, actions, and working characteristics that a client needs from one of our service dogs. For example, a client with a hearing disability needs the dog to alert them to a baby crying, phone ringing, or a knock at the door.
| | Lifestyle Analysis -
| This analysis helps us understand the environment and lifestyle of our clients. For example, is the client physically active, or has trouble moving? Do they travel a lot, or do they always stay at home? This helps us make sure our placements are successful.
| | Personality Analysis -
| This analysis helps us understand the personality traits of our clients so that we can match the dog's personality in a manner that has the highest probability of being compatible.
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How much does it cost for one of your service dogs?
Each of our service dogs are highly trained which takes a lot of time and money to raise and be able to place with our clients. We also run several medical tests such as PennHIP, OFA testing of hips and elbows, eye tests, and many more to ensure that our clients get a healthy service dog.
The cost of our service dogs vary slightly depending on the type of placement, if the client needs an individual boot camp, or the amount of follow-care anticipated. Our Service dogs for Autism cost $15,000 + options, additional equipment, travel expenses (if outside Phoenix Metropolitan Area).
Although we do not fundraise for each client, nor do we solicit donations directly, we do offer fundraising assistance. This assitance may include fundraising informational packets; helping to find and apply to specific grants; attending fundraising event sor talks to give demonstrations; and much more. Each client is solely responsible to raise all the funds under the contract.
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How long does it take to train a service dog?
A service dog is trained in 50+ different commands. We begin positive training techniques at 3 weeks of age. Puppies are trained by AZG staff or placed in raiser homes between 7-8 weeks to begin their next stage of training. However, a dog is not placed with a disabled individual until they are about 1 1/2 to 2+ years old. Our dogs need to reach their physical and emotional maturity so they can be properly placed with the right person.
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What kind of Support do I receive after placement?
Previously the support that each client recieves after the AZG Boot Camp process is extensive and included for the first year in the orignal price of the service dog. This has recently changed to include support throught the entire lifetime of the placement. So you can be secure that the same level of service and support will be there for you in the years to come. In the first week after boot camp, your AZG trainer will check-in via in person visits or telephone/skype calls (if out of state). During the first month after placement the AZG trainer will do weekly check-ins to make sure that the team is working alright. If there are any problems they will work on a 1-on-1 basis to correct any issues or help address the challenges that may present themselves outside the Boot Camp process. After the first month, this support continues on an monthly check-in schedule and addressing any issues or needed updates. Prior to the 1 year recertification, the AZG trainer will meet with the client to review all the tasks and test materials (the same test that they passed at the end of Boot Camp). This allows the client adequate time to study and prepare to take the recertification tests.
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Why do service dogs have to wear a vest?
Their vest is used for multiple reasons. First, it identifies them as being a Service Dog so they are allowed public access. Next, it acts as their backpack to carry things such as a copy of the law, other important papers as well as their clean up kit. Plus, the vest lets you know which organization trained this amazing dog.
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Do the dogs get to have any fun?
Yes, of course! They have down time to just be dogs. They love dragging out their toys and having a good chew on a bone after working away from home all day. But unlike us, they are having fun all day too while away from home with you. True they are on duty (working) when out in public but from a dog view it is the ideal life. They get to spend time with you all day, they get to go places with you and not be left home for hours while you are at work. They are very well cared for and loved.
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Who pays for the dog?
The client are responsible for raising all funds necessary to pay AZG for their service dog & training under their signed contracts. The client is also responsible for the dog's veterinary care as well as the NuVet Vitamin supplement, and dog food for their service dog.
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What do you mean indoor dog? Does this mean I can not leave my dog in the yard during the day?
AZG service dogs are raised and accustomed to being in close company with their humans. In addition, clients have applied for and gone through the boot camp process inorder to utilize the service dog's training to help them improve their lives. With this in mind most of our clients will have their dog with them at all times. So, your AZG Service Dog may not be left in the yard when you are not at home, overnight, etc.
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Can I take my AZG Service Dog to work/school/shops/etc with me?
Yes, service dogs for people with a disability have access to all public businesses, public buildings, and any place that is open to the general public. Arizona has additional state access laws in addition to the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Can I have a AZG service dog if I have another dog?
Maybe, it depends on the dogs. All pet dogs will be evaluated by AZG staff to ensure that they are non aggressive and friendly toward other dogs. You will be asked to provide vaccination records for your pets as well. AZG staff members make decisions about which dogs can be housed with other dogs on a case by case basis, as our experience dictates. With many of our current clients, their personal dogs have not been a problem with the incorporation of the new AZG Service Dog.
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Do I get to meet the puppy raisers that raised my service dog?
Traditionally once a client has passed their final boot camp evaluation and public access test, we invite the puppy raiser and 'spies' to go out to a refreshments/dessert immediately following the evaluation.
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What happens if I have trouble with my service dog in a certain situation?
We want a successful partnership between you and your service dog. We cannot train the dog to every possible situation that our clients may come into contact with such as riding on a subway (since there are no subways in Arizona). Like humans, dogs are also not perfect all the time, they are not machines, they do make mistakes.
If you ever have any questions about your service dog, or if you ever encounter a situation that your service dog is uncomfortable with, do not hesitate to call immediately. Do not be afraid that we will take your service dog away from you. We will help you work through the situation so that you can fully enjoy your working relationship
If you are a local client, we will coordinate a time to meet with you to see exactly the situation the dog is reacting to and how they react, then work with you to correct the situation. If you live outside the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, we will initially work with you over the phone to give you some ideas on how to work through the issue. If the problem persists, one of our trainers will fly out to give you onsite help to work through the situation.
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Do I actually own my service dog, or does the company retain ownership?
During the first year after graduation, Arizona Goldens LLC retains full ownership of the dog. This is to reduce problems if the initial placement is not successful. At the end of the first year, one of the trainers will meet in person with you to make sure that the dogs is working well with you, the health and safety of the dog, the dogs training is kept up, and to make sure that you are happy with your service dog. At this time they will go over the items on the written and practical recertification tests.
If the team passes the first year recertification tests, they are invited to the next Graduation ceremony where they will receive ownership (99% interest) of their service dog. If the team does not pass their first year evaluation period, depending on the reason, we will either extend the evaluation for another year or not certify the placement and the client will have to return the service dog to AZG with no monetary refund.To give the continued support for clients AZG must retain at a minimum 1% ownership in all placements to be able to be in compliance with all State and local codes.
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Do I have to keep up the training, or will the dog always remember?
Yes, you do have to keep up your service dog's training. Dogs,just like humans, will let their skills slide if they are not practiced. In addition, if the dog's training is not kept up then you will not receive the help you desired when applying for a service dog plus you will not receive a passing grade at the end of the year evaluation. During the boot camp process, our clients learn how to keep up the training of their new service dog with quick daily training exercises and by actually utilizing the dog in their daily lives.
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How long can my service dog work? What happens when my service dog cannot work anymore?
Most service dogs are placed at 18 months to 2 years of age and have a working life of approximately 10 years. Depending on the type of placement or the working environment, the working life can be slightly smaller or longer than 10 years.
When a service dog cannot work anymore due to health issues, the dog is retired from service and if the client chooses so, remains as a pet dog of the client or close family member. If the client cannot afford or physically care for the retired service dog, we have wonderful volunteer families that will care for the retired service dog.
We encourage our clients that have service dogs that have been working for a long time, contact us to be put on a replacement list. This allows us to coordinate the retirement of their current service dog and getting a new service dog.
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What are the approved training methods?
AZG dogs are trained with positive reinforcement such as praise, affection, play and treats. We use a similar method to clicker training for initial behavior shaping (taught at AZG training classes), and we also use conventional rewards-based methods as dogs increase their mastery of new skills.
We never allow our dogs to be struck, yelled at, or ear-pinched. Our dogs are selected in large measure on their responsiveness and trainability. We expect our dogs to have good manners at home and in public. All AZG clients are taught in the boot camp training process appropriate training and handling methods before receiving their service dogs.
The use of any unapproved methods is grounds for removal of our dog(s) from the client's home with or with out prior notice.
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There are several references given to possible removal of a AZG Dog from a client's home. What would cause this?
The health and safety of our service dogs are of the highest importance. As per the stiuplations in our Service Dog Overview along with Contracts signed by the clients, any indication that our dogs are being handled or trained with unapproved methods, are not being exercised or groomed regularly, or are being neglected in any way is grounds for immediate removal. In addition, the relationship between all involved including the client and their family, the AZG staff and volunteers must remain friendly, cooperative and easy to manage. Throughout the years that we have been in business, we have not yet had any problem with these stipulations.
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How will you know if a dog is not being kept according to AZG standards?
The answer to that question is easy -- the dogs tell us! All placements are evaluated by a AZG staff members periodically throughout the placment. We know the dogs and have good relationships with them, making it easy to spot the tell-tale signs of neglect, abuse, or lack of training. For the most part, however, our client's are amazingly good people, and usually do not have any problems. If they can not keep a dog according to the standards, they step up and ask for help or have us re-home the dog. In addition, we reserve the right to drop in for an inspection or to request a special evaluation of our dog and their client's homes at any time.
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What if something changes or this does not work out for me and I can not keep my AZG service dog?
Not a problem, we would rather have you voluntarily tell us you do not have time, your situations change in your personal life, or can no longer take care of the service dog. In our book, it is honorable to tell us you can not fulfill your commitment, but it is dishonorable to not keep your commitment and not give us the chance to do right by the dog. We do require that when you return the AZG dog, that you provide a copy of their veterinary history. Remember, there are no refunds of the money paid, so if you are having issues with your service dog or your life situation, please call us ASAP and let us help you work through the issues even before considering returning your service dog.
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What are the procedures & requirements that a client goes through to get a Service dog?
Each client, irregardless of their disability goes through the same procedures to apply, fundraise, go through boot camp, and boot camp testing.
The following is the typical procedure all of our clients go through:
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Step
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| | Contact Us or View our website
| This step is to request an initial application and to answer questions that they may have about getting a service dog.
| | Fill out an Application for Service Dog, Prescription, Social Style Profile & Social Impression Survey, & A $25 Application Fee
| This is a Critical Step. This step includes:
Reading through all the terms & qualifications to get a service dog and agreeing to those terms.
Contact information including emergency contacts
Medical information & releases. Client must also have the recommendations of a qualified medical practitioner on the medical basis that necessitates the use of a service dog
Type of Service Dog requested & a list of 5 minimum (no maximum) tasks that the client needs from their potential service dog.
Background information, lifestyle information, preferences, and questions as to anticipated care of potential service dog.
References
Medical Release & Authorization including HIPAA Policies
Video & Photo Releases
Style Profile & Social Impression Survey is a personality survey that allows us to gain an initial idea on where the client fits on the Wilson Learnings Personality Test/Characteristic metric. We have our client fill one out themselves as well as having several of their friends, coworkers, and family fill them out. More Surveys we receive back the better the personality match can be.
| | Application Review
| If a client meets the following criteria then we proceed to the next step in the process:
Is the application complete
Review the type of Service Dog requested to see if they match the type of service dogs we train & provide to clients.
Review of Prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity to see if the prescription is valid & for a valid medical basis that qualifies the candidate under the ADA and other applicable service dog laws to receive a service dog.
Examine the listed tasks requested to insure that we can or already do teach our service dogs to accomplish those requested tasks.
Can the client provide a safe environment, including costs of vet care, home environment, survival needs, and basic care of the service dog such as grooming or poop pick up.
| | Home Interview
| The home interview is important to ascertain the following:
Validity of the answers within the initial application.
Review that the home environment is safe and ability of the potential client to care for the potential service animal is present.
Review the initial application with the client.
Answer any questions on the entire placement process, all applicable terms, fundraising, etc. This includes, but not limited to the stipulations
That all funds donated or raised cannot be used for any other purpose other than to get a Service Dog from AZG & are non-refundable. They should ethically tell all their donors this.
All fundraising is sole responsibility of the Client
Arizona Goldens LLC is not a non-profit and any donations made to the client or AZG for the clients service dog may or may not be tax deductible and the donor should consult their tax professional if that is a concern
That they must pass all required tests with an 80% or higher score to remain in boot camp & to receive their service dog. No client knows exactly what written & practical test entail prior to taking them.
Along with many other stipulations.
Review all requested tasks and individual disability nuances along potential modifications necessary to the dogs basic training to accommodate the disability.
In cases where the client lives out of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, additional forms are reviewed and filled out. Otherwise these same forms are reviewed & filled out on a subsequent visit.
If local, we invite the client to one of our Puppy Raiser Meetings so that the client can see some of the hard work that goes into training each service dog. In many cases the client will also work with a puppy in training to get an idea of how it is to handle a service dog.
| | Review Of All Aspects of Applicant
| After the Home Interview & all related documents are in, we review the entire application. If the client meets the following criteria:
Filled out & truthful application
Meets the criteria to receive a service dog under the ADA & ADI standards as well as a medical opinion from the clients own practitioner.
Can provide & care for the Service Dog in a safe environment.
Applies for a Service dog we have the capacity & experience to train too,
Is of legal age, or has a parent handler/ guardian that can give consent. Minor must have an trained adult handler for supervision.
If the applicant satisfies all previous conditions, we can continue onto the fundraising & placement process. If the client fails to meet any of the above listed criteria, they have the opportunity to correct the particular issue if possible. If it is of a nature that cannot be corrected or modified, the client does not continue on in the process to get a service dog from AZG.
| | Follow Up Visit(s) & Fundraising Videos
| Follow up visit(s) can take many different forms. For our local autism clients, due to the nature of their disability, we conduct more follow up visits to determine exact working personality type.
For all other disabilities there will be at least one if not two follow up visits in addition to the invites to our Puppy Raiser meetings or special events. During these meetings, we bring a service dog in training to give the client a small example of what it is like to work with a service dog. This also allows us to see what type of personality of the dog meshes well with the client and to validate the previous submitted Personality Surveys.
At this time the client also decides what options and equipment they wish to have in addition to the price of the service dog and any anticipated travel expenses. Contracts for the all the costs and stipulations for getting a service dog are signed before any payments or fundraising starts.
If the client is also going to fundraise for their service dog, we can provide a fund-raising packet that includes all the information about setting up a their own donation bank account; PayPal account & donation buttons; fundraising ideas and event templates; directions to availible grants; and put together a fundraising/interview video and website. All clients are soley responsible for all their fund-raising, donation collections, tax reporting, etc.
At this time a minimum deposit is due that covers the bank account set-up fees/minimum deposits, fundraising assistance costs such as domain name registrations, AZG T-Shirt, and fundraising business cards. If client is located out of state, the initial deposit pays for the costs associated with the home visit, additional fees may apply for the above mentioned items. There is a $500 deposit that is applied towards the purchase price of the service dog (if client is located within the Phoenix Metro area). For Clients located outside the Phoenix Metropolitan area, the $500 applies towards the home visit and not towards the cost of the service dog. This deposit is not refundable at any time.
| | Web Site & Fund-Raising Material Set ups
| If the client is fund-raising for their service dog, the only assistance that AZG gives is:
Giving a fund-raising informational packet, including ideas, templates, listing of applicable grants, etc.
The setup of a fundraising site for the client including a fundraising demonstration video
Production of 250 Premium Business cards that help state what the client is fundraising for and a link to their specific fundraising website.
Posting of updates, pictures, and link to fundraising page on social networks.
Setting Up a separate bank account so that Clients funds are not co-mingled with any other clients funds and everything is separated, traceable, & accountable. Account statements & balances can be given at the request of the client but not generally distributed to the client unrequested. Clients are not required to utilize this account, but prior to scheduling a boot camp all contracted funds must be deposited & cleared into AZGs account for the client.
Help with the design of any fundraising marketing materials
Assist in attending talks to local groups and providing a demonstration of what benefits the client may receive from getting a service dog.
Assisting in fundraising events that the clients set up.
All responsibility to raising the funds necessary for the service dog within 2 years of initial application are those of the client.
All bank accounts, web page, videos etc. are provided as a courtesy not a requirement of the program.
Due to several internal procedures, AZG does not solicit or accept any more donations on behalf of any client or towards any client's account. All donations must be made out to the client themselves. If a specific grant requires the payment be made to AZG directly, special procedures and additional documentation may be necessary to process the transaction directly to the client's account with AZG.
| | Waiting Game
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All AZG dogs are exposed to and trained to approximately 50+ commands, depending on the client's specific disability and needs. Although like humans, certain dogs excel at some tasks better than others. Occasionally additional tasks may have to be trained or refined so that a dog that matches the clients personality & lifestyle will have to be old enough to be placed before a boot camp can be scheduled.
Since most of our service dogs we train are very adaptable, most times the reason for the wait is to raise the funds necessary for the dog.
For all of our clients, except Autism, there typically is not any other physical interaction unless helping with a fundraising task, function, coordinating payments, or additional events or situations that may come up. For our local Autism clients, due to the nature of their disability, we may bring over several other puppies to get them use to us & the dog in their environment as well as refine the type of personality that the child connects to.
For most of our clients, communication during this stage is via email, text, or phone calls with updates, submittal of funds to the clients accounts, or development of other fundraising ideas.
| | Scheduling Boot Camp
| Once all the funds for the contracted service dog have been raised, deposited and cleared AZG bank account for the client, the Boot Camp can be scheduled. At this time, depending on boot camp scheduling:
A Pre-Boot Camp Orientation Packet goes out. This details
Fundraising Overview Including applicable details on the fundraising amounts & escrow amounts.
A Command list detailing & explaining the initial set of commands for the specific boot camp.
Pre-Boot Camp Tasks that need to be completed, if necessary.
Boot Camp Expectations reiterating the following
That it is a stressful process
The client must pass all AZG tests with 80% or better, as stated on previously signed contract.
Escrow Instructions if they need food or veterinary reimbursements. (if a previously chosen option)
Veterinarian Contact Information.
We also at this time verify through asking the Client if they are physically well and are mentally prepared to go through the boot camp process at this time. If not then the boot camp can be rescheduled to a later date when they are prepared. If they say they are ready, they are committed to attend boot camp, no rescheduling is allowed after this point.
After verbal confirmation, we figure out a date that works for both parties to start the boot camp.AZG then books any rooms, equipment, travel, and personnel necessary for that clients particular boot camp.
At this time client funds are distributed to AZG general account to pay applicable taxes, fees, salaries, etc.
| | Two Weeks Prior to the start of Boot Camp
| At this time, the client receives their Boot Camp Pre-Boot Camp Manual.
The client is required to study this manual for the initial quiz at the start of the 1st day of boot camp.
This manual goes through the basics of dog handling, command list again, and initial theory on how to work with AZG service dogs. If the client studies this manual, then we able to adequately start the boot camp and meet the 2 week boot camp schedule (up to 3 weeks with some of our Autism placements).
If they do not pass this test with an 80% or higher, then like the service dog overview, contract, & previously signed stipulations states that the client does not continue on in boot camp and there are is no rescheduling. Any funds shall be applicable to the adopted refund policy in place at time of contract signing.
| | Boot Camp
| This is a stressful process for both the Client & trainers involved.
It typically requires working hard for 2 weeks (3 weeks in some autism placements) every day for 5 to 8+ hours a day (depending on the type of placement).
Every day is a mixture of practical exercises in handing, lectures over subjects, video demonstrations, in person demonstrations. We try to hit the three major areas of learning to be able to teach to people who learn in different ways. Each day the client is required to pass practical as well as written tests. For most clients, the competency of handling a service dog is demonstrated in the daily practice times and no definite tests are required. All clients must pass the practical test at the end of the first week to be able to continue on with the boot camp process and will not recieve a service dog.
For clients that have a difficult time in actually working with the dog, demonstrations are given, help & instruction are given and more practice time is allotted verses lecture time.
If they do not show daily progress after given focused help on the particular problem area, the client is given warnings and ample time to adjust to accomplish a series of defined tests over the course of a day & a half.
During these test, if the client has not yet been placed with a specific dog, then they may choose which dog to work with. These series of test include 3 portions (they have to pass at least one of the 3):
2 Minute Drill- The client has 2 minutes to choose & demonstrate whatever of the commands we have taught up to that point. They are scored depending on how many successful command completions out of number of command possibilities.
5 Minute Drill- The Client can choose their dog they would like to work with. They are given a command, one at a time by the AZG instructor.
The instructor gives the client a reasonable time to complete the tasks. At a random interval, the instructor will give another command of which the client will have to get the dog to complete the new task.
If the client fails to have the dog complete the initial task before moving on, then they do not score a point. The client is scored on how many successful completions compared to number of tasks given.
15 Minute Competency- This test is design to show that the Client can demonstrate to AZG that they can work through issues that may require more than 2 or 5 minutes to do. There are no limits or requirements to do a specific number of commands/tasks.
Again the client can choose whatever dog they would like to work with and what commands they want to do.
The client is scored again on the number of successful completions verses commands attempted.
For example if the client chose one really difficult command they have been having trouble with all week, and it took 12 of the 15 minutes to accomplish it before completing 2 other basic commands their score would be 3 out of 3 for 100%.
If the client chose to attempt all possible commands, for sake of argument 20 commands at this time, but only completed 3 of them, their score would be 3 out of 20 (15%).
| | Boot Camp Final Examination
| The boot camp final is scheduled to take up the last day of boot camp, Day 14 for all clients except Autism (which may or may require an additional week).
The final exam consists of both a written & practical portion.
The written test encompasses all the questions from the previous 2 weeks of quizzes & practical learning, and a practical test.
During the practical test, the client will be required to work their potential service dog through a local series of stores or local mall. They are given a series of tasks in a sequence that satisfies all ADA, ADI, and AZG requirements of proper handling competency & safety.
Spies may be present in every location to ascertain that the clients complete the given tasks without the interference/ influence of an AZG instructor in the immediate vicinity.
If the client fails to complete all require tasks in appropriate way that demonstrates effectiveness, safety, good public perception, and actual task required by client in their initial application with an 80% or better, the client will fail to receive their service dog and all the funds shall adhere to the terms of the initial contract and adopted refund policy at time contract signing.
Only for the Boot Camp final, if a client fails any portion of boot camp final they are allowed one retest with a $500 non-refundable retest fee. If they fail a second time they do not get any other chances. The retest on the boot camp final is to give a second chance for the client to pass since they have already started the bonding process with the dog. There are no retests on any other written or practical test before the boot camp final.
If they are successful, AZG treats all the Spies and the client to a congratulatory refreshments/desert immediately afterwards, and the client signs the final service dog contract to keep the service dog (according to the previously signed stipulations).
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This is the process that all of our clients go through from start to finish no matter what their disabilities are. We have successfully worked with clients that have limited mobility of just their head to autistic children who are totally non-verbal & non responsive. The process, tests, and information presented is exactly the same in all cases, although certain disabilities may focus on different command sets & tasks than other client. Different techniques of handling may also vary depending on if you are Quadriplegic verses blind or autistic.
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What is the refund policy if I don't pass all the tests?
Previously in the past 6 years, Arizona Goldens LLC had a no refund policy. With the changes in our economy, we have adopted a structured return policy. Please review the return policy at Return Policy
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