05/23/2026
🕒 Training a service dog is a process that requires dedication, time, and a lot of patience. Not every dog is suitable to become a service dog, as there may be underlying health or temperament issues that could hinder their ability to perform the necessary tasks. In such cases, these dogs find their true happiness as beloved family pets.
🐶 Our dogs go through an extensive training period, typically lasting around two years. They live with our trainers during this time and undergo rigorous training and testing to ensure they acquire the skills needed to become reliable service dogs. Once the training is complete, our focus shifts to finding the perfect recipient who can benefit from the unique abilities of each dog. Due to this process, we are unable to train your dog through our program.
Our primary training areas are wheelchair/mobility assistance and medical response, such as recognizing a seizure and providing help during a medical issue. We do not train psychiatric service dogs, diabetic alert dogs, full sight dogs or allergy alert dogs. Each type of service dog requires specialized training tailored to their specific tasks.
🏢 Recipients of our service dogs are required to attend twelve weekly classes in Peoria, IL, before getting a dog. However, if you reside outside our area, there's still hope! You can visit the assitancedogsinternational.org website to find accredited programs in your local area. They can provide you with the necessary guidance and assistance in your journey to finding a service dog. Remember, the journey may take time, but the bond formed with a well-trained service dog is invaluable.
To learn more about PGI, follow the link! https://givingindependence.org/
•
•
•