Services

Tail Waggin Services

Tail Waggin Training Center’s focus is to produce exceptional quality and highly trained service dogs to assist individuals with physical, neurological and social challenges.

We are dedicated to selecting and training dogs that come from fully accredited breeders who provide the dogs with a healthy and well socialized environment. Before selecting a dog from a breeder we test for temperament and trainability. These tests are a combination of techniques we have utilized over the years to determine if the dog would meet our standards. We have designed these tests to specifically recognize natural acceptance and ability that the service dog will need to provide.

Once we have chosen a puppy they reside in our home. They have constant contact with a child with autism and from the beginning are always guided, rewarded and participate in structured routines. Our pups go through lots of socialization, public access training as well as playing with other dogs. They are exposed to the stress of life’s daily routines.

The training schedule begins as soon as puppies are selected and is guided by our head trainers who have developed unique training skills needed to perform the many tasks. We have a unique volunteer trainer’s program which incorporates positive motivation techniques for the dogs. The dogs are exposed to specialized games that develop the willingness to work and increases their ability to perform.

We offer comprehensive programs in:
SERVICE DOG TRAINING
-Physical (MD, MS, Fibromyalgia, Injury)
-Psychiatric/Social Barriers (PTSD, Anxiety)
-Neurological (Autism, Asperger’s, Developmental Delay)
OBEDIENCE TRAINING
-Basic Manners
-Intermediate Training
-Canine Good Citizen Training (CGC)
-Pet Therapy
-Advanced/Competitive (Companion Dog, Rally O)
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
-Reactive/Aggressive Dog Training
-Daily Behavior Issues (Barking, Biting, Jumping, Chewing, Potty Training)
OWNER TRAINED SERVICE DOG PROGRAM
-setting objectives & goals
-public access training
-specific task training
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
-Service Dog Presentation (public access and the law)
- Kid Camps
-Therapist & Direct Care worker dog utilization
-Becoming a Service Dog Trainer
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
-Puppy Raisers
-Service Dog Handler
TRACKING/HUNTING
-Individual Training Programs
AGILITY - CONFIDENCE COURSE
-Skill Building & Recognition
-Confidence Building & Physical Improvement

Autism Disorder Service Dog Training

REALITY & HOPE

At Tail Waggin we realize and live the REALITY and now we are able to offer HOPE to others.

Imagine not being able to

…go to the doctors’ office
…go to the store
...eat out at a restaurant
…visit a playground
…calm down to sleep or stay at task

This is very typical in the life of a child with autism.
Now there is help in making these trips possible

PHYSICAL ASSISTANCE DOGS

INDEPENDENCE & SELF-ESTEEM

At Tail Waggin we have INDEPENDENCE and SELF-ESTEEM, our natural ability to train dogs will help others achieve these goals.

Wonder what it would be like to depend on others for

…opening a door so that you can enter the restroom
…picking up a personal item that fell from your purse
… pull off your socks or gloves
…feeling comfortable in your own home
…general conversation when out in public
…reaching and paying for items to purchase

OBEDIENCE CLASSES
Our classes are unique like no other. Our head trainers have years of hands on experience in teaching individual dog owners and training many breeds of dogs. We do not just teach the theory and skills, we use them everyday. We compete in all the areas that we teach and have done so for years. Many of our clients have gone on to compete as well.
Each level of classes is fun and educational and will help handlers develop a relationship and understanding for their particular dog. Not all dogs learn the same, and neither do individuals. We have the ability and years of experience to draw on to help any handler achieve their goals.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
We are certified in reactive dog training and we learned and continue to learn from the best in the industry. Behavior understanding comes from years of handling and training and observing dog behavior from litters of puppies to dogs in a pack situation. These abilities are not achieved by reading a book and explaining that to others. It is lived. Our trainers understand animal and human behavior and are certified to work with both. They encounter many challenges from dogs and owners and are able to guide them to successful conclusions.

OWNER TRAINED SERVICE DOG PROGRAM
We were the first organization in New England to see the importance of an Owner Trained Service Dog Program. We put a program into action and attract a wide variety of clients. Our clients are very unique and have the capability and determination to train their own dogs. We have set high criterias for success for this program. We offer public access training and individual issue training and individual dog training for specific task work. Our trainers have set a strict course of action and make sure that every dog handler team is successful.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
We provide service dog informational programs to help individuals and business, learn the laws and the expectations for a service dog. How do they help and what are the proper mannerisms for a trained service dog. What are the breeds and what tasks can they perform, at what age does training begin.
We were the first organization in the Bangor area to provide a structured canine kid camp for children to come and learn more about dogs and understand responsible dog ownership. Why do people need service dogs? What are the different breeds of dogs and what were they bred to do? The anatomy of the canine and what makes them mans best friend. The children are able to help train the service dog and are taught the beauty of helping others and working as a team to achieve a common goal.
Many direct care workers and therapists want to learn how these amazing animals are trained to help individuals. We provide training courses for these individuals with hands on experience. We have formed a partnership with college’s and university’s for their Occupational Students skill training.

TRAINING THE TRAINERS:
We offer an exceptional 12 hour (two day) workshop for trainers who are interested in developing a training program for autism service dogs. We live this training daily and our unique position has encouraged us to pass this information onto other trainers. Autism service dogs have unique training specifications and over the years we have found what works good as well as what works best. This workshop will enhance your range of services for your clients and improve your personal skill training. We provide a certificate of upon completion of the workshop. Email or telephone for additional information.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
We are always looking for volunteers that wish to give back to someone in need of help. Our program has increased tremendously over the past couple of years and it would not be possible without them. The countless man hours and dedication is the success behind our organization helping others. Anyone interested in volunteering should call or e-mail the facility.

TRACKING & HUNTING
We offer individual training on tracking and hunting, this allows for a more personal touch and helps the individual focus on the task at hand. Because we provide this as an individual training session, we utilize many areas around the state for training. This training is tailored to the dog and handler ability to insure success by both involved.
We utilize the agility equipment and other equipment specifically made to build confidence for many dogs of various ages and ability. We compete in this sport and can offer our experience and training techniques, which are full proof and have gotten the job done. We encourage anyone that is interested, come and talk to our trainers to see how this service can help their dog even if they do not wish to compete or may want to compete in the future.