About Me
"I am an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer located in Salinas, CA who specializes in service dog training. My methods do not involve the use of force, fear, pain or intimidation. Instead, I aim to make training fun for both handlers and their dogs, and to give flexibility and choice to dogs as often as possible.As a service dog handler myself, I understand the incredible impact a service dog can have on a disabled individual's life, as well as the unique challenges that handling a service dog can bring. My goal is to make service dogs more accessible to disabled handlers who would greatly benefit from one. I aim to make training as budget-friendly, accessible and inclusive as possible.I am currently best equipped to train service dogs for autism, PTSD and other psychiatric conditions, but I am accepting clients with a variety of task needs. I look forward to talking with you and starting your service dog journey together!"- Leia Dilley, IAABC-ADT
Service Dog Training
Owner-training is the most accessible path to a fully trained service dog for most individuals. Leia’s mission is to support handlers in their training journey, offering the advanced skill set that is required to train public access behaviors and tasks. Leia’s training program is custom-fit to each individual to suit their skill level, budget, and disability needs.As an owner-trainer, clients will house and provide all care for the dog, as well as training and socialization. As the trainer, Leia will provide ongoing guidance and a personalized training plan tailored to the individual and their dog. This training plan will be carried out through the following types of sessions, as they best suit the client:
Consultation
60-90 Minutes
$150
The first step in the training process is a consultation. The consultation will last approximately 60-90 minutes and will entail discussion of the handler’s needs, education of the client and ensuring a service dog will be a good fit for them, and creating a detailed plan moving forward.If the client owns a dog that they believe may be a good candidate, Leia will perform a behavioral evaluation to determine if the dog has a suitable temperament to move forward with service dog training. If the client does not have a suitable dog, Leia will discuss options for acquiring a dog, and make a plan for assisting in finding the right one.
Private Training Sessions
60 Minutes
$100
In person, private training sessions are geared toward hands-on training with the dog. They may take place in the client’s home or in a public setting. These sessions will be the best time to improve handling skills and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Virtual Sessions
30-45 minutes
$35
These sessions will take place over phone or video call. They are the best time to discuss progress, training plans, behavioral management and modification, and more. This option is available to add a more budget-friendly option to supplement in-person training sessions, but not replace them - Leia is not taking virtual-only clients at this time.
CGC Testing
CGC, CGCA and CGCU tests are available upon request! I will be offering CGC workshops in the near future to help teams prepare for the test.The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a 10-item test that evaluates dogs and their handlers on skills that show the dog can be a good Canine Citizen! Dogs who pass the test are awarded with an AKC title and a ribbon. This test is open to purebred and mixed bred dogs registered with the AKC.I am also able to test for Trick Dog and Virtual Home Manners titles. Contact me for more information or to schedule your test!For more information on CGC, Trick Dog, Virtual Home Manners or AKC's mixed breed registration (Canine Partners) use the buttons below:
Group Classes
Group classes are a great way to help your dog practice focusing with other dogs present. They are also a budget-friendly way to learn foundational behaviors, and they can help create a sense of community among handlers. Group public access outings will be offered in the future.
Public Paws
6-week Course
$200
coming soon!
This class curriculum has been created for any handler that wants to learn behaviors to help their dog be appropriate and unobtrusive in public. The class will meet each team at their current skill level, making it appropriate for beginner to advanced clients. It will have a strong emphasis on dog-handler engagement, focus and handling a variety of distractions.Public Paws is a 6-week course:
- Week 1 is a discussion-only class, dogs will not attend
- Weeks 2-4 will be in a classroom setting at the SPCA for Monterey County’s training center, focusing on building specific skills
- Weeks 5-6 will take place in public settings locally, challenging each team to take the skills learned into more distracting environmentsPrerequisites:
Teams should take at least one basic positive reinforcement training class with their dog before joining Public Paws - I highly recommend the SPCA for Monterey County’s Family Dog class. Dogs must not be reactive to other dogs in class.*This class does not take the place of a personalized service dog training program, and no dogs will be endorsed by Leia as service dogs from taking this class alone. If you are looking to train your dog as a service dog, please complete a consultation before signing up for class.
Stay tuned for future classes!
Contact
Please use the button below to inquire about upcoming group classes. To book a consultation or if you have any other type of inquiry, you can use the contact form below or send an email! [email protected]
To make a payment via Paypal, use the button below:
Payment via Zelle can be sent to [email protected]