501(c)(3) Nonprofit & Arizona Tax Credit QCO

One of only two Accredited Service Dog Programs in Arizona

Reward-Based Pet Training for the General Public

Discover how a Service Dog can change your life

What we do

Our Mission: Ability Dogs of Arizona is dedicated to providing specialized training to people and their dogs to enhance independence and quality of life.

As Arizona’s only accredited owner-trained assistance dog program, we specialize in service dog training and also offer comprehensive reward-based pet courses to the general public.

At Ability Dogs of Arizona, we believe in the power of community. That’s why we are one of the only ADI programs to embrace an owner-train model. It’s not just about training service dogs—it’s about empowering individuals and building relationships. We guide you through the process, step by step, over 12 to 18 months. Then, when you certifies we offer support throughout the life of your dog. We’re with you for the long haul.

But what really sets this approach apart is the community it creates. As dog-human teams work with our instructors and each other, they’re not just learning skills—they’re making meaningful connections. In a world where so many feel isolated, our program offers something more than just a well-trained dog; it offers a safe learning environment, and network of support and shared experience.

Why we do it

For over 50 years, we’ve seen lives transformed through the remarkable impact of service dogs. From Alamo Reaves and a group of her committed friends training dogs in a park, to now serving individuals in Arizona’s two largest cities, our history is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. Most programs don’t have the longevity we do, and this experience has only deepened our dedication.

Each success story fuels our passion to innovate, and serve more people. We believe in the unmatched ability dogs have to bring independence, confidence, and joy, opening doors for people in ways that seem unimaginable. By approaching each human-dog team with individualized support, we create lasting partnerships that improve lives.

At Ability Dogs, we’re not just about training service dogs—we’re about continuing a legacy of transformation that started decades ago. We can’t wait to see what the next 50 years brings.

  • SERVICE DOG PROGRAM

    What sets us apart is that our program provides individuals with the necessary tools and support to train their own service dog with close supervision. Unlike facilities that train and deliver dogs, our expert instructors include you from the start. We help train for a variety of different tasks, including Diabetic Alert, Hearing Alert, Mobility Assistance, Psychiatric Assistance, and Seizure Response.

  • FINANCIAL AID

    We understand that financial barriers can prevent people from accessing the service dog support they need. We believe in providing assistance to qualified people whenever possible through generous support from our donors. If you need a service dog but cannot afford one, apply for financial aid.

  • PET TRAINING

    Ability Dogs provides a wide range of pet classes tailored to both puppies and adult dogs. With a focus on positive reinforcement, we teach dogs to make good decisions instead of merely following commands. Our goal is to foster a strong and positive bond between you and your dog while equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed as pets.

Philosophy and Core Values

Ability Dogs is dedicated to providing specialized training to people and their dogs to enhance independence and quality of life.

THE ABILITY DOGS PHILOSOPHY

Yellow/Light brown dog with turqoise dollar looking back at camera
Brown and white dog laying on grass, looking up at something out of frame

Positive reinforcement is the core of what we do.

At Ability Dogs of Arizona, we champion positive reinforcement techniques for dog training. This approach rewards dogs for displaying behaviors we desire, using treats, praise, or play as incentives. Such rewards motivate the dog to repeat these behaviors, fostering a willingness to learn and experiment without fear of reprimand. Positive reinforcement not only strengthens the bond between dog and owner but also nurtures a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Our recommended training tools include flat-buckle collars, martingale collars, and no-pull harnesses. For certain safety considerations, we may suggest the use of head halters like the Gentle Leader or Halti. Our experienced instructors are on hand to help select and properly fit the ideal equipment for your dog. Additionally, we incorporate clickers or verbal markers to refine communication between you and your canine companion.

We advocate the application of positive reinforcement beyond our program, extending to all canine activities such as competition obedience, rally, agility, nose work, barn hunt, flyball, and dock diving.

To ensure a humane and effective training environment, we strictly prohibit the use of choke chains, electronic collars (e-collars), citronella spray collars, prong collars, or any devices intended to cause discomfort or pain as punishment. This policy also extends to invisible electronic fences and electronic scat mats.

OUR CORE VALUES

Black and white dog laying on floor, frisbee between front legs

At Ability Dogs of Arizona, our core values are the bedrock of our identity and purpose. They are the compass that guides our actions, the standards by which we measure our impact, and the commitments we make to our community. These values shape the way we support both people and dogs. They represent our dedication to excellence, our compassion for the challenges others face, and our belief in the transformative power of human-canine partnerships. As you explore each tab, you’ll uncover the fundamental principles that drive our work.

Ability Dogs of Arizona is one of just two service dog training programs in the state accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI)