Humane and Personalized Training for Service Dogs, Facility Dogs, & Pets
America’s Oldest ADI-Accredited Assistance Dog Organization
Serving the Tucson and Phoenix Metro Areas
Arizona’s Leader in Positive Reinforcement Pet Training
The National Leader in Owner-Train Assistance Dog Training since 1973
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.
At Ability Dogs of Arizona, we provide training services to support both assistance dogs and family pets. All of our training is 100% positive reinforcement.
Our three core offerings are:
Owner-Train Service Dog Training
Work side-by-side with your dog for 12–18 months to train key tasks, build a deeper bond and achieve greater independence. Our certification process ensures that both you and your dog receive the highest level of training and support.
Owner-Train Facility Dog Training
Train your dog over the course of 6 months to support professionals in schools, medical centers, courthouses, and other environments. After completing our pilot program, these dogs will receive an internationally recognized certification to assist in these settings.
Public Pet Classes
We offer a wide range of pet classes to enhance your dog’s behavior. Whether it’s basic obedience, CGC certification, agility, or one-on-one trainings, our classes create a strong foundation for a happy, well-behaved pet.
Current Certified and In-Training Service Dog Teams
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 across Arizona, 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.
At Ability Dogs, we believe that the same fundamental training methods we use for service dogs can benefit pet owners, too. The same reward-based techniques that empower people in our service dog programs are also applied to help pet owners train their dogs, whether we’re teaching basic obedience, resolving behavior concerns, or simply building a stronger bond. This approach ensures that every dog in our program receives the personalized care and attention they deserve.
Every success story fuels our passion to innovate and serve more people. We celebrate the unmatched ability dogs have to bring independence, confidence, and joy to their handlers. By approaching every team with patient and individualized support, we create lasting partnerships that improve lives.
Ability Dogs is proud to continue a legacy of transformation that started decades ago, and we look forward to what the next 50 years will bring.
What Our Service Dog Teams Are Saying
"The instructors and staff go out of their way to help you feel part of the family at Ability Dogs."
Heidi, 2024 Program Graduate
“I have learned so much. The relationship I got to build with Mabel is the most magical possible in this world. I found so much healing, personal growth, connection, guidance, love and empowerment in this program.”
Moriah, 2023 Program Graduate
"Our training has pushed us to become better. We’ve been held to higher standards, and we have been supported in areas where we struggle.”
Leavitt, 2025 Program Graduate
"Since day one I've seen improvement after improvement with my dog. I truly feel I've been given all the tools needed to succeed. There has not been a lesson that I haven't learned, something to implement into everyday life."
Jordan, Current Student
"I always enjoy the friendliness and genuine concern you show us. It's refreshing to experience a dedicated organization that takes so much care in technique, so nothing is overlooked and everyone's needs are met."
Mario, 2018 Program Graduate
"The most valuable aspect of the program to me has been the personalized training both in private and group classes."
Sam, Current Student
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
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
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.