WHAT WE DO
We opened our doors in 1973 and remain Arizona’s only ADI-accredited owner-train service dog program.
Our Mission: Ability Dogs of Arizona is dedicated to providing specialized training to people and their dogs to enhance independence and quality of life.
We provide training for both assistance dogs and family pets.
All of our training is 100% positive reinforcement.
Our Certified & In-Training Service Dog Teams
WHY WE DO IT
For over 50 years, we've seen lives transformed by service dogs. From founder Alamo Reaves and a group of committed friends training dogs in a park to serving individuals across Arizona and Nevada today, few programs bring the experience and longevity we do.
At Ability Dogs of Arizona, we work with veterans, civilians, and children with disabilities, helping each person build a partnership that changes their life. The same positive, reward-based methods that shape our service dog teams extend to pet owners as well. Whether we're helping a veteran with PTSD, a teacher managing diabetes, a child living with epilepsy, or a family strengthening their bond with a pet, our approach is built on trust and individualized support.
Every success story deepens our commitment to serving the next generation of Arizonans and Nevadans.
Service Dog Training
Veterans and civilians work side-by-side with their dogs 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. We offer free group lessons for as long as your dog serves you.
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.
What Our Training 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, 2026 Program Graduate
THE ABILITY DOGS
PHILOSOPHY
Positive reinforcement is the core of what we do.
At Ability Dogs, we believe training should build confidence and trust, not just compliance. Our goal is dogs that make good choices, not just follow commands. We use only positive reinforcement. There are no shortcuts.
This means rewarding the behaviors we want through treats, praise, play, and clear communication. Dogs learn without fear, handlers build real partnership, and the result is a foundation that holds for life.
We recommend equipment that supports comfort and safety: flat-buckle collars, martingale collars, and no-pull harnesses. For some dogs, a head halter such as the Gentle Leader or Halti is a useful addition. Our instructors help select and fit the right gear for each dog, and we use clickers or verbal markers to keep communication clear and consistent.
Positive reinforcement is the standard in every part of our work, from pet classes to service dog teams. Our assistance dog accreditation with Assistance Dogs International reflects that commitment.
OUR CORE
VALUES
Our values shape everything we do: how we train, who we serve, and what we hold ourselves to. They reflect our commitment to excellence, our compassion for the people and dogs we work with, and our belief in what a well-matched partnership can do.
Respect: We appreciate and honor donor intentions, differing viewpoints, and the unique bond between people and their dogs.
Empowerment: We inspire and equip individuals to become confident partners in their dog training journey, unlocking each person and each dog’s potential through personalized guidance.
Community: We build a supportive network that grows stronger with every shared experience, creating lasting bonds between people and their dogs.
Commitment: We honor our history by dedicating ourselves to excellence, transformative care, and the lifelong pursuit of stronger human-canine partnerships.
Standards & Science: We rigorously adhere to industry standards, grounding our practices in scientific research and evidence-based methods to ensure optimal outcomes.
