Training Program
Training Service. Building Strength. Continuing the Mission.
At Carolina Veterans’ Service Dog Training (CVSDT), we believe in empowering veterans to train their own service dogs—one command, one bond, and one breakthrough at a time. Our program is veteran-led, peer-supported, and rooted in a shared commitment to resilience, independence, and healing.
Our Approach to Training
CVSDT’s service dog training program is structured around trust, confidence, and purpose. Veterans are not just participants—they are leaders in their own journey. We provide the tools, support, and experienced mentorship to help each veteran build a strong, working partnership with their dog, grounded in positive reinforcement and standards-based skill development.
Training is structured, but flexible. It is serious work, but deeply rewarding. And it is never done alone.
Our Experience
Our training staff includes veterans, certified AKC evaluators, and seasoned handlers who bring decades of experience in:
Obedience, conformation, tracking, scent work, and rally
Canine behavior and positive reinforcement training
ADA public access standards and AKC CGC evaluations
Peer mentorship and veteran support services
Together, they provide hands-on instruction, trauma-informed guidance, and unwavering support throughout each phase of the program. Their experience is as diverse as it is deep, united by a shared commitment to helping veterans and dogs succeed—together.
Program Structure
CVSDT’s training model follows a multi-phase progression, with formal evaluations based on AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) programs. Each phase builds handler confidence and canine capability, with support throughout:
Phase 0: Orientation – Intro to ADA rights, responsibilities, and training expectations (veteran only)
Phase 1: Basic Training – Foundations in trust, focus, and obedience
Phase 2: CGC Prep & Evaluation – Preparation for and completion of AKC Canine Good Citizen test
Phase 3A: CGC-Advanced (CGCA) – Complex commands, crowds, and distractions
Phase 3B: CGC-Urban (CGCU) – Real-world navigation in urban settings
Phase 3C: Task Training – At least two disability-mitigating tasks individualized to the veteran’s needs
Training is conducted at veteran-accessible sites throughout the Carolinas, including public environments for real-world skill-building.
Upon successful completion of all training phases, veterans receive:
A CVSDT Training Validation Letter, signed by the President, affirming public access readiness under ADA standards
Opportunities for annual revalidation and continued mentorship
A lifelong connection to the CVSDT community
While CVSDT does not certify service dogs (as certification is not legally required), we uphold the highest training and public access standards consistent with the ADA and AKC.
Graduation &
Post-Program Support
Safety, Responsibility, and Readiness
All participants must:
Maintain control and responsibility for their dog at all times
Attend at least 80% of scheduled sessions
Train under the supervision of CVSDT-approved trainers
Provide proof of vaccinations and demonstrate readiness before entering public training spaces
We strongly recommend that all graduates maintain personal liability insurance once they reach public access.
For Veterans, by Veterans
This isn’t just training.
It’s purpose.
It’s connection.
It’s community.
If you’re ready to train with a team that understands you, welcomes you, and walks beside you—
CVSDT is here to serve.
Together we train. Together we heal.
Contact Us
Reach out to us for support and training inquiries.
