Stairs - dogs assist with negotiating stairs by providing stability and security. Locking the footrests of a wheelchair. Once the dog and applicant have been matched, and the dog's training is complete the applicant then enters team training with five to seven other teams. This three-week program is designed to teach the student and dog to work as a team and to teach the student the essentials of dog care and service dog etiquette in addition to the legalities involved with service dog ownership. The students are required to spend the three weeks either in a local hotel at their expense or in volunteer housing if available.
Training is held on weekends.
Team training is culminated with a certification evaluation and a graduation ceremony. An extensive follow-up program will continue to monitor and evaluate a team's abilities and needs throughout the entire working relationship. If you have a disability and you believe a Canine Partner For Life could assist you please print out the Service Dog Application under our Applications Section, complete the information and return to CPL at Post Office Box 170, Cochranville, PA 19330-0170.