Training Program

Training Service. Building Confidence. 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, AKC evaluators, and seasoned handlers with decades of experience in:

• Obedience, conformation, tracking, scent work, and rally

• Canine behavior and positive reinforcement training

• Public access training and AKC CGC evaluations

• Peer mentorship and veteran support services

Together, they provide hands-on instruction, individualized guidance, and support throughout each phase of training—all united by a shared commitment to helping veterans and their 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:

• 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: Community Canine (AKA 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.

* https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/

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.

Train together. Heal together.

Contact Us

Reach out to us for support and training inquiries.