Service Dog Training Program

Magnum Opus German Shepherds has founded a private program for started service dog prospects. Only puppies and dogs we have bred are eligible for this training program—DO NOT contact us regarding this program about dogs acquired through other means.

We select one or two puppies from each SD-Geared litter that show appropriate temperament testing scores to become service prospects, and put them through a 16-week starter prospect program that will include socialization, basic obedience and manners, and public access training with older fully trained dogs as a behavior model to help them understand proper public access behavior. Using an older service dog or public access trained dog to begin the training of a service prospect is a proven method used by many service dog trainers.

After 16 weeks, the puppies will then begin working with their future handlers alongside our service dog trainers to become full service dogs with task training. This is a very long time commitment. Our dogs are usually fully public access and task trained service dogs by 1.5-2 years of age.

Public Access Training:

Controlled unload out of a vehicle, approach a building, controlled entry
Heeling and obedience throughout buildings, tuck under/into small spaces
Sit, Down, Stay, and Recall on command; off-leash and on
Environmental stability and proofing with stairs, escalators, elevators etc
Training in grocery stores, restaurants, mass transit, airplanes and more

Task Training:

Alert and/or response to fainting, seizures, heartrate changes, blood pressure changes, cortisol
Pickups and retrieves for various items
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT).
Assisting with Position Changes (e.g. Sitting to Standing, Laying to Sitting, etc).
Mobility—Forward Momentum, Counter-Balance, Bracing, Stablizing, etc.
Alert to sounds—phone ringing, door bell, sirens, alarms, name being called etc
Allergen alert
Crowd control, Block approaching persons/animals, etc.
Call 911 on a Dog-Friendly Phone.
Opening Doors (disability button, pulling open using a tug).
Turn On/Off Lights (with paw, nose, or teeth).
Nightmare Interruption.
Routine Reminders (e.g. feed the dog, take medication, eat meals, go to sleep, etc).

service dog prospect APPLICATION

Magnum Opus donates at least one puppy with a suitable temperament to become a service dog for someone in need every year. please only complete the application below if you or someone you know has a verifiable disability, and the ability to have the puppy professionally trained through a licensed trainer or facility to become a service dog. Please note: At this time, we can only donate to those who are relatively local. Please only fill out this form if you live in Missouri.

I have the ability to pay for this puppy to become professionally trained as a service dog. I understand that this can cost $5,000--$20,000 or more.

If you do not have the ability to have this dog professionally trained, please seek another organization that can provide you with reduced training costs. We do not donate prospects to those who plan to owner-train.

Yes

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

(###)

###

####

Email Address

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

I am the person that needs this service dog.

Yes

No

If you are not the person who needs this service dog, please put their name below:

First Name

Last Name

What tasks will this dog be trained to perform? Be as specific and detailed as you can.

Please list the name & phone number of the service dog trainer you plan to hire.

Please list the name & phone number of your current veterinarian.

Comments & questions:

I understand that this dog must be returned to Magnum Opus if, for any reason, it does not complete its training or is deemed unsuitable to be a service dog. I understand that I will not legally own this dog until training has been completed. I understand that there is a very strict contract involved, and any breaches thereof will result in prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

Yes