Dog Trainers Workshop Launches Veterans Service Dogs Program
December 22, 2014
FOUNTAIN INN, SC – Dog Trainers Workshop, a full-service dog training and boarding facility founded by Connie Cleveland and based in Fountain Inn, SC has partnered with Bill Brightman and The Service Dog Institute to develop a companion/service dog training program for veterans. Brightman, a veteran’s advocate for companion & service dogs, serves as the liaison between various veterans’ organizations and Dog Trainers Workshop; together they help connect veterans with Dog Trainers Workshop, find and match suitable dogs with veterans if necessary, and train dogs to assist with various companion and service activities. The Service Dog Institute is a non-profit service dog placement organization located in Simpsonville, SC and will assist in fundraising efforts for each veteran accepted in the program.
The service dogs program, which willingly considers dogs already owned by veterans as well as helps match veterans with dogs, integrates veterans into a series of three initial obedience classes that Dog Trainers Workshop offers, then offers private lessons to help customize the program for the special companion and service needs that veterans may have. Dog Trainers Workshop is offering its classes and private lessons to veterans and companion/service dogs through a combination of reduced fees and grants and donations, while Cleveland’s expertise and time in finding and matching suitable dogs for veterans is offered gratis.
“As someone who has experienced DTW’s classes, there is no greater joy than to see your dog tackle and succeed at increasingly difficult obedience tasks,” says Brightman. “Veterans that work within the DTW program experience classes in a community setting with all kinds of dogs and people from different backgrounds, all sharing the same goal, along with trainers expert in their craft and passionate about each dog and owner’s success. The program can help veterans gain hope and increased self-confidence, not to mention a deeper bond with a dog that is able to help with unique challenges.”
Eric Gross, Marine Corp veteran, and his Siberian Husky Nikita are a part of the veterans service dogs program at Dog Trainers Workshop.
“The costs of programs that focus exclusively on training service dogs can range from $5000 to $20,000 per service dog,” says Connie Cleveland, President of Dog Trainers Workshop. “One advantage to the veterans service dogs program at Dog Trainers Workshop is that costs are held down by veterans working within DTW’s existing classes and training. Through DTW, costs can range from $500 to as much as $6300 depending on how much the veteran can participate in existing classes and how much additional training or skills a dog requires for special needs. With the help of The Service Dog Institute, much of that cost is covered by grants, donations, and other fundraising efforts.”
“It has been a real blessing to have Bill’s expertise and connections in developing this program. As a veteran, he brings a sensitivity to the needs of those returning from deployments, as well as those who continue to deal with the consequences of their service over a lifetime.”
Veterans interested in applying to the program and connecting with Brightman may contact Dog Trainers Workshop at 864.862.8626. Those interested in supporting the veterans service dogs program may mail donations with a note designating the donation to the restricted fund for veterans or for a specific veteran to The Service Dog Institute, 655H Fairview Road #173, Simpsonville, South Carolina 29680. Donations are tax-deductible under the 501(c)(3) statute.
Dog Trainers Workshop was founded in 1991 by internationally-recognized dog trainer Connie Cleveland. Over the past 20 years, Dog Trainers Workshop has grown into a spacious center for dog lovers, and features an indoor training facility and boarding kennel with indoor/outdoor runs, set on 14 acres with a pond and walking trail. Dog Trainers Workshop helps new puppy owners, those just starting out in obedience training, obedience competitors, and owners with problem dogs through an array of services including classes, day and boarding schools, and private lessons. For more information on Dog Trainers Workshop visit http://www.dogtrainersworkshop.com, like https://www.facebook.com/DogTrainersWorkshop, or contact them at 864.862.8626.
