www.abilitydogs.ca

Ability Dogs Canada has been such a wealth of information, support and guidance throughout my journey to welcome an Intervention Dog to my service. They have had patience in my learning process, gentle but confident strides to meet my service needs, and kept honest about expectations and progress throughout training. I am so excited to have ADC Haven join me in the near future at Victim Services and would highly recommend Ability Dogs Canada to anyone needing this type of support and service.

I was initially on the list for a service dog, however we looked into getting a puppy and having the year long training program done. Had I known the failure rate of a client pursuing their own training with the puppy is 90% failure rate, and looking back it makes sense. When you are in need of a service dog, how are you supposed to have the stamina to train one. Right off the bat it was not a good recommendation to us to go this route. Initially they were closed during the holidays (I did not know they would be) so received little to no information on how to deal with a brand new puppy. I believe ability dogs had the best intentions, however they seemed too busy to fit in my once a week training session, or to answer my questions during the group sessions I attended. I always let them know my availabilities, but didn't always get a reply and in turn did not get sessions in every week, as contracted. This is not a cheap endeavor, and after feeling my health decline I decided to end the contract for my health's sake. I received a portion of my funds back as I only used a month out of a year's worth, and did not receive all that was said to be included, but was still out some. If you are a client I do not recommend training your own service dog, but aquiring one trained instead.

I have been a client of Ability Dogs Canada, working with head trainer Samantha Cooper, now for over two years. Having the privilege of working with Samantha for that time having her assist me in training my service dog in training, simply put, saved my life. Although my first dog had to be career changed for many reasons beyond anyones control, I am so grateful to have ADC and Samantha supporting me in helping me to find my next service dog candidate and will be there with me to continue this journey. Samantha is very kind, compassionate, and has a huge heart, all of which are required to be successful in this line of work. Service dogs save lives but it is only because of great trainers like Samantha that these dogs and their handlers are able to work together as such strong teams. Samantha tailors her approach to fit each individual and dog rather than a one-size-fits-all" that I have seen from other trainers. I couldn't imagine working with a trainer who is more dedicated and loves the job more than Sam."

Professional and Reliable... They offer different programs associated with any type of Service Dogs and Handlers. Non-judgmental environment and very accommodating, they are an amazing resource for anyone struggling with any type of disability! I'm speaking from personal experience, everyone should take a look at the services they offer!

I've been training my pup with Ability Dogs Canada for a while now, the trainers helps me so much. Alot of the service dog tasks they taught us helps me everyday, I have less pain because of the tasks too! Having a service dog in training by my side everyday also helped me gain my independence back, I don't have to worry about being alone during a medical episode, my service dog in training will lay across my lap until I'm ready to get back up and continue our adventures. I've restarted being comfortable around in public and even visited places I had stopped going to years ago.The training classes are so fun and I made new friends too! The classes are very well organized and we know 1+ month ahead of the dates and locations, if something would of changed quickly we all get notified couple days or hours before.With each client they make sure the service dog/service dog in training does the proper tasks to help mitigate the persons disability/disabilities. I've always felt extremely supported and helped when we have questions or odd situations.When my service dog in training will retire, I will definitely go back to Ability Dogs Canada. I love the trainers training and support! They're very calm, friendly and helpful with all their clients!

I will be forever grateful for all that Samantha, at ability Dogs, has taught me. Not only the ways to train but giving me a greater appreciation for the emotions of a dog. My daughter is fighting the battle of her life with PTSD and Samantha has encouraged and helped me to understand more about the trials they often face and how having a Service dog makes such a difference. I personally witnessed this. Sadly, our Black Lab had to be career changed/re homed. She is a great dog but no matter how hard we tried, she could not meet the high standards these dogs are required to obtain. My daughter has her name on several list hoping to get another puppy, and Samantha, at Ability dogs, will be our trainer again. We couldn't imagine working with anyone else. Saying good bye to Olivia, my daughters service dog in training made me painfully aware of her tremendous need. A Service Dog, for my daughter, is actually a matter of being able to fully live and enjoy life.

Ability Dogs Canada thrives to make sure every disabled person feels welcome and appreciated. The head trainer has had years of experience training service dogs. This organization has given me strength to face day to day challenges. Thank you Ability Dogs Canada for your constant support!

We used Ability Dogs dog walking services and were very happy with the service received. They are reliable, punctual and the communication was great! We were also comforted that our dog was in the hands of qualified handlers!