Service Dog Training in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX
Ever wonder if your dog would make a great service dog? Now, you can find out! Heart of Texas’ service dog training is now available in Fort Worth, TX. making it easier than ever for local dog owners to explore their options. This program offers specific service dog training for physical and mental health support.
Heart of Texas Dog Training can keep your dog happy and quiet with our premier in-home training sessions. We always start training inside your home and then eventually work outside of the home in real world situations.
Financial Assistance May Be Available
Eligible veterans, service members, and military families may qualify for financial assistance through Semper Fi & America’s Fund to help with the cost of service dog training and care.
Funding is based on eligibility and is not guaranteed.
Obedient Dog vs. Service Dog
Some dogs have calm and attentive temperaments naturally. However, becoming a service dog requires more training to follow specific orders and complete specific tasks. A service dog can help people with physical, mental, and/or medical disabilities.
NOTE: We currently do not provide service dog training for medical alert service dogs.
A service dog is different from a well-behaved dog because service dogs are allowed to access to public places that might not otherwise allow traditional pets. Their intense training ensures each service dog can remain calm and focused in any setting.
Service Dog Prep Program
Building a reliable service dog starts with rock-solid fundamentals. Our Service Dog Prep Program is structured as a progressive tier system, requiring baseline milestones before advancing to the next stage.
Important Note: This prep program focuses on foundational obedience, impulse control, and public neutrality. It does NOT include specific task training.
Level 1
In-Home Basic ObedienceTarget Behaviors Addressed:
- Foundational commands: sit, down, stay, heel, and place
- Crate training and establishing household calm
- Correcting attention-seeking habits (barking, pacing)
- Responding reliably to commands under mild distractions
- Eliminating counter surfing and enforcing mealtime boundaries
Level 2
Public Mastery & CGC PrepTarget Behaviors Addressed:
Inability to focus or check in when in busy public settings
Breaking “stay” or “place” positions around crowds and distractions
Overcoming stress and anxiety in high-foot-traffic areas
Leash pulling or rushing toward approaching strangers
Must pass a Public Access Test to graduate to Level 3.
Level 3
Public Mastery & CGC ExamTarget Behaviors Addressed:
Absolute neutrality to sudden and loud environmental noises
Complete disinterest in food or trash dropped on the floor
Maintaining tight, tucked heel positions through crowd settings
Quiet, extended down-stays tucked under restaurant tables
Culminates in an official AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluation and certificate.
Get Started Today with Service Dog Training in Fort Worth!
Our dog trainers at Heart of Texas Dog Training can evaluate your dog locally in Fort Worth. We’ll verify if your dog is suited for support service and create a tailored training plan to achieve certification. Contact us to get started and begin the service dog training process.
Heart of Texas Dog Training DFW
Serving Dallas/Fort Worth TX, and surrounding areas.
Heart of Texas Dog Training Houston
Serving Houston TX, and surrounding areas.
Heart of Texas Dog Training Austin
Serving Austin TX, and surrounding areas.
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm
Training Hours:
Weekdays, Weeknights and Weekends by appointment only.
