Many of today’s warriors have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and often physical injuries as well. A Next Step Service Dog can be trained to assist you and respond to your individual needs in unique ways such as:
Service dog candidates need to be easily trainable and non-threatening in behavior and appearance to the public.
Dogs between the ages of 1.5 to 3 years old.
A Next Step Service Dog thrives and gives his or her all when a strong bond develops between the dog and his human partner. To earn the dog’s loyalty and respect, and to foster a healthy relationship, the client and the dog will need to work, play, and spend many hours training together.
If you choose
The only cost for the Veteran or First Responder is a non-refundable $150.00 application fee. There is no cost for a NSSD dog or training.
After graduating from the NSSD program, transfer of ownership will be one year after certification provided all NSSD requirements are met.
Depending on the availability of NSSD trainers, dogs and number of applicants applying at any given time, the length of the wait for a Next Step Service Dog will vary, but we will keep you informed of your status throughout the application process.
Exercise. All dogs need physical exercise and mental stimulation for their health, but these requirements are especially important for a highly intelligent, working dog. If partnered with a Next Step Service Dog, you will need to provide, at the minimum, a one-hour brisk walk, 20-30 minutes of vigorous play, and 20-30 minutes of training for
Yes, if the dog is between 1.5 years old and 3 years old, passes our temperament tests, and you are approved to become an owner-trainer.
For dogs owned by Next Step: When you and the dog have successfully met our training requirements, have been certified by Next Step Service Dogs and have graduated from our program, the dog is the property of Next Step Service Dogs. When you and your NSSD service dog have passed your Public Access Test and
Next Step Service Dogs is committed to the success of its service dog partnerships. We provide support to each client-dog team for the life of the partnership, at no cost to you, through: