Co-Train FAQ
Train your own Psychiatric Service Dog through our Co-Train program!
When are the next scheduled Co-Train sessions?
Co-Train sessions begin every February and August.
Classes contain 4-6 students. After you have been accepted into the program, a $250.00 non-refundable first payment is due to hold your place in class. If the minimum number of students it not met, then that particular session will be cancelled and the $250.00 deposit returned or held over until the next session, if the client desires.
What are Psychiatric Service Dogs?
Nearly half of the requests BSD receives are for psychiatric service dogs. These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that assist in the management of severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD and more.
Click here to see Justy comfort Shannon
What is Co-Train?
Co-Train is designed to equip qualified clients in the Central Ohio area with the knowledge and skills to choose and train their own psychiatric service dog, under the expert coaching and watchful eye of our experienced BSD training staff.
What are the benefits of Co-Train?
Fee Reduction. The average cost of a psychiatric service dog trained by BSD is about $17,000. Because Co-Train clients will house their own dogs and do the majority of the training, our fees for the Co-Train program are $7,500.
Other Benefits:
- If the client’s pet passes our evaluation, it can be trained it to become a psychiatric service dog.
- If the participant does not have a suitable dog, we will provide the instruction and guidance to help select the right dog. (Please don’t go choose a dog before classes begin!)
- Clients experience satisfaction and a sense of empowerment as they train their own dogs.
- Upon graduation, Co-Train students will receive a diploma from BSD stating you have completed the class and your dog meets the legal criteria for a psychiatric service dog.
- Graduates will be invited to all BSD public outings and events. During these outings you can receive ongoing instruction or follow-up help with your dog. You will also enjoy meeting other trainers and clients, socializing and swapping dog stories.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Co-Train program?
- A letter from mental health professional stating your diagnosis and need for a psychiatric service dog. You must also sign a release so we can speak to your mental health professional
- 14 years or older
- Submit an application to and have an assessment appointment with BSD.
- Determined by BSD to be a good candidate for the program.
- You must live in the Central Ohio area and/or be willing to travel weekly for approximately four to five months to Central Ohio in order to participate in Co-Train classes.
- Unless other arrangements are made in advance, the program fee of $7,500 must be paid in full at the beginning of the course.
What if I miss a class?
Your instructor will be available for 30 minutes prior to class each week to review the previous session and help those who missed previously.
How do I apply?
Please follow the link to submit your online application: http://www.buckeyeservicedogs.com/application-information/application/
What will I be learning?
The tentative course breakdown is as follows:
Weeks 1-3:
These “no dog” lessons will cover dog behavior, general health, service dog and public access laws, how to evaluate service dog candidates and additional important topics.
Week 4-5:
First outing. Begin task training.
Weeks 6-7:
Addressing fear and other obstacles with your dog.
Week 8:
Introducing individual, specialized training.
Weeks 8-10:
Main focus on specialized skill training – alerting and response skills customized to meet your specific needs.
Weeks 11-12:
More specialized skill training. Overview of ADI testing.
Week 13:
Review, individualized help
Week 14:
ADAI and CGC Testing
Week 15:
Graduation Party!
For additional information, email Christy at BuckeyeServiceDogs@gmail.com and put “Co-Train” on the subject line.