Service Dogs

At Match Dot Pup, we carefully evaluate each litter and select puppies that show the potential to become service dogs. These puppies enter an extensive training program. As part of their early development, and before they go to their new homes around nine to twelve months of age, they work toward earning two important American Kennel Club (AKC) titles: the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and the Urban Canine Good Citizen (UCGC). These 10-skill tests lay a solid foundation for public behavior and prepare the puppies for the specialized task training required to become fully trained service dogs.

Throughout your dog’s time with us, we focus on teaching a wide range of essential behaviors and skills to prepare them for success as a service dog. These behaviors (see list below) are reinforced with both verbal cues and some hand signals to ensure clear communication and responsiveness in a variety of environments. Our training includes foundational obedience, advanced manners, impulse control, and public access readiness. By using a balanced approach with consistency, positive reinforcement, and gradual exposure to real-world scenarios, we help your dog develop the confidence and reliability needed to thrive in any situation.

Our Service Dog Graduates

Imani

Red Tri Female – Born 12/19/2023 (Indy x Gilbert)

This exceptional graduate has successfully completed our service dog training program and earned two prestigious titles from the American Kennel Club (AKC) in February 2025.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC): Demonstrates solid obedience skills and good manners at home and in the community, including loose-leash walking, polite greetings, and calm behavior around distractions.

Urban Canine Good Citizen (UCGC): Builds on the CGC by proving the dog's ability to handle the challenges of city environments, such as navigating busy sidewalks, elevators, public transportation, and loud noises.

This red tri female has shown an excellent temperament, strong focus, and calm demeanor—key qualities for service work. She has been placed and is ready to move forward with task-specific training to assist her future handler.

Promise

Black Tri Female – Born 2/15/2024 (Skye x Gilbert)

This intelligent and eager-to-please black tri female has completed the foundational stages of our service dog training program with excellence. In February 2025, she earned two American Kennel Club (AKC) titles that reflect her outstanding obedience and public behavior:

Canine Good Citizen (CGC): Validates her ability to follow basic commands, remain calm in new situations, and interact appropriately with people and other dogs. She consistently demonstrates polite leash manners, reliable recalls, and steady impulse control.

Urban Canine Good Citizen (UCGC): Proves she can confidently navigate busy public spaces, including crossing streets, calmly walking past distractions, entering buildings, and riding in elevators—critical skills for real-world service dog work.

This graduate has shown a gentle, focused, and adaptable temperament, making her an ideal candidate for advanced task training. She has been placed as well and is on her way to becoming a reliable, life-changing partner for her future handler.

Program Cost

The total fee for our service dog program, which includes both the cost of the dog and comprehensive training, is $6,500. This investment covers early socialization, foundational obedience, public access training, and achievement of AKC titles such as Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Urban Canine Good Citizen (UCGC)—providing a strong foundation for specialized service work.

Ready to Apply For a Service Dog?

If you’re ready to begin the process of getting a service dog, please visit our How to Get My Puppy page and complete the application form. Be sure to indicate that you are specifically seeking a service dog, and include the type of service you need— psychiatric support, hearing assistance, cardiac alert, seizure response, autism support, or similar.

Please note: Australian Shepherds are generally not suited for mobility assistance or guide dog work due to their size.