Service Dog Training Built for Real Life
Service dogs require more than obedience—they require reliability, stability, and the ability to work confidently in real-world environments.
At Follow My Lead, LLC, we provide professional service dog training designed to prepare dogs and handlers for the demands of daily life. Our programs focus on clear communication, structured training, and practical skills that support long-term success in public access and task work.
What We Specialize in
Our service dog training programs are individualized and tailored to each dog-handler team. We work with dogs at various stages of training and offer guidance for both new prospects and advancing teams.
Public Access Training & Proofing
Mobility Assistance Tasks
Psychiatric Service Dog Training
Task Training & Skill Building
Real-World Reliability in Public Settings
Off-Leash Control & Advanced Obedience
Public access training
Public access work requires a dog that can remain neutral, focused, and responsive in a wide range of environments. Training includes exposure to stores, medical facilities, crowds, noise, and distractions while maintaining calm, appropriate behavior.
We emphasize reliability, handler awareness, and consistency—ensuring dogs are prepared to work confidently and respectfully in public spaces.
In order to complete all the test items on the Public Access Standard, students prep by starting with the 3 AKC titles in the Canine Good Citizen Program
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)- Focuses on basic obedience and good manners
AKC Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA)- Community Canine Focuses on distractions and impulse control
AKC Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU)- Focuses on navigation of city environments, cross walks, crowds, elevators and more.
Public Access Standard Test- Although not required by the American Disability Act, ethically, all service dogs should be able to pass this test and act appropriately and be well versed in responsible dog etiquette in public.
Task Training & Assistance Work
Task training is customized to meet the specific needs of each handler. This may include mobility assistance, item retrieval, grounding behaviors, interruption tasks, or psychiatric support work.
Our approach focuses on clarity, repetition, and reinforcement to ensure tasks are dependable and performed with confidence.
Balanced, Humane Training Methods
All service dog training at Follow My Lead, LLC is rooted in balanced, science-based methods. We utilize clear communication, structure, and humane reinforcement to teach dogs how to make good decisions under pressure.
When appropriate, top-of-the-line e-collar systems may be introduced as a communication tool to support off-leash reliability and precision. These tools are never rushed and are always used thoughtfully, ethically, and with the dog’s well-being as the priority.
Where Training Takes Place
Service dogs must work where life happens. We offer private in-home training and real-world training throughout Hernando County, including public locations where skills can be properly proofed.
We also may make occasional ‘Field Trips’ to specific environments to put our dogs to the test such as Tampa International Airport- check out TSA Cares Tour and Disney Springs
Remote coaching is also available for clients outside the local area or for teams who benefit from structured guidance between sessions.
Important Expectations
Service dog training is a process, not a shortcut. While we provide professional instruction and support, successful outcomes depend on consistency, handler involvement, and realistic expectations.
We do not guarantee certification or public access rights. Our focus is on training dogs to meet functional, behavioral, and ethical standards appropriate for service work.
Learn the difference between an Emotional Support Animal, a Therapy Dog, and a Service Dog
A typical Service Dog Team is about 2 years of training in the making- ideally selecting puppies from ethical breeders or who have been raised in the ideal conditions to help shape stable, confident temperaments. Ask about our Volhard Puppy Aptitude Testing Service to help find the best candidate for training,
Is Service Dog Training Right for You?
Service dog training is best suited for handlers who are committed to ongoing training, clear communication, and responsible handling. We are happy to discuss whether your dog is an appropriate candidate and what training path may be most effective.
As part of our evaluation process, we carefully assess each dog’s temperament, stress tolerance, and ability to remain neutral and focused in a variety of environments. While some dogs possess exceptional empathy and provide meaningful emotional support within the home, they may not be well suited for the demands of public access work. Identifying these differences early is not a failure, but an important step in protecting the dog’s well-being and setting realistic expectations. Our goal is always to help each dog succeed in the role they are best suited for—whether that is service work, advanced training, or providing emotional support at home—while supporting handlers with clear guidance and compassion.
Private, professional dog training in the convenience and comfort of your home.
Service dog training availability is limited to ensure quality, individualized instruction.