Training Programs

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At Althea Canines, we believe no one should have to face life’s challenges alone. That’s why we train service dogs, therapy dogs, and facility dogs that help people live with greater independence, confidence, and connection.

For individuals living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and mobility challenges, a professionally trained service dog can be life-making. These dogs provide practical support, emotional stability, and a trusted partner to help their handlers navigate everyday life.

We also place therapy dogs and facility dogs in schools, hospitals, care homes, first responder agencies, and other community settings. Their presence brings comfort, reduces stress, and creates opportunities for healing and connection wherever they serve.

Our vision is simple: a world where every person who could benefit from the support of a highly trained dog has access to one.

We are a recognized AKC Therapy Dog program, providing training and support to prepare canine-handler teams for successful therapy work.

Menu / Price List

Service Dog Programs

We keep our classes small—just six students per class—so every team receives individualized guidance and support. A $500 processing fee is due upon acceptance into the program. While the average cost of training a service dog is approximately $50,000, donor and grant support helps cover much of that expense, making the program more accessible to those in need. Dogs must be under 24 months of age and successfully complete a temperament evaluation before joining the program. A testing fee may apply. Participants must be at least 14 years old and able to work with and train their own dog throughout the course of the program.

Owner Train Program

$2,800
Our Owner Train Program begins by teaching students the skills they need to become effective trainers and advocates for their dogs. Classes are designed to build confidence, strengthen the handler-dog partnership, and prepare teams for real-world success.

Program Highlights:

  • 14-month training program
  • Classes meet once weekly for the first 3 months
  • Classes then increase to twice weekly, including public access training
  • $200 monthly tuition
  • The majority of training costs are covered through grants and donations

This structured approach helps teams develop the skills needed to work confidently and successfully as a Service Dog team.

100% funding available for Military Veterans and First Responders currently.

Hybrid Program

$3,000
Our Hybrid Program is an optional add-on to the Owner Train Program, designed specifically for puppies and young dogs under 14 months of age. This program provides a strong foundation during the critical early stages of development, helping set both the dog and handler up for long-term success.

Program Highlights:

  • Available as an add-on to the Owner Train Program
  • Designed for dogs under 14 months of age
  • Focuses on house manners, crate training, and leash skills
  • Includes extensive socialization and exposure to new environments
  • Provides additional guidance and support during puppyhood

Ideal For:

  • First-time puppy owners
  • Students who feel uncomfortable training in public settings
  • Handlers who would benefit from extra coaching and support
  • Young dogs that need a strong foundation before advancing in training

This program helps build confidence, develop good habits, and create a smoother path toward Service Dog training.

100% funding available for Military Veterans and First Responders currently.

Full Board & Train Program

Starts at $15,000
Our Board & Train Program gives dogs a strong training foundation before transitioning to work with their handler. Dogs spend 12 months in our training program, followed by 6 months of classes designed to help handlers and dogs learn and grow together as a team.

Program Highlights:

  • Up to 16 months of professional Board & Train instruction
  • 6 months of follow-up classes for handlers and their dogs
  • Focus on building a successful handler-dog partnership
  • Includes handler training and public access skills
  • Ongoing guidance and support throughout the transition process

This structured approach helps ensure both the dog and handler are confident, prepared, and successful working together in everyday life.

*Additional costs based on the specific needs of the handler
*100% funding available for Military Veterans and First Responders currently.

Facility Dog Programs

Facility dogs serve a powerful purpose—providing comfort and support to those immersed in high-stress environments each day. In addition, we provide extended training as needed.

Facility Dog Training - First Responders

$4,500
Our Facility Dog Program is designed to create successful, long-term partnerships between dogs and the organizations they serve. Training begins with a professional Board & Train program, followed by hands-on support to help both the dog and handlers transition smoothly into their daily environment.

Program Highlights:

  • 8-10 months of professional Board & Train instruction
  • Includes handler training and education
  • 7 months of on-site training and support after placement
  • Customized training based on the organization’s needs and environment
  • Ongoing collaboration to ensure a successful working partnership
  • Includes year recertification

Additional Information:

  • Funding is tailored to the needs of each applicant whenever possible
  • A signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is required before training begins
  • Program details are customized based on the client’s goals, location, and intended use of the facility dog

Our goal is to ensure that every facility dog team is well-prepared, confident, and equipped to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.

Funding available in the Greater Sacramento Area.

Facility Dog Training - Residential Care Homes & Schools

$2,400
This Facility Dog Program is designed for local handlers who want to make a positive impact in their communities alongside their dogs. The program combines classroom instruction, public access training, and real-world experience to prepare teams for successful Therapy Dog work.

Program Highlights:

  • Open to local handlers only
  • 6-month training program
  • Weekly classes during the first month
  • Weekly classes plus a public access training session during the remaining 5 months
  • Four on-the-job training sessions (up to 3.5 hours each)
  • Includes AKC certifications
  • Includes Therapy Dog registration

By the end of the program, handlers and their dogs will have the skills, experience, and certifications needed to confidently serve in therapy settings and support their communities.

Therapy + Stress Mitigation Dog Programs

Our Therapy and Stress Mitigation Dog Programs are designed to bring comfort, connection, and emotional support to individuals and communities facing everyday stress, trauma, and mental health challenges.

Therapy Dog Program

$750
This program is designed for local handlers who want to strengthen their training skills and give back to their communities alongside their dogs. Through a combination of classroom instruction and public access training, teams build the confidence and skills needed to work successfully in community settings.

Program Highlights:

  • Open to local handlers only
  • Weekly training over six months
  • Weekly classes during the first month
  • Weekly classes plus a public access training session during the remaining 5 months
  • Includes AKC certifications

Students MAY CHOOSE to participate:

Once graduated, Therapy Dog teams are asked to participate in up to two visits a month for the first 12 months. Renewal is $100 per year and includes insurance, any fees for CE units, including Mental Health First Aid, and program visits coordination.

This program prepares teams to make a meaningful difference while sharing the unique comfort, connection, and support that therapy dogs provide.

Stress Mitigation

$1,800
This program is designed to help handlers and their dogs build confidence, strengthen their partnership, and develop practical skills for everyday life. Teams learn advanced obedience, public access skills, handler engagement, and supportive tasks that can help manage stress and challenging situations.

Program Highlights:

  • 6-month training program
  • Weekly classes during the first month
  • Weekly classes plus a public access training session during the remaining 5 months
  • Multiple levels of obedience training
  • Public behavior and real-world training skills
  • Handler engagement and teamwork development
  • Task training to help support stress management
  • Includes AKC certifications

Ideal For:

  • Active-duty military personnel
  • First responders
  • Individuals looking for additional support and confidence in daily life

This program provides practical skills, ongoing support, and a stronger connection between handler and dog, helping teams navigate life’s challenges together.

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All training and support provided is positive, we do not train using corporeal punishment. Dogs, like children, will seek attention either negative or positive. We reward good decisions with positive physical and verbal attention. We discourage undesirable behavior with confident verbal commands, patience and physical assistance (such as backing a dog up who advances during a sit or lay command without release). We believe that your canine companion needs a confidant leader to feel safe and that leads to confidant and desirable behavior. It is our experience that a dogs behavior gives a clear insight in to what they are feeling from the relationship they have with the humans in their life, which may be anxiety, need to protect, fear, uncertainty or lack of confidence. Our goal is to teach you the appropriate communication skills for you to create a healthy relationship for you and your canine family member, as well as helping you to understand their communication style. 


100% funding available for Military Veterans and First Responders.

Do you want to help support your local military and first responders? Contact us to learn more!

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