Affordable Service Dog Training
at Tri Canine Campus in Clarkston, MI
Training a service dog is a major commitment—one that’s often expensive, time-consuming, and intensive. On average, it takes up to two years and can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000. Most service dogs are trained from puppyhood by professionals and then matched with a person based on their specific needs.
Service Dog Group Classes
At Tri Canine Campus, we offer a more affordable, hands-on alternative.
Instead of purchasing a fully trained dog, you—the handler—will take part in the training process, guided by our expert instructors. This method significantly reduces the cost, while also building a stronger bond between you and your dog.
Training with a Purpose: Restoring Independence
Service dogs are more than just well-trained companions—they are lifelines for individuals with disabilities or health conditions that affect daily life. These dogs perform crucial tasks that help restore freedom, confidence, and self-reliance.
Whether it’s alerting to medical episodes, assisting with mobility, retrieving items, or providing stability and support, task-trained service dogs enable their handlers to live more independently and safely in the world around them.
Through our program, you won’t just train a dog—you’ll be developing a teammate who helps navigate life’s challenges with you, one command at a time.
What to Expect
Training is conducted primarily in a classroom setting, with minimal reliance on private lessons. Before starting, every dog-handler team will undergo an evaluation to determine:
- The specific service dog tasks required based on your needs
- Whether you (or a designated trainer such as a family member or friend) are physically and practically able to complete the training
- Your dog’s temperament, learning ability, and suitability for service work
Requirements & Restrictions
To maintain high standards and set our teams up for success, we have a few important criteria:
- Dogs must be under 4 years old
- Mobility assistance dogs must meet minimum size/strength requirements
- Some service dog tasks require early training from puppyhood
- Dogs must have a calm, neutral demeanor in public settings
In places where pet dogs are not typically allowed—like restaurants, stores, or offices—your dog should blend in quietly and respectfully. That means no barking, whining, begging, or inappropriate behavior. Service dogs must always represent professionalism and control.
Program Structure
Ninety percent of the requirements for Service Dogs is having a ‘good’ dog. The dog is neutral and does not have adverse reactions to the different environments it is presented with. When in public places where house pets are not allowed (i.e. restaurants, stores, etc) the dog must behave. An example would be in a restaurant where the dog should not be seen, heard or smelled (tucked beneath or beside you, not barking, begging or whining, and not using the floor as its personal restroom).
You will be learning the Laws and Logistics (ADA) of a service dog as well as the protections and expectations, commands and behaviors.
Program Structure
- Class Frequency: 2–3 sessions per week
- Class Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour per session
- Training Progression: Completed in stages—each must be passed before moving on
- Private Lessons:
- Standard rates apply for obedience-focused sessions
- Task-specific training is billed at double the standard rate
Note: Some of your classes may include general pet owners, but service dog teams are held to a much higher standard. You are expected to lead by example and demonstrate the focus, precision, and dedication that service work demands.
What You Will Learn
You will receive in-depth education on:
- ADA laws and legal protections for service dog teams
- Public access rights and responsibilities
- Proper etiquette in public environments
- Obedience training, impulse control, and task comprehension
- Specific task training to support physical, medical, or emotional needs
Is Tri Canine Campus Right for You?
If you—or a trusted family member or friend—are physically and mentally capable of committing to a structured training process, and your dog is a good fit, our program offers a powerful, cost-effective path to greater independence.
At Tri Canine Campus, we believe that service dogs should be accessible to the people who need them most. By empowering you to train your own dog, we’re not only reducing financial barriers—we’re helping you build a lasting partnership rooted in trust, training, and freedom.
Service Areas
Offering Dog Training in
Clarkston, MI, Waterford, MI, Oxford, MI, Lake Orion, MI, Ortonville, MI, Goodrich, MI, Linden, MI, Holly, MI, Grand Blanc, MI, Howell, MI, Highland, MI, Hartland, MI, Brighton MI, Swartz Creek MI, South Lyon MI, Milford MI, White Lake MI, Fenton MI, West Bloomfield MI, Keego Harbor MI, Orchard Lake MI, Bloomfield Township MI, Bloomfield Hills MI, Royal Oak MI, Troy MI, Birmingham MI, Clawson MI, Rochester MI, Rochester Hills MI, Novi MI, Walled Lake MI, Wixom MI, Farmington MI, Farmington Hills MI, Beverly Hills MI, Auburn Hills MI, Northville MI, Livonia MI, and surrounding areas.
If you want to enroll your dog in one of our group classes, please call 248-425-3444 to learn more. We look forward to helping you and your furry friend achieve your training goals!
