After going through this program twice with two different dogs, all I can say is both times have been phenomenal. All the trainers are very considerate of each dog’s personality, and they will help formulate a plan for you and your dog. The organization is very kind-hearted and helps Veterans. Out of 10, I’d give this place a 20.
In 2022, Macha and I attended service dog training with ASAS. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but from day one, the trainers were outstanding. They guided us through every step of the process with patience, encouragement, and professionalism.
They were incredibly patient with both Macha and me throughout the training, as well as with all of the other students in the class. Their dedication and support made the experience enjoyable and helped build our confidence as a service dog team.
I have recommended the ASAS service dog training program to several individuals looking for quality service dog training, and I will continue to do so. It was an exceptional experience, and I can’t recommend the program highly enough.
The ASAS training program has truly changed my life. Maverick quickly recognizes when I need him and responds with the skills he learned through his ASAS training, providing both practical assistance and unconditional love exactly when I need it most. He has given me greater confidence, independence, and peace of mind, allowing me to face each day with renewed hope. I honestly don’t know where I would be without Maverick and the incredible people at ASAS, who continue to be a source of love, encouragement, and support long after program certification. I am forever grateful for the difference they have made in both our lives.
Truly amazing experience training Lance! The instruction methods are straightforward, clear to understand, and easy to apply. The training environment is also fantastic—clean, simple, and featuring plenty of room alongside different obstacles for the dogs to navigate. Additionally, the trainers are highly skilled at instructing in a kind yet informative way. One of the most useful exercises was learning how to get all the dogs nose-to-nose without getting distracted by each other. This has been incredibly effective when Lance encounters other animals in public; he no longer reacts, even when another dog is barking or lunging at us. I cannot thank the team enough for the training that has clearly improved my quality of life!
I am incredibly grateful to the staff at ASAS / DOGS4VETS for their support, patience, and dedication they showed me throughout the process of training me and my service dog Enzo. They helped my dog learn many important tasks that assist me in my everyday life. Their commitment went far beyond simply training a dog. They took the time to understand my needs and helped us build a strong partnership. The skills Enzo has learned have made a meaningful difference in my daily life.
Having Enzo has truly changed my life for the better. His presence has given me the ability to navigate daily life with greater peace of mind and has helped me participate in things I may have otherwise avoided. I truly appreciate the compassion, professionalism, and encouragement provided along the way. I would highly recommend this organization to any veteran looking for support in developing a life-changing partnership with their service dog.
Have you ever seen a working Rottweiler? Well, you can through the great services ASAS provides to disabled veterans. ASAS welcomes veterans of all ages who need a special dog that will watch their six when it is needed most. ASAS is more than a service dog training facility. It is a giant family of veterans and outstanding working dogs who support us.
ASAS gives you hands-on experience and weekly homework so you can continue the training that will give you the services you need when the time comes. Not every medicine is going to cure or heal you, but a dog full of love, obedience, and passion will give you something that can never be taken away.
I am Dan, I am a disabled US Navy Veteran. I have two service dogs that I have taken through the American Service Animal Society, DOGS4VETS program. My two service dogs have changed my life in so many ways. The unbelievable benefits of having my K9 companions at my side daily are too numerous to list. DOGS4VETS has made this possible. We, the Veterans, work with our dogs under the incredible instructions and guidance of the staff at DOGS4VETS. No matter the issue or challenge the DOGS4VETS staff either have or find a solution.
My life is far better with Sailor and Havana at my side. I have the American Service Animal Society, DOGS4VETS to thank for that
Since I’ve had my service animal new places have opened up for me. I’m able to go out shopping at the grocery store and at the mall. We’ve seen movies at a theater, went to parks, ridden on the bus and the light rail. So much more things we have done. He is quite the best part in my life.
I was not sure what to expect on the first day of service dog training. Members of my family convinced me that I would benefit from having a service dog. There was one major issue that I shared when introducing myself to the rest of the individuals attending the first day, as well as the trainers. That issue was that I have never been a dog person, and one of the first things my service dog was going to have to do was change that. I was hesitant at first, not sure I was going to be able to handle my part of the training and even questioned if I was going to stick it out. Bella, my golden doodle, convinced me that the challenges were manageable, and the trainers reinforced that many times. Bella handled the challenges better than I did, and with the continued encouragement from the trainers, we found the confidence to complete the course. I would not say that I am now a dog person but I am a “Bella” person as the training has strengthened our bond. When Bella and I are out in public, we regularly get comments on how well she behaves and listens. I am so glad that Bella and I were part of and completed the Dogs4vets training. I am amazed at how far Bella and I have come.
This non-profit has ultimately saved my life by providing training, not only for my dog, but for me, the owner. The staff was able to observe me and my dog early in training and recognized an instinct in my dog alerting me to the panic attacks that were about to surface. The trainer was able to pick up Razzak’s cues and tell me that I was about to have a panic attack. This is how observant and well-trained these trainers are when working with Veterans. We are treated as family during the entire training process and when we graduate. We are not left alone or sent off with our accomplished program certification. There are graduate team socials and events all around Arizona for us to be included in. Hugs and advice are given out as well to assure us that we are loved and not forgotten. What a true, God-given blessing Dogs4Vets are! Without them, I would not be here to write these words since my own Service Animal, Razzak, has saved my life many times. Thank you, Dogs4Vets, for all you do and continue to do for us Veterans!
Both Razzak and I love you very much!
Having my Chloe Bear with me on my journey this past year has been a huge blessing. Chloe has become much more important with my diabetes and PTSD episodes. Most importantly, with my recent thyroid cancer surgery. She is instrumental in getting my wife when I need help; even when I don’t send her, she senses my distress and automatically gets my wife to come help me. She has helped me with my night terrors tremendously. Waking me and brings me back from wherever I am. She is my companion and is always by my side. A very valued and well-loved member of our family.
How the ASAS training program and having a trained service dog changed my life.
For many years, I worked with several doctors and was part of many programs at VA facilities in California, Oregon, and Arizona to ease my disabilities. After researching online how to make my dog Cleo my service dog, I learned about the ASAS training program and applied. My psychiatrist also thought it would be the right thing for me.
Looking back, I tell YOU I am so very proud of my dog and me for doing it and finishing. Our life has improved so very much. Was it easy? No. Was it frustrating at times for my dog and myself? Yes. Was it challenging for both of us? Yes. Were there moments that either my dog or I wanted to quit? Yes.
Dealing with disabilities for years, I already dealt with intense feelings, such as irritability, anger, frustration, etc.
During those moments, the associate trainers at ASAS are the most professional and patient angels who understand us Veterans, including our want-to-be Service Dogs. The trainers observe, listen, talk to us one-on-one or in groups, and get us through finding just the perfect thing that will work for you or make you tick and your dog to become the team that you need to be.
At the end of the program, Cleo and I became this perfect team. Today, she calms me down when things get tough, makes me feel safe, gives me lots of joy, and I am much less jumpy than before. I can take her anywhere, any time. This graduation is a lifesaver. Thank you, ASAS. You are a life changer.
The team at Dogs4Vets was outstanding from start to finish. The trainers were friendly and supportive, and being surrounded by other veterans created a warm, encouraging atmosphere where everyone genuinely wanted each other to succeed. Training one session a week with homework in between helped me build a much stronger bond with my service dog, Aspen. It also gave me the confidence to take him out more in public and around other dogs, while teaching me important manners—like keeping him tucked under my seat at restaurants so we respect the people around us.
I especially appreciated that the instructors welcomed my two-year-old son at the sessions. The program didn’t just certify Aspen; it strengthened our partnership and made everyday life easier and more comfortable for both of us. I’m truly grateful for everything Dogs4Vets did for Aspen and me.