Pets N Vets
An Innovative Dog Training Class for Returning Veterans with PTSD/TBI
**2012-2022: We are pleased to be celebrating 10 years of Pets N Vets training for our Veterans and their dogs! Thank you to all our supporters! We enjoy having you on our Pets N Vets Team!**
Our Veterans need and deserve every opportunity to heal. This innovative dog training class gives the wonderful dogs in rescues and shelters a chance to live and to serve by helping to heal the stresses, PTSD/TBI, and wounds so many soldiers battle when they come home. We offer this class at "no cost" to Veterans who qualify.
Our training staff will assist the Veteran in choosing a compatible dog from the local dog shelters and rescues. The Veteran and the dog will attend training classes to facilitate the formation of the "Healing Team" while learning new skills to help them function in their every day lives.
Our Goal in this training class is to encourage and support the Veteran and the dog to be able to pass the Canine Good Citizen Evaluation. The standards are set by the American Kennel Club. We will direct this Team (Veteran and dog) to further their training and education at Dunes Dog Training Club after this evaluation. Many Veterans in our program have trained their dogs to become emotional support animals (ESA) and service dogs (SD). Dunes Dog Training can also assist our Veterans with service dog task training.
For those who may be unaware, Dunes Dog Training Club is an AKC member club, established in 1954. Our instructors have many years of experience in training, showing, and titling their own dogs. They have also helped many other people accomplish their dog training goals, as well. In 2012, the Dunes Dog Training Club members decided to 'give back' to our Veterans, and the Pets N Vets Program was established. Since its inception, we have helped over 100 Veterans with their dog obedience training goals. As of 2020, thirteen (13) of those Veterans have trained and tested their dogs to a "Service Dog" level.
Why is Dunes Dog Training Club a Great Place to Train?
- American Kennel Club (AKC) member organization
- Experienced trainers who have obtained numerous AKC obedience degrees and other AKC dog competition degrees, including AKC therapy dog titles
- Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators
- Courses are tailored to various levels of training for each individual's specific needs
- Team oriented, fun and supportive environment
- Track record of achieving outstanding results
- Established in 1954 and incorporated in 1955
- Convenient location in Hebron, IN
We are seeking Sponsors for the Pets N Vets Program
Did You Know--Dunes Dog Training Club, Inc., Pets N Vets program is an IRS 501c3 non-profit organization that accepts donations and is able to give you a tax-deductible receipt for you to use on your upcoming tax filings? Please consider a donation to our organization - any amount will help and is truly appreciated! Your sponsorship and donations help support our non-profit organization so that we can do what we do best: instruct our Veterans in the proper methods of obedience training their own dogs. We offer this class at "no-cost" to Veterans who qualify; so, please help us help our Veterans! Sponsorship fees and donations may be mailed by check or money order to our address below to the Attention of Pets N Vets Program.
If you would like us to meet with you or your group to talk about our program and to give a demonstration, we would be glad to arrange it. Please contact us today for more info! Phone 219-996-4770 OR email: dunesdogtraining@yahoo.com.
Dunes Dog Training Club, Inc. has earned the Bronze GuideStar Non-Profit Profile participation level! This leading symbol of nonprofit transparency and accountability is presented by GuideStar, the world's largest source of non-profit information. In order to be awarded the "Bronze Seal of Transparency", Dunes Dog Training Club, Inc., Pets N Vets Program, added key information to our profile on guidestar.org, such as our mission statement, geographic area served, program names, and more. Check out our GuideStar Non-Profit Profile:
https://www.guidestar.org/profile/35-6043232
Therapy Dog vs. Service Dog
Do you know the difference between a Therapy Dog and a Service Dog? A therapy dog is one that goes to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, etc. and gives their love to others. He's there to be petted by others! A service dog helps its handler with a disability. It helps ONE person--the handler--that's its job. That is why when you see a vested dog in public, you should not rush up to it and ask to pet it. The dog is working...even though you may not realize it. People with service dogs are counting on their dogs to help them with their disabilities. So next time you see a vested dog in public, smile at the handler, say hello to them, if you wish, but please give the dog its space and try not to distract it. It's working!
Therapy dogs often wear scarves or bandanas to allow a greater petting area and so they will not be confused with service dogs, which normally wear vests. Therapy dogs are not allowed in restaurants, businesses or stores unless they are "pet friendly". Service dogs are allowed to go practically everywhere with their handlers.
We want to hear from you!
Contact us today and let us know how we can help you with your dog training needs! Phone: 219-996-4770 - a volunteer member will return your call!
