K9NETIC ASSIST CORE

At K9netic Pack, our mission is to empower lives through the transformative bond between humans and dogs. The K9netic Assist Core program is dedicated to developing reliable Emotional Support Animals, Therapy Dogs, and Service Dogs who embody focus, stability, and purpose. We hold every dog to the highest standards of obedience, temperament, and task performance, ensuring they provide not only companionship but meaningful, life-changing support. Our goal is to stand at the core of service — building confident dogs, supporting resilient handlers, and creating partnerships rooted in trust, compassion, and independence.

Emotional Support Animal

Purpose: Provides comfort and emotional stability to their handler. No public access rights (protected under Fair Housing Act only).

Board & Train Requirement: 4-week minimum

Prerequisites: No aggression, reactivity, or severe anxiety. Manageable in new environments.

Training Focus: Basic obedience: Sit, Down, Place, Stay, Recall, Leash Manners. Focus command (Watch Me / Look / Kissing noise). Basic impulse control (food, toys, doorways).

Graduation Standard: Pass AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC – Beginner Level).

Therapy Dog

Purpose: Provides comfort and affection to other people in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. No public access rights; must be registered with a recognized therapy organization or facility.

Board & Train Requirement: 4–6 week minimum

Prerequisites: No aggression, reactivity, or anxiety. Must enjoy interacting with people. Comfortable with handling (children, elderly, medical staff). Must tolerate medical equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, crowds.

Training Focus: ESA-level obedience + advanced proofing.NNAdvanced impulse control (ignoring food, toys, dogs). Extended settle (long hospital or school sessions). Exposure to medical and community environments.

Graduation Standard: Pass AKC Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA). Demonstrate stable temperament and social interaction. Be registered or signed up with a recognized hospital/therapy organization. Complete minimum 40 documented therapy hours.

Service Dog

Purpose: Trained to perform tasks that directly mitigate their handler’s disability. Full public access rights under ADA (handler must have a documented disability).

Board & Train Requirement: 8–12 weeks minimum (adult dogs only). Puppy foundations available as a development path, but formal service training begins after maturity.

Prerequisites: Age: Under 5 years old (exceptions case-by-case for breed, drive, obedience). No aggression, reactivity, or severe anxiety. Must have strong work drive, food/toy motivation, and resilience. Obedience prerequisites: Sit, Down, Place, Stay, Recall, Leash Manners, Focus, Impulse Control, and Crate training.

Training Focus: Advanced obedience under high distraction. Full public access skills (restaurants, stores, transportation, crowds). Reliable focus command and impulse control everywhere. Task training (minimum 3 tasks customized to handler).

Graduation Standard: Pass Public Access Test (PAT). Pass AKC Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU). Perform minimum 3 reliable tasks with ≥90% success in public.

Supporting Tools

Client Intake Checklist (Owner-Filled)

  • Screens for aggression, reactivity, and anxiety

  • Confirms obedience prerequisites: Sit, Down, Place, Stay, Recall, Leash Manners, Focus, Impulse Control

  • Outlines age, health, and work drive expectations

Trainer Evaluation Form (Scored)

  • 1–5 scale for temperament, neutrality, drive, obedience, reliability, focus, and impulse control

  • Pass/Fail thresholds for acceptance

  • Notes section for transparency with clients

Disqualification Policy

  • Dogs with aggression, reactivity, or severe anxiety are not eligible for ESA, Therapy, or Service tracks

  • These dogs may be redirected into Companion Dog or Behavioral Training programs if appropriate

Deliverables for Graduates

  • Certificate of Completion (ESA / Therapy / Service)

  • Graduation Packet including skills list, homework, and handler guide

  • Follow-Up Sessions:

    • ESA: 1 session

    • Therapy Dog: 2 sessions

    • Service Dog: 3 sessions (over 90 days)

THE CORE OF SERVICE.

THE HEART OF SUPPORT.