Service and Therapy Dog Training
in Greensboro, NC
Fully Trained Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Facility Dogs
Spence K9 Academy offers fully trained service dogs, owner assisted service dog training, therapy dog training, and facility dog programs designed to support individuals, professionals, and communities through reliable working dogs.
We proudly operate our own Labrador Retriever breeding program focused specifically on producing high-quality service dog prospects with strong health, stable temperaments, confidence, and trainability.
Our programs are designed to make obtaining a professionally trained working dog an attainable option for individuals with disabilities and specialized needs.
We also provide facility and therapy dog training for professionals working in:
- Schools
- Counseling environments
- Medical settings
- Rehabilitation programs
- Community outreach programs
Fully Trained Program Service Dogs for Sale
Spence K9 Academy sells fully trained service dogs developed through our in-house Labrador Retriever breeding program using health and temperament-tested parents carefully selected for working ability and stability.
Our breeding program focuses on producing dogs with:
- Stable temperaments
- Strong environmental confidence
- High trainability
- Sound health and structure
- Public access suitability
Health testing for our breeding dogs includes:
- OFA Hip certifications
- OFA Elbow certifications
- OFA Cardiac certifications
- CAER eye certifications
- Clear Embark DNA panels
- Dilute-free genetics
Our puppies begin development at just a few days old using:
- Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
- Early socialization
- Confidence-building exercises
As they mature, we continue developing:
- Public access behavior
- Foundational obedience
- Environmental neutrality
- Advanced manners
- Service dog foundations
From 6–20 weeks old, puppies receive the majority of their foundational development work to help prepare them for future service responsibilities.
Dogs are typically matched with clients between 8–16 months of age. Once matched, customized task training begins based on the future handler’s specific needs.
Started Service Dogs
Our Started Dogs program is a great option for individuals working within a smaller budget or for those wanting to complete portions of task training themselves.
Started dogs may come from:
- Our Labrador breeding program
- Carefully selected outside breeders
These dogs already have:
- Foundational obedience
- Public exposure
- Environmental confidence
- Early service dog development
This option allows handlers to continue training with professional guidance while reducing the overall cost compared to a fully completed program dog.
Owner Assisted Service Dog Training
We offer owner assisted training for individuals local to the Greensboro Triad area who already own a dog and want professional guidance throughout the service dog training process.
This program helps owners develop their own dog into a potential working service dog through:
- Obedience training
- Public access training
- Stability around distractions
- Customized task training
All dogs must be evaluated to determine suitability for service work.
Types of Dogs we Train
Service Dogs
We provide training for multiple types of service dogs, including:
Psychiatric Assistance
- PTSD
- Anxiety disorders
- ADHD
- Other psychiatric disabilities
Autism Assistance
- Behavior interruption
- Deep pressure therapy (DPT)
- Trailing assistance
Mobility Assistance
Medical Response*
- Seizures
- POTS
- Other medical response tasks
Hearing Alert
Diabetic Alert
Additional service dog types may be available upon request.
*Medical Response dogs are not the same as Medical Alert dogs. Medical Alert dogs are trained on a case-by-case basis.
Therapy & Facility Dogs
We also train therapy and facility dogs for professional and community-based environments.
Psychiatric Facility Dogs
For:
- Psychiatrists
- Therapists
- Counselors
- Dentists
- Mental health professionals
Crisis Response Dogs
For:
- First responders
- Crisis intervention teams
- Emergency response settings
Rehabilitative Facility Dogs
For:
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Rehabilitation programs
Canine Assisted Education Dogs
For:
- General education
- Special education environments
Therapy Dogs
For emotional support, community outreach, and therapeutic interaction.
Our Process
1.) Application Process
Basic Application
Applicants begin with a basic application. Decisions are typically made within 5–7 business days.
Applications should be detailed and complete in order to be considered.
Phone Consultation
During the consultation we:
- Review the application
- Discuss program details
- Answer questions
- Determine whether applicants wish to move forward
Detailed Application
Applicants moving forward will receive a detailed application for additional lifestyle and program-fit information.
Decisions are generally made within 2 weeks after all required application items are received.
2.) Matching Process
Dogs are matched based on:
- Task needs
- Personality compatibility
- Client preferences
- Lifestyle considerations
There may be several months between approval and final matching.
During this time, clients receive:
- Virtual or in-person education
- Dog health guidance
- Behavior education
- ADA education
- Spence K9 handling policies
This process helps prepare clients for successful life with a working service dog.
3.) Customized Task Training
Once matched, customized task training begins based on the future handler’s individual needs.
Clients are encouraged to visit our facility 2–4 times during this phase to:
- Build handling confidence
- Practice public access work
- Learn communication skills
- Strengthen working relationships with their dog
Graduation & Lifetime Support
To graduate from our program, handlers must successfully pass a Public Access Test (PAT) demonstrating safe and proper handling of their service dog in public environments.
Spence K9 Academy provides lifetime support for all fully trained program dogs that graduate from our program.
Service and Therapy Dog Training Near Greensboro NC
Spence K9 Academy provides fully trained service dogs, therapy dogs, facility dogs, and owner assisted service dog training throughout:
Greensboro NC
High Point NC
Winston-Salem NC
Kernersville NC
Jamestown NC
Oak Ridge NC
Summerfield NC
Stokesdale NC
If you’re searching for service dog training in Greensboro NC, fully trained service dogs for sale, therapy dog training, or facility dog programs near you, we provide structured programs focused on reliability, stability, and real-world performance.
Start Your Dog's Training Today
Training a service or therapy dog takes time, structure, and consistency, but the results can be life-changing.
Contact Spence K9 Academy today to schedule a consultation and begin service or therapy dog training in Greensboro NC.