Open Range Pups Phase 1 Service Training Program
Phase 1 Service Dog Program: this program is designed to set a strong obedience foundation for owner-handlers.
We will first cover the overall program goals and than we will go into the exact training program protocols and goals.
The Open Range Pup Service Dog Training Program is designed to be flexible. Each phase of training (1, 2 & 3) is designed to accomplish one of two things.
- 1Provide structured behavior and skill modification training to each pup while they are in the care of Open Range Pups. Open Range follows up each Phase with a structured testing, or "proofing", protocol set forth by industry leading behavior and obedience specialists.
- 2Provide the owner with specific behavior, skill and task foundations completed in each Phase of training. The owner will start to learn "handler" skills by following the Open Range Online Pup Academy. Combining strong pup foundations, with strong "handler" skill sets, the owner now has the freedom to finish the pups training (if they wish) by picking up where Open Range left off in each phase. Through the flexible Service Dog Training Phase Programs the owner may have Open Range complete as much training (phase 1, 2, or 3) as they can afford. With the skill sets acquired by participating in the Open Range Online Pup Academy the owner can take their pup home after completing any Phase or series of Phases and finish the remaining training at home for just $15-$25 per/month.
Phase 1 Handler Goals
Training Foundation
In Service Dog Phase 1 Training, Open Range will begin setting the foundation for behavior and obedience skill sets while the puppy is most impressionable, when it is easiest to imprint core training techniques, and during a time when the puppies core behavior is predominantly shaped by trained and proven puppy handlers.
Basics Mastered During this Program
- Your puppy will receive around the clock 24/7 care for the length of time enrolled in our program.
- The initial adjustment away from the litter, which is more dog-oriented, to a family home setting which is more people oriented. Most puppies come home ready to instantly bond.
- Your puppy will be on a schedule of eating, drinking, and going potty to make house training much easier. You will receive a copy of this schedule.
- Your Puppy will be crate trained. Meaning in most cases your puppy can hold potty and remain quiet overnight and for a few hours during the day.
- Your puppy will be familiar with the taking and following of treats ("luring") and wear a collar and leash. Many new puppy owners do not realize how important this is in the training process, and that this does not come naturally to a puppy.
- Practice to maintain consistent results with the obedience commands, “attention” (his/her name), “sit”, “touch”, “leave it”, “down”, and “come.”
- Your puppy will know the four feedback words of “yes,” “nope,” “okay” and “leave it” to aid in communication.
- Your puppy will be introduced to basic grooming and maintenance such as brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming & teeth brushing.
- Your puppy will receive socialization throughout the day with children and other household pets.

Phase 1 Testing Standards
Open Range Pups uses a 10 part testing standard developed by the AKC, called the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger: No barking, acting nervous, acting shy or aggressive.
Test 2: Sitting Politely for Petting: Allowing a friendly stranger to pet without the handler present.
Test 3: Good Behavior for Grooming.
Test 4: Loose Lead walking in public places; which include, public parks, department stores, etc.
Test 5: Walking through a crowd: Must walk through a crowd with little interest in others and eyes on the handler. No jumping, barking or acting nervous.
Test 6: Sit and Down on Command and staying in place: Giving the dog its command and walking away, it should stay put until released.
Test 7: Coming when called: Simply walking different distances from the dog and calling it to come.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog: Be polite and notice the other dogs but not greet unless specifically asked.
Test 9: Reaction to Distraction: Tipping over a chair, dropping something loud, the dog should not run or get overexcited. They should act interested but not scared.
Test 10: Supervised Separation: Dog can train and behave with people other than the handler.
Open Range Training Challenge
Phase 1 training does not stop or begin with the AKC CGC test. Puppies enrolled in the Open Range Service Dog Training Program are here for one purpose - become a Service Dog. The testing standards set forth in each Phase of Service Dog Training are great mile-markers and standards for staff to achieve and for clients to follow the pups achievements. However, we at Open Range Pups, understands that the ultimate goal for a pup in Service Dog training is to become a Service Dog and we will consistently strive to move the pup beyond boundaries and toward higher goals everyday.
It does not matter which Phase of training you enroll your pup in, we want you to know that your pup will comes home at his/her maximum potential.
Phase 1 Training Costs
Phase 1 costs include the combined costs of the Open Range Online Pup Academy + Phase 1
TRAINING
class
*Puppy Play Time is a no-work environment for your puppy to act like a puppy and still learn appropriate behavioral skills. Relieve stress, get rid of energy, learn proper etiquette, get comfortable in different public settings, outings in marketplaces, and more.
Service Dog Variable Costs
With Purchase Of Open Range Pup: this variable means that you HAVE purchased your pup through Open Range Pups.
Open Range Approved Pup: this variable means that you HAVE NOT purchased your pup through Open Range Pups. Open Range MUST approve pups admitted into our Service Dog Training Academy.
Travel To Colorado: if you plan to visit Open Range Pups and participate in our hands-on training course, offered as part of your training package, than make sure and account for airfare, hotels and local travel.
Food: the puppy parent/owner is responsible for the cost of the food. Open Range Pups only feeds Taste Of The Wild dog food or PawTree dog food. If you choose to use Taste Of The Wild than Open Range will feed the appropriate type of dog food for age, weight, and health condition. Fees are variable, but start at $45/month.
If you choose to feed PawTree than you may order through our PawTree portal where you can customize your food, the puppies name on the label, and any additional treats or probiotic/supplement add-ons.
Grooming: Open Range does NOT provide grooming services free of charge. You may arrange for grooming services through the Puppy Portal through Open Range or even choose a different local provider and Open Range will transport the pup to their appointment.
Merchandise: order puppy toys, beds, bones, and more for your pup through the Puppy Portal.
A La Carte Services
Health Tracker: track the daily health and activity of your pup with a FitBark. Costs include the price of your choice of FitBark plus $15 per/month.
Live Pup Chat: technology is rapidly evolving and Open Range would like to offer you new ways to communicate with your pup. See your pup live, they can see you, talk to them, help them get to know your voice(s), even give commands and electronically distribute treats. Costs start at $45 per/month plus the cost of supplemental treats of your choosing.
Financing
Open Range has financing options available for Service Dog clients. Open Range Service Dog Financing will cover up-to 70% of the total Tuition Costs associated with your Service Dog Training Programs. Open Range DOES NOT finance dogs or puppies.