Training · Assessment · Support
Training service dogs for real tasks
GAV trains and supports human–dog teams: from the initial assessment and individual plan to final testing, certification and follow-up reassessment.
Wyoming · Buenos Aires · Partner locations in Cyprus and Belgrade Document verification →
What GAV is
GAV is a service dog training organization centered on the human–dog team, not only on the dog. Training is built around the tasks a specific person needs, taking their functional limitations into account, and the dog's behavior and welfare are assessed separately from task performance. A certificate is issued only after the program's requirements are confirmed.
Working principles
The full list of principles is on the "About" page.
Individual program
Format, tasks and pace are chosen for the specific family and dog, not from a template.
Professional assessment
Decisions rest on a structured protocol, not on one specialist's impression.
Dog welfare
The dog's condition is assessed on a par with task performance, not as a secondary factor.
How the program works
Four main stages of the team's path. A full description of every step of the process is on the "Programs" page.
Assessment
Initial assessment of the person, the dog and how well the program fits the tasks.
Individual plan and training
Basic control, special tasks and preparation for public settings.
Final assessment and certification
A check against the GAV assessment protocol and the decision on granting the team its status.
Support and reassessment
Scheduled reassessment and support of the team after certification.
Geography and partners
Registration — Wyoming, United States.
Operational coordination — Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Partner training centers — Cyprus and Belgrade, Serbia.
How the work is organized
The program format may include training, assessment, documentation and the involvement of partner specialists. The exact composition depends on the team's tasks and location.
Start with an initial team assessment
Describe the tasks you need help with, details about the dog and the current level of training. The GAV team will determine whether the request suits a program and what next steps are possible.
Still have questions? Frequently asked questions →