A note about Service Animal (SA), Emotional Support Animal (ESA), and Therapy Animal (TA) Training
Please refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act FAQs for information about what the terms above mean, and what your LEGAL rights are for these very specific classifications before you spend your money.
People with disabilities have the right to train their own animal. They are not required to use a professional service dog training program.
If you decide to hire an animal trainer, please be cautious when investing in this training. The dog training industry is not regulated. No education or specialized skills are required to take your money for dog training, so be extra careful in verifying that the candidate you are considering hiring has the needed education, knowledge, and tested skills to teach the behavior chains needed in service dog work, not just certain commands or cues.
While Respectful Communications Animal Training LLC’s lead trainer has been educated and tested on training basic behavior chains and those involving scent work, we do not currently offer Service Dog (SA) Training for tasks such as alerting to low blood sugar or oncoming seizure detection.
We do, however, offer the AKC Canine Good Citizen training and evaluation that is required for some, but not all, Therapy Animal (TA) programs for dogs taken into hospitals, senior care homes, libraries, etc., for the emotional support benefit of others. The AKC Canine Good Citizen Training and evaluation for Emotional Support Animals and Therapy Animals is offered by AKC approved evaluators in our Polite Manners Program.
Respectful Communications Animal Training LLC is dedicated to upholding the November 2025 updates to the Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP) and the Animal Assisted Services International (AASI) Standards of Practice (updated June 2022). These frameworks establish the foundation for professional integrity and animal well-being, serving as the minimum standard for animal training professionals. In these Standards of Practice, dog handlers commit to not using aversive equipment (such as choke chains, prong collars, martingale collars, electronic devices, or any equipment that delivers negative or harmful stimuli), positive punishment, or negative reinforcement techniques, as these are strictly prohibited. A dog’s choice not to engage will always be respected.
The latest JSOP updates reflect an evolving understanding of animal learning and behavior, reaffirming a commitment to unified, compassionate training practices. We fully endorse and support these standards.
If the professional you are considering does not adhere to these Standards of Practice, be aware that it may impact both what and how your dog learns. Additionally, in the case of Therapy Dog work, non-compliance may restrict access to certain facilities for safety reasons.
Let us help you change those frustrating behaviors and restart your dog on the right path!
Call us: 678-809-DOGS (3647)
or
Currently serving Pickens, Gilmer, and Cherokee Counties, including the communities of Blaine, Hinton, Jasper, Marble Hill, Nelson, Tate, Talking Rock, Ellijay, Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, and Woodstock
