Our board and train programs are custom tailored to your needs. The duration of the program is determined by different factors, such as the dog's learning speed and the training goals. During their stay, your dog will be training and living in the trainer's house, thus providing a training setting similar to your home, and will also be going on training trips to various locations. An e-collar will be provided to all dogs enrolled in our board and train program.

Canine lives with top trainers

*Canine must be 6 months or older*

*discounts available to military and first responders*

REQUIRED:

If you could call your vet and have them email over your dog’s up to date records to: dstcd@outlook.com or I can call and request this on your behalf. We Only take electronic copies for records, NO PAPER COPIES OR TEXT MESSAGES.

ALSO REQUIRED: NEGATIVE FECAL and up to date shot records (determined by you and your vet, rabies required by law).

Contact Jacob for details: DSTCD@outlook.com

813-500-2088

Adding a puppy to your home can be an amazing, exciting and rewarding experience, but equally as challenging. Our program will teach how to connect with your puppy and create a healthy learning environment through modern dog training. This foundational work will give clarity, understanding and the crucial feeling of integration a pack animal craves, simultaneously shaping new wanted behaviors and fading out the unwanted behaviors.

The puppy will be living in the trainer's home, thus providing a raising/training setting similar to his/her forever home. During their stay, your puppy will learn basic obedience such a “onit/place”, “Sit”, and “down”, also the beginning stages of house manners, potty training, crate training, and they will be exposed to multiple environments. This program helps lay a foundation for the next 4 week on lead program or 6 week off leash program, which will be discounted if you have gone through this puppy program.

Price: $2,500

Contact Jacob for details: DSTCD@outlook.com

813-500-2088

This program is designed for owners who desired to obtain full control of their dogs on-leash. After your dog graduates from the program our trainer will teach you all the new behaviors your dog has learned, and how to handle anything unexpected. All dogs learn at different speeds, therefore the length of training time is flexible.

During this program your dog will learn:

• Sit-stay
• Down-stay
• Recall (come on command)
• Heeling with automatic sit
• Place/On-it
• Look

Price: $4,500

Contact Jacob for details: DSTCD@outlook.com

813-500-2088

Our Off-Leash program is designed to provide you with the tools to have control of your dog off-leash. After your dog has mastered the behaviors in a control environment, we begin to start working in public and under basic distractions. This ensures your dog will be ready to go home and start enjoying his/her new life! All dogs learn at different speeds, therefore some dogs may need more than 6 weeks.

During this program your dog will learn:

• Sit-stay
• Down-stay
• Recall (come on command)
• Heeling with automatic sit
• Place/On-it
• Look

Price: $6,500

Contact Jacob for details: DSTCD@outlook.com

813-500-2088

Florida defines Service
dogs as below:

In Florida, service dog laws are outlined in the Florida Statute
(Chapter 413.08). A service dog is an animal trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a person’s disability. The disability can be physical, sensory, psychiatric, neurological, or intellectual.

 The terms “service animal” and “support animal” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and legal
protections. A service animal is specifically trained to perform tasks or work for an individual with a disability. Having public access rights means they can accompany their handlers wherever the general public is allowed, including businesses, restaurants, hotels, and on public transportation. Service animals are exempt from “no pets” policies and fees.

 

Service Dog Requirements in Florida: Certification and Training

In Florida, there is no official certification or licensing requirement for a service dog. While some organizations may issue identification cards or vests for these dogs, these are not legally required. What matters is that the dog is individually trained to perform tasks that mitigate the owner’s physical or mental impairment or disability.

Public access for service dogs enhances safety for service
animals, handlers, and the general public. Legitimate service animals undergo rigorous training to ensure they are well-behaved and responsive in public settings. Allowing only trained service animals in public spaces minimizes the risk of disruptive behavior or aggression, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

At Dark Shadows Canine, we hold high expectations for all of the canines and handlers we train to include our service dogs; they undergo months if not years of comprehensive training. Our dogs are socialized to different people, environments, and distractions, and provide freedom, independence, and hope to their handlers.

What’s more, these life-transforming dogs have clearly protected rights and access to public spaces.

Documentation?

In Housing

Landlords can require documentation relating to an individual’s disability for both a service dog or an ESA. An ESA is required to provide documentation from a medical professional that states a need for the ESA. That document must be renewed annually.

For air travel

A service dog is required to submit a DOT form at least 48 hours in advance of the flight on most airlines that is a declaration of the health, training and behavior of the service dog. If the flight is longer than 8 hours, a second relief attestation form is required.

For public accommodations

Service dogs are not required to present documentation or certification for access to public accommodations.

Dark Shadows Canine gives our graduates an ID with a summary of the ADA law protecting their access rights. While it’s not legal for a public accommodation to ask for proof of any kind, if you get pushback, it may be easier to present an ID. 

Florida Service Dog Laws:
Which Public Accommodations Must Allow Service Animals in Florida?

The regulations surrounding support animals and public accommodations can vary in different countries and regions. Check the specific laws and regulations of the jurisdiction you are in or planning to visit to understand the rights and restrictions regarding support animals in that area.

Both Florida service dog laws and federal law mandate that service dogs must be allowed in almost all public accommodations and commercial facilities, including government offices, both private and public schools, colleges, universities, restaurants, hotels, theaters, retail stores, recreational facilities, and public transportation services.

Florida law prohibits discrimination against people with service dogs in public employment and establishes penalties for those who interfere with the rights of service dog owners. This law ensures that individuals with disabilities—not just a mobility disability, but a mental disability, psychiatric, or neurological disability—have the same rights as others, as well as full and equal access to public spaces.

What Does the Americans
with Disabilities Act Say?

In the United States, service animals are protected under the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA). They have public access rights and are
exempt from “no pets” policies or fees for public accommodation.

When it comes to bringing a legitimate working dog to a restaurant, there are only two questions you may be asked:

1. Is your animal a service animal necessary for a disability?

2. What disability-related task is the animal trained to perform for you?

Florida Laws Say Public
Access is Important

There’s no question that public access helps maintain the integrity and reputation of legitimate service dogs and their handlers. The presence of fake service animals is a direct threat to the understanding people have towards these specially trained animals, creating suspicion, doubt, and lack of trust. It’s also illegal to misrepresent a pet as a service dog; this carries the penalty of a second-degree misdemeanor.

Florida law and its rules on public access ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunity to participate in work, shopping, dining, travel, recreation, and a home. Denying this right destroys independence and confidence, and restricts the possibilities for freedom and hope.

Finally, public access for service dogs enhances inclusivity and empathy. It raises awareness about vision impairment, mental illness, psychiatric or neurological disabilities, and other disabilities, and it demonstrates the valuable role these animals play in providing physical support or emotional support to their beloved handlers. Awareness reduces stigma and discrimination towards people with disabilities, encouraging a more
compassionate and understanding community.

If Your Service
Animal is Turned Away?

If you encounter a situation where your service dog is not permitted somewhere, like an airplane, store, or restaurant, there are several steps you can take:

Familiarize
Yourself with the Applicable Laws and Regulations

Be aware of the specific regulations that protect the rights of service dogs and their handlers, particularly in air travel. In the United States, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) mandates that service dogs must be
allowed to accompany their handlers in the cabin of an aircraft. Familiarize yourself with the ACAA and its specifics before traveling.

Educate the Staff

Hopefully airline, restaurant, and retail staff are acquainted with the Americans with Disabilities Act (and airline staff in particular with the ACAA), but if not, you may want to politely inform them about the regulations that allow your service dog to accompany you. Provide them with any necessary documentation or identification you have, such as service dog certification or a doctor’s letter, if required.

Request to Speak
With a Supervisor

If the staff continues to deny your service dog access, ask to speak with a supervisor or a higher-level authority who may have a better
understanding of the laws and regulations. Remain calm and assertive while explaining your rights and the legal protections for service dogs.

Document the
Incident

Keep a record of the incident, including names of the staff members involved, dates, times, and any relevant details. This documentation can be helpful if you need to file a complaint or take further action.

If All Else
Fails, File a Complaint

If the airline or other staff refuse to accommodate your service
dog, you can file a complaint with the appropriate authority. In the United States, you can contact the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the relevant agency responsible for overseeing air travel regulations.

Seek Legal Advice
if Necessary

If the situation remains unresolved and you believe your rights have been violated, you may consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in disability rights or discrimination law. They can provide guidance on your legal options and help protect your rights.

Additional Resources About Public Access for Service Dogs

ADANational Network: The ADA
National Network provides comprehensive information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its regulations regarding service animals. Their website offers guidance on service animal requirements, public access rights, and frequently asked questions.

United States Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ offers guidance on service animals and their rights under the ADA. They provide detailed information on service animal definitions, public access rights, and the responsibilities of businesses and organizations.

InternationalAssociation of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP): IAADP is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support for assistance dog handlers. They offer information on the rights of assistance dog handlers, access challenges, and advocacy resources.

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): NDRN is a non-profit
organization that protects and advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Their website offers information on disability rights, including service animal rights and resources.

In the world of Law Enforcement or Military dog training, many trainers lack firsthand experience but still offer their services. Having spent years as a K9/SWAT handler and trainer, I've participated in numerous apprehensions of violent offenders. This real-world experience has taught me the specific genetic traits required in LEO/Military dogs and a rigorous
selection process to identify their strengths and weaknesses. I've successfully trained numerous K-9 teams from start to finish, focusing not only on passing certifications but also preparing the K-9 teams to operate independently and effectively to apprehend dangerous individuals.

This course will cover all aspects of bite development. It also designed for handlers or trainers young and old, with little or no experience. To those experienced decoys that are ready for some new challenges and techniques. Specifically designed to teach decoy techniques as it applies to police work.

This is not SPORT training. Ground fighting, team fighting, frontal and civil agitation are the key skilled needed in law enforcement and military application and are emphasized throughout this course. A working knowledge of animal behavior and canine communication is also needed and covered throughout the 30-hour course of instruction.

The course will include a half day of classroom instruction and two- and half-day additional days of hands-on practical experience. You are not required to bring your K9 partner, BUT you are encouraged and invited to do so. If you have a problematic canine partner this will be a perfect time to problem, solve.

All students will be trained using proper techniques in the use of the full suit, all levels of sleeves, civil agitation, and hidden sleeve.

Contact Jacob for details: DSTCD@outlook.com

813-500-2088

This course is designed to introduce concepts of training your dog to work effectively on a long line for patrol and tactical searching. The course will also demonstrate the benefit of pairing laser training to assist in directing your dog during these searches.

This training will consist of class room and practical training exercises, so handlers are encouraged to bring their dogs.

Contact Jacob for details: DSTCD@outlook.com

813-500-2088

The basic 80 hour course will provide the training and equipment needed for the K9 team to fully integrate with a tactical element. The K9 teams will learn to move with a tactical element, conduct breaching from a stacked formation, and free flow room clearing techniques. The K9 team will also learn to deploy on a long line for threshold assessments and situations that require limited penetration. K9 teams will also be introduced to gunfire and flashbang acclimation protocols.

K9 needs to be social and acclimated to a muzzle, prior to attending, including off lead searching.

Contact Jacob for details: DSTCD@outlook.com

813-500-2088