Ability Dogs of Arizona

Ability Dogs of Arizona is dedicated to providing specialized training to people and their dogs to enhance independence and quality of life.

For over 50 years, Ability Dogs has been helping people with disabilities train their own dogs to become their service dogs through our professionally guided owner train model. This method provides added benefits to the clients as they play an active role in their own dog's training from day one. Successfully training their dog is often the catalyst that lets our clients know they have the ability to take on new challenges, and embrace life with a new found spirit.

We work with children and adults with a wide spectrum of disabilities including mobility challenges, hearing loss, diabetes, seizure assistance, PTSD and other physical and psychological issues. Ability Dogs is accredited by Assistance Dogs International - we are the only accredited service dog organization in southern Arizona and one of just two in the state.

Ability Dogs also offers therapy dog training for people who want to volunteer to visit schools, patients in hospitals, assisted-living, hospice and many other places. Their visits bring joy and comfort. They help people forget about their pain and can be a welcome distraction from a feeling of isolation or worrying about the situation they are in. Thousands are touched by these caring and well-trained human/dog team volunteers.

We also offer general public classes, including Puppy, Adult Manners, Confidence Building, and Loose Leash Walking, to help everyone better understand and build more positive relationships with their dogs.

Testimonials

"I've done about 50 accreditations spanning 4 continents and your (Ability Dogs) trainers are some of the best I've seen. Their passion and compassion for the individuals, backed up with their knowledge and skills is impressive." S.O. (Assistance Dogs International Accreditor)

"I recently had the pleasure of attending a graduation at Ability Dogs. I was so impressed to hear each graduate's story and it only reaffirmed my commitment to the organization. To hear firsthand the beneficial impact of dogs and individuals working together to improve one's quality of life, as well as save lives, had me in awe. Also, the obvious bond between each demonstrated their was mutual regard and love. Truly life saving." K.E.

"Ability Dogs is a wonderful, caring organization with an important vision -- to take pet dogs and train them to become service dogs. It takes a unique dog to become a service animal, and dedicated people who can train and love them into perfect partners for those whose lives are challenged with physical and emotional disabilities. Ability Dogs uses positive training methods. It is wonderful to watch dogs come to class for the first time, bounding all over the place, and watch them transform with patient and persistent training to become alert, responsive and watchful support systems. This program is life-changing for the dogs and the people who need them. I wholeheartedly recommend Ability Dogs." G.J.