ACTS uses it own breeding dogs to produce puppies that will be put in the program. We also take donations from reputable breeders where the parents have full clearances. A puppy is chosen for the program based on temperament and adaptability. We try to expose the puppies still in the litter to as many new things as possible (new people, loud noises, etc.) so they will be less reactive later in life.

Phase 1: Once the puppy has been chosen to be put into the training program, the puppy is placed with one of our volunteer puppy raisers. The puppy raiser has the puppy from eight weeks to almost two years of age. The puppies begin basic obedience classes immediately, learning commands like sit, down, come and stay. The puppy is also taken out into public as soon as possible to meet new people and experience new places.

Phase 2: The puppies go on to more advanced obedience training and their work out in public becomes more task- oriented. At this stage, people are asked not to pet the puppy or distract them. They are learning public manners and that when they are out in public, they are working and have to behave like "professionals".

Phase 3: In this phase we continue the advanced obedience training and start introducing agility training and task training. Agility training teaches the dogs to work on various surfaces and under unusual circumstances. Task training involves teaching the dogs things they will need once they are placed with their partners.

Phase 4: At this point we have determined what kind of assistance dog they will be based on their talents and temperament. We try to then match the dog with a client and gear their final training to what the client will need.

Phase 5: The puppy graduates from our training. Their human partner then trains with the dog as a team before they leave us to go to their new home.