Our Program
FASDogs is dedicated to providing quality dogs to assist families dealing with issues related FASD and related diagnoses like autism.
Our program is designed to be flexible and as such is greatly dependent on important factors such as age of applicants, family requirements, dog development and age, and financial constraints.
In general, the whole process takes about 1-2 years.
Step 1: Application & Interview
As we get started, we will ask a lot of questions. Our goal is to gain a deep understanding of your family and expectations, while at the same time you learn about us and how we operate. We understand that our program is not for everyone, and at the beginning is the best place to get enough information for all of us to make that decision.
For the first few weeks, we work you to evaluate whether or not to partner together and proceed with the program. We’ll have several conversations, get to know each other much better, and work for the best possible dog match. Keep in mind that we are particularly focused on working with families handling the effects of FASD and autism.
Our dogs are large breeds such as Golden Doodles and Golden Pyrenees, particularly well-suited for physical tasks such as deep pressure therapy and other particularly helpful interventions. While we offer a [wide variety of possible tasks], only 3-5 are selected to train with the matched dog
Apply now to work through our initial questionnaire. Payment is not required until you decide to submit, so the application is a good way to understand what kinds of information we need before you make any financial and time commitment.
An application and interview is required to be able to reserve a spot at one of our orientations (see below)
If we all agree to proceed, families are required to submit additional documentation such as proof of income and doctor’s notes. This information is vital for customizing the support each participant receives.
Step 2: Training (Dogs and Families)
Once the application process is done, the next several months involve training – for both the families and the dog. While we work towards the best possible placement, with a service dog this is a collaborative effort where everyone is fully engaged in a successful program of learning. Families have training and homework to do in order for a successful placement. We have our own in-house breeding program to be able to provide the best possible options for dogs that can accomplish the tasks needed by our FASD clients.
“Training” incorporates three components:
- Orientation
- Training classes
- Family visit
Orientation
Matching
Identifying and training the dog with service tasks is a key service we provide. In order to get this right, we’ve discussed this extensively during our Application phase, and have selected a few tasks that are likely to provide the best assistance to your family.
You’ll need to travel to a FASDogs location to attend orientation in person. We typically schedule these twice per year, at our near our location in Kansas.
During orientation, we try to confirm that the type of dog and selected tasks are indeed the best combination for each family. At this point, neither the families nor the dogs are trained and ready for placement. We provide several types of dogs for families to interact with, and gain important insights during these in-person meetings.
Community
Orientation provides an excellent opportunity to meet other like-minded families, and create helpful support connections with others who probably understand what you’re dealing with.
Upon completion of orientation, both FASDogs and your family should be able to make an informed decision together about committing fully to a service dog placement
Criteria for Matching
The criteria used to match service dogs with candidates include:
- Behavioral Compatibility: How well the dog’s temperament matches the lifestyle and personality of the candidate.
- Response to Commands: The ability of the dog to respond consistently to the candidate’s commands.
- Emotional Connection: The level of bond that develops between the dog and the candidate during the training period.
- Specific Needs Fulfillment: How effectively the dog can perform tasks that meet the specific needs of the candidate, such as behavior interruption, deep pressure therapy, or guidance.
- Social Behavior: How well the dog interacts in social settings or in public places, which is crucial for service dogs.
Training Classes
Dog Training
Following orientation, we take what we’ve learned, and select the most natural type of dog match for your family and develop a training plan.
During this phase, we may need find that another dog would be a better match, and recommend a change for you. We realize this may create a delayed schedule, and will do this only if we expect a significantly better placement as a result.
We’ve found it helpful at this point to introduce things from your home to your dog. We’ll use such things as blankets, beds, and toys you send us, which get the dog familiar with your scents. New items are OK, but don’t come with your scent.
Family Training
While the dog is training, we also expect you to be fully engaged in valuable family training. This is essential to prepare you to successfully add a service dog to your family.
Ten weekly classes (one hour per week) are held via online meetings and recorded for your convenience. You’ll have some fun homework exercises to work on. We promise you, it’ll be worth it!
Family Visit
After you’ve completed your 10-weeks of training, and your matched dog is progressing well at task training, we’ll schedule a time to come spend 4-7 days with you. We’ll be in your home and accompany you to as many of your usual locations as possible, to both educate you on handling your service dog, and to confirm the dog indeed will perform as required.
We’ll take what we learn to tweak remaining training for successful placement
Step 3: Placement
Finally, when graduation draws near, we spend extra time with you and your new service dog to help the transition. After placement, we continue to support you. Depending on which match is identified for your family, the remaining amount of time can vary to meet the goal of placement in your home as early as possible and yet still be prepared.
Graduation
Once training is complete, your dog graduates to your be your full-time service dog! Graduations are typically held at our near our location in Kansas.
Settling-In Period
After the initial two-week training session, you will work through a settling-in period of 3 months. During this time, the dog lives with the candidate’s family to ensure that the dog can adapt to its new home environment and that its training effectively translates to the candidate’s daily routine.
Post-placement support
We’ll be checking in regularly (more at first, and gradually reduce) to check that the transition is going smoothly, and assist to overcome unexpected obstacles.
Are you interested in getting a FASD service dog for yourself or your child?
If so, please fill out our FASDogs Service Dog application. We will be in touch within 24-72 hours!
Have Some Questions?
If you would like more information on FASDogs, email info@fasdogs.org
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a group of conditions that happen as a result of alcohol intake during pregnancy. These conditions can cause problems with learning, behavior, and physical development. A person with FASD might have trouble with school, get frustrated easily, and could have differences in how their face looks. FASD lasts a person’s whole life.
Why we need your support:
We help individuals with FASD by providing service dogs that are specially trained to help them in their daily lives. Our dogs offer support, help reduce stress, and can assist with tasks, making life easier for their handlers. FASDogs offers these service dogs at low cost. We count on donations from caring people like you to sustain our program. If you’re passionate about improving the lives of people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, we encourage you to donate.
About Us
FASDogs is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising and training service dogs specifically tailored to support individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Through a network of dedicated puppy raisers, volunteers, and a committed core committee, FASDogs aims to provide highly trained service dogs to assist and enhance the lives of individuals affected by FASD. Our program will focus on comprehensive training, specialized care, and ongoing support for both the service dogs and their recipients.
info@fasdogs.org 🐾 (785) 350-6716 🐾 Bazine, KS
In partnership with Dream Acres FASD Community
