Service Dog Training in Schools

Junior High and High School Clubs

Freedom Canines' Junior High and High School Training Clubs provide a unique opportunity for students to come together, build meaningful connections, and develop valuable skills through the shared experience of training dogs. These clubs bring together students from diverse backgrounds—many of whom might never cross paths otherwise—united by a common goal: helping to raise and train future assistance dogs.

In the Junior High Training Club, younger students are introduced to the fundamentals of dog behavior and training. Through hands-on activities and mentorship from experienced trainers, they build responsibility, empathy, and confidence while learning how dogs communicate and learn.

The High School Training Club expands on these foundations, offering students the chance to engage in more advanced training techniques and play an even greater role in shaping assistance dogs. Participants refine their handling skills, gain deeper insight into service dog training, and help prepare puppies for their future roles. Our most experienced students step into mentorship roles- teaching younger students in both clubs.

Dog Behavior & Training Class

In partnership with Wimberley High School, Freedom Canines offers a comprehensive Dog Behavior & Training class, where students gain hand-on experience while studying the science behind animal training. This structured course follows a formal curriculum, covering dog behavior, learning theory and training techniques, equipping students with valuable skills for potential careers in dog training, animal care, or veterinary fields. As students advance, they learn to coach other students. They carry these valuable instruction skills with them to any career path they choose.

Each milestone in our puppies’ journey becomes an educational opportunity. Students follow the entire process—from conception, pregnancy, and whelping to the development and care of newborns, culminating in hands-on training when the puppies enter the classroom at eight weeks old.

For students eager to take their knowledge further, Freedom Canines offers a practicum program. This advanced opportunity provides the necessary hands-on hours to meet professional dog training certification requirements, setting students on a clear path toward achieving their career goals in the animal training industry.

Student Puppy Raisers

Our most immersive opportunity for students is becoming a puppy raiser. These students dedicate an entire year, raising a puppy from the time it is 8 weeks old until it is ready to enter advanced training. Some student choose to raise a puppy each year gaining valuable life skills and hundreds of volunteer hours for college applications. Puppy raisers take their dogs everywhere they go, exposing them to real-world environments and ensuring they grow into well-socialized, confident service dogs.

Beyond training, students become ambassadors for our program, engaging with the public, educating younger students about service dogs, and even developing public speaking skills through presentations and outreach events. Their dedication and hard work directly impact the lives of individuals in need, giving students a sense of purpose as they contribute to the greater good.

Ash holds his stay watching puppy raiser Shelby bowl.

Luna poses for a selfie with puppy raiser Julia.

Puppy raiser Zane cuddles Zing on their first outing.

Cypress practices his hold on an outing with Annie.

Glow joins puppy raiser Anna for her senior photo shoot.

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