WHAT WE DO
Our Mission: Ability Dogs of Arizona is dedicated to providing specialized training to people and their dogs to enhance independence and quality of life.
At Ability Dogs of Arizona, we provide training services to support both assistance dogs and family pets. All of our training is 100% positive reinforcement.
Our three core offerings are:
Owner-Train Service Dog Training
Work side-by-side with your dog for 12–18 months to train key tasks, build a deeper bond and achieve greater independence. Our certification process ensures that both you and your dog receive the highest level of training and support.
Owner-Train Facility Dog Training
Train your dog over the course of 6 months to support professionals in schools, medical centers, courthouses, and other environments. After completing our pilot program, these dogs will receive an internationally recognized certification to assist in these settings.
Public Pet Classes
We offer a wide range of pet classes to enhance your dog’s behavior. Whether it’s basic obedience, CGC certification, agility, or one-on-one trainings, our classes create a strong foundation for a happy, well-behaved pet.
Current Certified and In-Training Service Dog Teams
WHY WE DO IT
For over 50 years, we’ve seen lives transformed through the remarkable impact of service dogs. From Alamo Reaves and a group of her committed friends training dogs in a park to now serving individuals across Arizona, our history is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. Most programs don’t have the longevity we do, and this experience has only deepened our dedication.
At Ability Dogs, we believe that the same fundamental training methods we use for service dogs can benefit pet owners, too. The same reward-based techniques that empower people in our service dog programs are also applied to help pet owners train their dogs, whether we’re teaching basic obedience, resolving behavior concerns, or simply building a stronger bond. This approach ensures that every dog in our program receives the personalized care and attention they deserve.
Every success story fuels our passion to innovate and serve more people. We celebrate the unmatched ability dogs have to bring independence, confidence, and joy to their handlers. By approaching every team with patient and individualized support, we create lasting partnerships that improve lives.
Ability Dogs is proud to continue a legacy of transformation that started decades ago, and we look forward to what the next 50 years will bring.
What Our Training Teams Are Saying
"The instructors and staff go out of their way to help you feel part of the family at Ability Dogs."
Heidi, 2024 Program Graduate
“I have learned so much. The relationship I got to build with Mabel is the most magical possible in this world. I found so much healing, personal growth, connection, guidance, love and empowerment in this program.”
Moriah, 2023 Program Graduate
"Our training has pushed us to become better. We’ve been held to higher standards, and we have been supported in areas where we struggle.”
Leavitt, 2025 Program Graduate
"Since day one I've seen improvement after improvement with my dog. I truly feel I've been given all the tools needed to succeed. There has not been a lesson that I haven't learned, something to implement into everyday life."
Jordan, Current Student
"I always enjoy the friendliness and genuine concern you show us. It's refreshing to experience a dedicated organization that takes so much care in technique, so nothing is overlooked and everyone's needs are met."
Mario, 2018 Program Graduate
"The most valuable aspect of the program to me has been the personalized training both in private and group classes."
Sam, Current Student
THE ABILITY DOGS PHILOSOPHY
At Ability Dogs, we use only positive reinforcement. There are no shortcuts.
This approach rewards behaviors we want to see by using treats, praise, or play as motivation. It encourages dogs to learn without fear, fosters trust, and strengthens the bond between dog and handler.
We recommend flat-buckle collars, martingale collars, and no-pull harnesses. For certain safety needs, we may suggest head halters like the Gentle Leader or Halti. Our instructors will help select and fit the right gear for your dog. We also use clickers or verbal markers to improve communication.
We abide by soley positive reinforcement methods in all areas of dog training, not just service work.
Aversive tools and methods are not permitted —because it’s the right thing to do, and because our ADI accreditation depends on it.
To maintain a humane and effective environment, we do not allow the use of choke chains, prong collars, e-collars (electronic or citronella), or any device designed to cause pain or discomfort. This policy also applies to invisible fences and electronic scat mats.
Positive reinforcement is the core of what we do.
OUR CORE
VALUES
At Ability Dogs of Arizona, our core values are the bedrock of our identity and purpose. They are the compass that guides our actions, the standards by which we measure our impact, and the commitments we make to our community. These values shape the way we support both people and dogs. They represent our dedication to excellence, our compassion for the challenges others face, and our belief in the transformative power of human-canine partnerships. As you explore each tab, you’ll uncover the fundamental principles that drive our work.
Respect: We appreciate and honor donor intentions, differing viewpoints, and the unique bond between people and their dogs.
Empowerment: We inspire and equip individuals to become confident partners in their dog training journey, unlocking each person and each dog’s potential through personalized guidance.
Community: We build a supportive network that grows stronger with every shared experience, creating lasting bonds between people and their dogs.
Commitment: We honor our history by dedicating ourselves to excellence, transformative care, and the lifelong pursuit of stronger human-canine partnerships.
Standards & Science: We rigorously adhere to industry standards, grounding our practices in scientific research and evidence-based methods to ensure optimal outcomes.
