We currently do not provide services related to guide task work or general guide dog training. Guide dogs are a specialized category of service dogs designed to assist individuals with visual impairments.  Per the Ada And according to California Pen. Code § 365.5, a "guide dog" is defined as any dog trained by a person licensed under Chapter 9.5 (commencing with Section 7200) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code or that meets the criteria outlined in federal regulations established to implement Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) 

The training of guide dogs necessitates a specific and specialized license. In both California and the United States as a whole, guide dogs are exclusively trained by individuals who hold guide dog trainer licenses. These trainers have completed rigorous apprenticeships lasting more than three years, working with guide dog programs on a national and international scale.

At present, ACKS does not possess guide dog licenses. Nevertheless, we are actively working towards obtaining this credential, and we remain committed to expanding our services in this specialized area.

ACKS does not endorse or engage in any form of task work that involves tethering a service dog to a child, minor, or adult for the purpose of preventing actions like running or bolting, regardless of the circumstances. It is essential to understand that canines distribute their body weight differently, with approximately 60% on their front two paws and 40% on their rear when they are standing, moving, or making adjustments. Tethering a child, minor, or adult to a service animal with the intention of using them as an anchor poses a direct risk of injury to the animal.

This practice can lead to various health issues for the service dog, including hypnic jerks, slipped disks in their shoulders and hips, as well as spinal injuries resulting from sudden and forceful pressure on their central body. It is important to emphasize that service dogs are not intended to replace inanimate objects such as weights or other safety measures.

After careful consideration, we have determined that this practice presents significant safety concerns for the well-being of the service animal and, as a result, we do not endorse or offer services involving such activities.

ACKS firmly abstains from the training of service dogs in mobility-related tasks that involve supporting individuals in standing or assisting with the act of getting up. It is crucial to reiterate that service dogs do not replace equipment designed for heavy-duty weight-bearing purposes.

This steadfast commitment to observing these stringent criteria is paramount, as it ensures the safety and well-being of both our service animals and the individuals they are dedicated to assisting. Our primary focus remains on providing effective and ethical service dog training services within the boundaries of our expertise.