Accessible Service Animals

15/06/2024

Congratulations to these new Canine Good Citizens and S.T.A.R. Puppy graduates!! Thanks for working with me for the last six weeks and being amazing to your dogs. My biggest passion is seeing people set their dogs up for as much success as possible and I’m so proud of you all for doing just that!
Whether you have a pet or a service dog prospect, these AKC classes are great opportunities to build an even better relationship with your dog. If you’re in the Treasure Valley and want to be notified when my next classes are, send me a message!

29/04/2024

Last chance to reserve a spot for classes starting this weekend! Make sure to share with anyone who could use a chance to get some great socialization and bonding time ❤️

17/04/2024

I still have openings in my group classes that start in two and a half weeks!
Please share the info with your friends so that everyone has a chance to sign up!

06/03/2024

Hey all! I’m offering some group classes this spring. If you’re interested, let me know! You’re also more than welcome to share this information with others who might be interested ❤️

01/03/2024

Congratulations to Arlie and his handler for earning their CGC, CGCU, and TKN titles!
Earning titles through the AKC can give you a very tangible measure of what you and your dog have been able to accomplish together. The skills needed to earn these titles are also skills that Service Dogs need to master in order to succeed.
We’ve been working hard this month on refining some behaviors and setting the team up for future training success. It’s been a blast getting to hang out in Florida and I can’t wait to see what else they do.

27/12/2023

Hello! I’m Kate Richardson, the founder, owner, operator, and trainer behind Accessible Service Dogs.

In 2004, I got involved in raising guide dog puppies for the blind. This was my first introduction to service dogs and to professional dog training. I was immediately hooked on learning more and more about dog behavior and have been continuing to learn, grow, and teach ever since!

Early into my introduction to service dogs and dog training, I received what would wind up being life-changing medical news. I had to have immediate surgery and have since continued to suffer with chronic pain due to complications. As my health journey continued to get more complicated, I wound up disabled and was in an amazing position to realize that a service dog would be helpful in making my quality of life better. I’m currently raising the puppy that I hope will take over as my third service dog (a chocolate lab named Query) and am also still working with my second service dog (a yellow lab named Survey). My personal journey has inspired me to further my dog training education so that I can help others in the disability community on their own service dog journey.

I currently am certified through and accredited through with hopes to get even more certifications in the coming year! If you have any questions about training your own service dog, I would love to chat with you and see if I could be a good fit on your training journey.

21/12/2023

***Share a festive socialization outing tagging and using for a chance to win a drawing at the end of the month!***

20/12/2023

***Share your dog’s Christmas Elf Name tagging and using for a chance to win a drawing at the end of the month!***

18/12/2023

***Post your version of an enrichment present for your dog and post tagging and using for a chance to win a drawing at the end of the month!***

18/12/2023

***Post your dog’s stocking tagging and using for a chance to win a drawing at the end of the month!***

17/12/2023

***Share your dog proofed decor and tag and use for a chance to win a drawing at the end of the month!***

16/12/2023

***If you use any of these tips, share a picture and tag and use for a chance to win a drawing at the end of the month!***

15/12/2023

***If you make these cookies, share a picture and tag and use for a chance to win a drawing at the end of the month!***

09/12/2023

It’s getting cold out there!! It’s important to know about your dog’s breed tendencies and coat type so that you can give them all the appropriate protection from the elements. Working labs, who are a double coated and hearty breed, I have the luxury of not needing to be overly concerned about my dogs in the cold. So when do I use boots or a jacket on my dogs?
I use boots if I’ll be out in heavy traffic retail areas if there has been snow or ice to protect paws from de-icer. The only time I find a need for a jacket is if I’m out in heavy snow or rain to just keep a bit of the wet dog smell at bay.

Do you have pet friendly de-icer at your house? When does your dog need a little extra protection from the winter elements?

06/12/2023

One of the most important parts of existing is resting. A lot of service dog handlers are great at making sure their pups get breaks and have plenty of rest but aren’t as good at doing the same thing for themselves!
How are you taking care of yourself and resting this week?

05/12/2023

Winter time means longer hours of darkness. The mornings and evenings are when most people have the time to exercise their pups but it becomes increasingly dangerous for their safety, especially if they have dark fur! Service Dogs continue to work all hours of the day and any handler will tell you that the safety of their life-saving Service Dog is always top priority.
As this photo demonstrates, a safety light on the collar can make a world of difference. When a dog is in motion it’s even more effective for a car to spot and avoid. So what should you look for in a safety light?
I always recommend getting a light with settings that can provide a static light source as opposed to a flashing one. Flashing bright lights can trigger seizures and honestly just be annoying to the people and you. I also generally suggest getting a light with a bright white option as it tends to be a little more attention grabbing than the softer colors. The light pictured here is a rechargeable one from Amazon that came in a pack of 2 for $10.
You can also find reflective or lighted collars and leashes! These can be very effective on short coated dogs but a longer coat can obscure the light or reflective properties of collars and reflective “paint” on collars does tend to rub off with age. Knowing those things, I continue to opt for a light on my dog’s collar or harness when we’re out after dark.

04/12/2023

Today I got the official notification that I am now considered an Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)! This accreditation process includes getting references from clients, a reference from a colleague, and filling out an intense essay-style application test. Visit iaabc.org to learn more about this organization!

23/11/2023

BLACK FRIDAY SALE is on!!

Starting now and going through the 30th, you have a chance to buy some training packages at prices you can’t argue with. These packages are primarily for virtual training but I’m willing to talk about working with you in person if you’re local. Having training help I hand can be an invaluable resource during the holidays with guests visiting and so many extra things happening outside.

Buy a package to use for yourself or as an amazing gift!

Swipe through the slide above to check out package options and pricing. Once you find the perfect fit, DM me to talk about payment options!!

**Purchased packages are valid through December 31, 2024**

12/11/2023

Lumos’s time at Boarding School has come to an end! His people flew in today to pick him up and head back home. For the eight weeks he was here, we focused hard on setting up good habits and learning training games that will help him on his path to service work. He was such a pleasure to work with and I can’t wait to follow this guy on the rest of his growing up journey ❤️

27/10/2023

Did you see the amazing equipment that made for us?! If you are a training client with me, you have access to these gorgeous pieces, too! Current clients can message me for pricing options and the how-to’s of ordering these go-to designs for a Snap Bag, Leash Wrap, or Snap n Grow Vest.

25/10/2023

First certification of 2023? Check!

Katherine F. Richardson, CPDT-KA® has successfully achieved professional certification by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). CPDT-KA® certification recognizes the knowledge and experience of professional dog trainers.

Certificants must provide references that attest to their work and pass a rigorous written exam that focuses on the science behind dog behavior and the application of training techniques.

CPDT-KA® certification provides an independent, scientifically valid measure of an individual’s understanding of the field of dog training, including instruction skills, learning theory, ethology, equipment, and animal husbandry.CCPDT® requires its certificants to adhere to its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behavior Intervention policies.

Certificants must engage in on-going continuing education to maintain the credential. These rigorous standards ensure that CPDT-KA® certificants are actively engaged in professional development and applying the most current science and techniques with their clients.

Established in 2001, CCPDT is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. As the leader in the development of rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices, CCPDT has certified thousands of dog trainers and canine behavior consultants worldwide.

For more information, visit www.ccpdt.org.

Candidates who pass the exam earn the title Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed and may use the designation “CPDT-KA®” after their names. All certified trainers must earn continuing education credits to maintain their designations or take the examination again in three years.

01/10/2023

Only one client at a time is accepted so BOOK NOW!
Boarding School is perfect for young dogs needing a chance to get a jump start on good habits or for older dogs needing cues/tasks trained. It’s also very helpful for dogs to spend time with me where I can really learn what motivates them and play with different training options to tailor a training plan even more highly to your specific pup.
Your dog stays in my home with me near Boise, ID! Transport can be you flying, you driving, or reimbursing me for flying or driving.
Training costs for boarding school:
$75 / day
$500 / week
$1500 / 4 weeks
*Prices do not include food, vet care, or transportation costs*

24/09/2023

Welcome Lumos to the ASA family! This little cutie is almost 15 weeks old and is being raised as a service dog for his guardian. He’s here for somewhere between 4-8 weeks to set up some good habits and learn some foundational training games to take home and set his family up for success!

Today is day 5 of an awful cold for me that has triggered a migraine. So what kinds of training can we do when I’m sick? Gear targeting, body desensitization with gear, body desensitization for grooming/vet visits, name recognition, hide & seek recall games, and settling practice on a raised dog bed. Each of these training games can be played quietly and while sitting on the floor. It’s important to meet your body where it is and there are always going to be ways to meet your body’s needs AND your dog’s needs!

If this is something you’re struggling with, DM me to set up an initial consult so we can get you on the road to having these great games in your back pocket for the bad days.

description: A cream colored poodle wears a teal “Service Dog in Training” vest and sits outside looking at the camera.

21/09/2023

15/09/2023

One of the most important parts of a dog being considered for service work is making sure that they are confident and responsive in ALL situations. We worked Moxley next to a busy street today where he did some short “stay” training sessions and some loose leash walking practice with his handler in the presence of traffic, a bicycle, and pedestrians. Short sessions in loud, busy environments (for pups who are ready) are great for continuing to build their confidence!

07/06/2023

Welcome home, Query!
This little chocolate girl is going to be training over the next couple years to take over for Survey as my personal service dog so I can ethically retire him before his joints start going.
If you’ve ever wanted an in-depth look at how I raise and train, this is your chance! I have a Patreon page where I will be posting about our training journey every day! You can get access to all of my daily posts for only $5/month.
http://patreon.com/kateplusdogs

27/04/2023

My Patreon has been updated with some exciting things! Join the community to get some great training info and follow my journey of training my next service dog!!

$5/month gets you access to daily in-depth posts about my next service dog that I’m training for myself and access to my “secret” Instagram page where I share posts from other trainers.

I also JUST ADDED a $25/month tier where you can get personalized text support for your personal training! I’m this tier you have access to everything in the $5 tier and I will also be available to answer training questions for you via Patreon message, email, or Instagram message.

Become a patron of Kate Richardson today: Get access to exclusive content and experiences on the world’s largest membership platform for artists and creators.

14/11/2022

Affordable online training available!

Become a patron of Kate Richardson today: Get access to exclusive content and experiences on the world’s largest membership platform for artists and creators.

23/09/2022

Why get your pup a CGC title?
Read all about it and then RSVP for your evaluation!
https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/