Recognizing a dog training scam can be difficult and we would like to share a few pointers to help you spot scam businesses that claim to offer dog training services. You may have already seen ads for online dog training schools on social media and news websites. Online schools are a great and convenient way to study and improve your skills as an individual. Most online courses can be taken at any time and you are free to progress as quickly as you like. Completing an online course often comes with a diploma or a certificate. This official paper is usually provided as a PDF file that can be printed out or an image file. The certificate for the completed online course may be available for purchase as a hard copy.
There are legitimate platforms that specialize in offering online dog training courses for various purposes like ours. However, as a customer, you might have trouble discerning which online training school is legitimate and which one is not. There are dog training schools that purposefully use misleading or fraudulent tactics to deceive potential online students. It is not hard to find companies that run scams for service dog registration. We would like to list several tips on how to spot scam service dog training schools. If you want to train your pet dog to become a service dog for yourself or a family member you should be careful who you give your personal information. We will mention several red flags to consider when you are doing your due diligence to look for a legitimate dog training school.
If a school is reluctant to provide information about its accreditation, curriculum, faculty, or student outcomes, it may be a sign of a scam. There are even online dog training schools that make their logos resemble the emblems and seals of government agencies in an attempt to mislead potential students and misrepresent their services. Some schools purposely use figures and models that closely resemble official government symbols to appear legitimate and recognized by the government. Stay vigilant and be careful with logos that look very similar to real government emblems.
Many scam business claim that their service dog registration is recognized by federal laws, airlines, and housing organizations. Some even claim to operate an “official service animal registry”. In fact, countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and many others in Europe do not have a service animal registry operated by the government. If the representatives of an online service dog registry tell you that you have to register your service dog to “make it official” you should look into how service dogs are regulated in your country first.
Do not purchase a service dog registration from a fake “official service dog registry”. If you are told that you need to renew your service dog license and registration yearly you are likely talking to a scam business. Many fake service dog registration websites sell their service as a subscription and may try to sell you insurance. Service dogs are not covered by most medical insurances and you should pay very close attention to what a business is trying to sell you. Most service dog teams rely on standard pet insurance or go for customized private insurance plans. Please, keep in mind that service dogs are considered “medical equipment” and any insurance plans that cover costs related to the animal’s care are likely to be much more expensive compared to standard pet insurance.
If you spot a dog training platform that you like, talk to the support team and ask how the online service dog courses work. That way you can see if the support team understands how dog training works and if they are not just trying to sell you a course that might be a bad fit for you. Legitimate online service dog training platforms will require video recordings as part of the testing process. The video recordings serve as proof the dogs are properly trained. These video records show how the dogs respond to commands and how good are their public access manners. Also, many tests include parts where the student has to show in writing an understanding of the dog training techniques. A big part of online dog training courses is the lessons for the responsibilities certified service dog teams have.
Accreditation is an important indicator of a school's legitimacy. If a school is not accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, it may not provide quality education or be recognized by employers. This accreditation can be provided through Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), government bodies like healthcare and animal welfare departments, and veterinary organizations. There are legitimate dog training schools outside the ADI and IGDF networks.
Check online reviews from current or former students of the school. Negative reviews and complaints about the school can be an indication of a scam. Customer-first platforms like Trustpilot are a good starting point to look for reviews. If the service dog training school has social media accounts, check their comments section for valuable feedback from current and former students. It is important to take note of how the school responds to negative reviews as well. It is not unheard of for competitors to slander each other in social media and review portals as a way to reduce the flow of customers to others.
If an online dog training school is hesitant to provide information about its products or services, or can't provide proper documentation, it may be a sign of a scam. Legitimate service dog training schools are prepared to provide you with legal information about service dog laws and regulations. If the school is not prepared to assist you with filling out paperwork related to your dog this can indicate a lack of proper support which inexperienced service dog teams will need. If you intend to train your pet dog to become a service dog you might appreciate a more involved and helpful support team.
If a service dog training school does not have a physical address or provides incomplete contact information, it may be difficult to track them down. Legitimate dog training schools list their address, email inbox, and phone number on their website. Many dog training platforms also include a chat box where you can reach a representative directly and talk to them in real-time. As mentioned earlier, you should check the communication channels the service dog training school has. Online service dog training schools may communicate with their students via email, phone, and live chat. You must have a clear way of communicating with the business that sells you a dog training course and any other related products and services.
Scam service dog schools often have poorly designed websites or no website at all. Legitimate dog training schools typically have well-designed websites with detailed information about their programs, accreditation, faculty, and student services. If you see empty web pages, poor-quality videos, and many broken links those are red flags you should take into consideration. It's essential to do your research and carefully consider any school before enrolling to avoid falling victim to a scam.
Scam service dog schools often have poorly designed websites or no website at all. Legitimate dog training schools typically have well-designed websites with detailed information about their programs, accreditation, faculty, and student services. If you see empty web pages, poor-quality videos, and many broken links those are red flags you should take into consideration. It's essential to do your research and carefully consider any school before enrolling to avoid falling victim to a scam.
Flexibility is a feature of reliable and legitimate online training courses. These programs give handler-dog teams the opportunity to train at their own pace without feeling the need to rush the process. This option is particularly helpful to people with busy schedules who may be unable to find time to train within a pre-set time frame. If a website is reliable, then you should not feel under pressure to enroll in a course and complete it as quickly as possible. Reliable programs take a person's needs into account as well as their dog’s personality and training background. Dogs are individuals with their own temperaments, and they learn at different paces. Access to an online training program is typically provided for a period of 2 to 5 years. Most schools will be glad to extend your access if you need more time to finish the program you and your dog have enrolled in.
Scam businesses may make unrealistic promises or guarantees or claim that their product or service is the best for you. Do not be afraid to ask questions and check the claims of the dog training school yourself. As mentioned earlier, legitimate online dog training schools are not afraid to refer you to reviews, stories from former students, and service dog laws, and provide clear answers to your questions.
