SERVICE DOGS

Mobility Service Dogs are trained for children and adults with physical disabilities. Each dog learns approximately 80 different commands and performs tasks such as opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, retrieving dropped or needed items, pulling wheelchairs, and assisting with balance. Mobility service dogs are placed nationally.

SEIZURE RESPONSE DOGS are trained to assist people with seizure disorders (i.e. get help for the person, retrieve the phone or medications, activate life alert). We do not profess to train seizure alert dogs (dogs who predict seizures and warn the recipient before the seizure occurs), however, for reasons not fully understood, some dogs develop the ability to predict seizures after many years. Seizure response dogs are placed in and around the metro-Atlanta area only.

Skilled COMPANION DOGS are trained to assist children and adults through performing service dog skills. These special canines provide a strong bond of love and affection and work in the home only.

Each GCI dog begins training at 6-9 weeks-old and receives about two years of training while living in the home of GCI Founders Tim and Ramona Nichols. GCI strives to meet the highest standards in the service dog industry. Assistance dogs receive multiple tests (temperament, manners, obedience, skills, public access) in multiple environments before matching with a potential recipient may occur. Each assistance dog team must also pass multiple tests (written final, oral exam, skills tests, and public access tests) to receive certification as an official service dog team. In addition, each team is re-tested every two years to maintain the privilege of public access.

If you are seeking a service dog to help with a different type of medical condition such as a hearing or visual impairment, please visit the Delta Society for a referral to an appropriate training organization.