About DC Seizure Dogs
Our Mission
We understand that the right service animal is more than just a companion; it’s a partner in health and safety, offering both practical assistance and emotional support during challenging times. Our comprehensive programs blend innovative training techniques with personalized care, ensuring that every dog develops the skills needed to confidently respond to seizure-related emergencies and support your everyday needs. We are proud to serve the Washington, D.C. community with a commitment to excellence, empathy, and proven results.
DC Seizure Dogs has been a trusted name in service animal training for more than 15 years. Over that time, we have trained more than 500 dogs, all dedicated to enhancing the lives of people affected by seizure disorders. Our organization is built on a foundation of passion for animals and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those with seizure conditions.
When you contact us, you can expect a personalized consultation where our experienced team listens to your needs, assesses your lifestyle, and recommends the ideal training plan. Our commitment to quality service and community outreach has made us a respected leader in the field, and we continually refine our methods to ensure the best outcomes for both our clients and our canine partners.
Note that we are not a breeder and do not supply dogs; instead, our sole focus is on training the dogs to be exceptional service partners. We do however maintain strong relationships with reputable local breeders in the Washington, D.C. area to help you find the perfect candidate to begin their journey with us.
Our Training Program
Overview
Our specialized training program is meticulously designed to prepare small dogs, particularly Biewer Terriers, to assist individuals experiencing seizures. The program typically spans 8 to 12 weeks and is divided into several progressive phases to ensure thorough skill development and lasting results.
Foundational Training
In the first phase, our trainers focus on basic obedience, socialization, and building a strong bond between the dog and its future handler. This foundation is critical, as it sets the stage for more advanced learning.
Seizure Response Training
During this phase, we introduce techniques that help dogs detect subtle behavioral or physiological cues indicating the onset of a seizure. The dogs learn to respond by alerting the handler or nearby caregivers through gentle nudges, barks, or other pre-determined signals. This stage is conducted in a controlled, supportive environment, and our methods are continuously refined with input from medical professionals to ensure reliability and effectiveness.
Public Access & Compliance Skills
Our training also emphasizes the development of public access skills, ensuring that each dog meets the rigorous standards of both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Dogs are exposed to a variety of environments—from busy streets and public transportation to quiet offices—helping them learn to remain calm, focused, and obedient regardless of distractions.
Customized Support and Follow-up
Recognizing that every individual’s needs are unique, we work closely with you to tailor our program. We provide ongoing support and periodic evaluations to ensure that the service animal continues to perform reliably. Our gentle, reward-based training methods ensure that each dog’s well-being is at the forefront of our practices, making the process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for both the dog and its handler.
Contact Us
Get in Touch
If you or a loved one is seeking a dependable, compassionate service animal to help manage seizure disorders, DC Seizure Dogs is here to help. We invite you to reach out to our friendly team for a personalized consultation, where we can discuss your needs, explain our training process in detail, and guide you on finding the right canine partner.
DC Seizure Dogs
