Fostering a Courage Service Dog in training is fun, rewarding and never boring! ​ 
Participating fosters in Minnesota will enjoy the experience of confidently and positively affecting the lives of others through assisting with puppy training.

Our puppies in training are raised in permanent foster homes. After approximately two years of training, the adult dog will begin their work as one of our team dogs. The service dog will continue to live with the same foster family during their working life. Upon retirement, the pup will enjoy a life of leisure in the same home they have grown to love. 

​The puppies in our program are English Labs and are acquired from Welcome Home Labs, a breeder located in Bruno, Minnesota.   English Labs are believed to be the most successful service dogs for those with PTSD.  All puppies are temperament tested by a professional trainer and then released to our foster homes.

Courage Service Dogs’ foster training program is available to applicants who:
  • Possess the desire to assist other people.
  • Have a love for dogs. 
  • Display a patient and professional demeanor.
  • Above all, have a POSITIVE attitude.

Additional requirements of fosters include:
  • Attendance at training sessions. At these sessions, you will learn how to care for your puppy on a daily basis. You will be taught basic obedience skills and service dogs skills so you can help your dog develop into a member of our team. Training sessions may be taught by our trainer or by another organization. Courage Service Dogs will pay for all relevant training.
  • Fosters must attend public access training sessions once a month for a 2-hour period.  These classes are conducted by our service dog trainer and include “field trips” to a variety of locations such as restaurants, stores, airports, amusement parks, community events, and other fun places.  This is also a great time to discuss any obedience issues with our trainer.
  • Fosters are also required to work on public access training during their own time.  In Minnesota, service dogs in training are allowed to go anywhere a fully trained service dog is allowed. This means you can take your puppy in training with you to malls, grocery stores, doctor appointments, hotels, and even your job. The more places the better!  You will be instructed on how to engage in public access training and 1-1 support is also available until you feel comfortable with the experiences.
  • Participation in community events including public safety open houses, fundraising events, special training outings and fun classes.

Each Foster Training Family receives:
  • A healthy, temperament tested puppy to foster within their home.
  • Paid medical care for their foster puppy.
  • Dog crate, bowls, leash, collars, and toys for the foster puppy.
  • All required food and training treats for the foster puppy.
  • Monthly instruction on dog training and behavioral management.
  • The availability of replacement foster care for short vacations and family emergencies.
  • Continuous support and guidance from Courage Service Dogs and/or advising professionals.
  • The joy of assisting a Minnesota law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other emergency service worker diagnosed with PTSD as a result of their service and sacrifices to the citizens in our communities.
Fosters must be willing to supply:
  • A loving, safe environment to house the dog. (Apartments are okay.)
  • Committed participation in our specialized foster training program.
  • The ability to introduce the puppy to a wide variety of experiences. You will be instructed and supported while learning to desensitize your puppy to a variety of  public locations.

If you are interested in becoming involved in our foster training program AND meet all qualifications and requirements, please fill out the application below and submit to info@CourageServiceDogs.org.
Obedience Training
Public Access Work
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Hose Testing at the Albetrville Fire Station
Agility "Fun" Class
St. Michael Fire Station Open House