About us
Wendover Service Dogs originated from the personal journey of its founder, Luke Wendover, who faced challenges in obtaining a suitable and affordable Service Dog due to age limitations and financial constraints.
Luke, being an experienced dog trainer, decided to undertake the task of training his own Service Dog.
Recognizing the potential benefits of owner training for others who lacked the necessary knowledge and support, Wendover Service Dogs came into existence.
While we now specialize in training various types of Service Dogs, our primary focus revolves around the following areas:
Autism Assistance: Providing support and assistance to individuals on the autism spectrum, helping them navigate daily challenges and improve their quality of life.
Diabetic Alert: Training dogs to detect changes in blood sugar levels and alert individuals with diabetes, promoting early intervention and enhancing safety.
Allergen Alert: Training dogs to recognize and signal the presence of allergens, assisting individuals with severe allergies in avoiding potential triggers.
PTSD Service Dogs: Equipping dogs with skills to support individuals coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), offering emotional support, reassurance, and aid in managing anxiety.
At Wendover Service Dogs, we strive to empower individuals to train their Service Dogs, fostering independence and creating meaningful partnerships. We understand the unique needs of our clients and are dedicated to providing compassionate, reliable, and effective training solutions.
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Luke
Head Trainer
With over 13 years of experience in animal training, Luke Wendover has developed a deep understanding of effective training methods.
His journey began in the realm of horsemanship, but as his disabilities posed risks while riding horses, he transitioned his focus to canine training.
Luke is a proponent of a method he refers to as "positive first," aligning with the principles of Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training. This approach emphasizes using positive reinforcement and minimizing aversive techniques, prioritizing the well-being and trust of the animals.
What Luke finds most rewarding about dog training is witnessing the moment when dogs grasp the concepts being taught and exhibit newfound confidence in offering desired behaviors.
When working with service dogs and pets, Luke employs a variety of free-shaping techniques. These methods encourage dogs to actively problem-solve and think independently, fostering their cognitive abilities and enhancing their learning experience.
Luke's dedication to positive and progressive training methods ensures that each dog receives patient guidance and support tailored to their individual needs. His passion for training shines through in his commitment to empowering dogs and strengthening the bond between humans and their four-legged companions.