Business Details
Service Dog Training for Veterans & Civilians in Houston
Give Us Paws is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to transforming lives through service dog training. Founded in Houston, Texas, we specialize in providing subsidized and free training programs for veterans and civilians suffering from PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other disabilities. Our evidence-based approach utilizes positive reinforcement techniques to ensure service dogs meet rigorous public access standards while fostering teamwork between handlers and their dogs.With a structured 8-12 month curriculum, we emphasize handler participation, logged training hours, and customized task development to address individual needs. Our commitment extends beyond graduation through lifelong support, follow-up certifications, and community-building events. As a Candidate Member of Assistance Dogs International, we uphold industry-leading training standards while advocating for accessibility and affordability in service animal programs.
Services
Service Dog Training
Pet Dog Training
Puppy Socialization
Public Access Certification
Handler Education
Highlights and features
- We utilize evidence-based positive reinforcement training methods
- Veterans receive priority for free training programs
- Customized task development for individual disability needs
- Lifelong support for handler/dog team maintenance
- ADI Candidate Member adhering to industry-leading standards
Associations and certifications
- Assistance Dogs International
Services
Service Dog Training
Our comprehensive service dog program trains handler-dog teams to mitigate disabilities through customized task development. Handlers learn positive reinforcement techniques while dogs master public access skills and at least three disability-specific tasks. The 8-12 month curriculum includes weekly training sessions, behavior shaping, and public access testing to ensure reliability in real-world environments.
Pet Dog Training
We offer foundation skills classes using Karen Pryor Academy methods to teach essential behaviors like loose-leash walking and recall. Private lessons address specific needs while group classes promote socialization through structured 5-week programs focusing on handler-dog communication without correction-based techniques.
Puppy Start Right Preschool
This specialized program develops confident adult dogs through early socialization between 8-20 weeks. Structured classes focus on positive exposure to new environments, people, and dogs while introducing basic manners. Curriculum includes handling exercises and behavior prevention strategies to establish lifelong learning foundations for future service or companion dogs.
Public Access Certification
Our certification program ensures service dog teams meet ADA requirements through rigorous public access testing. Training emphasizes environmental distractions management, task reliability in public spaces, and handler control techniques. Successful teams demonstrate proficiency in obedience, task performance, and public interaction during formal evaluations.
Handler Education
We provide comprehensive handler education through weekly sessions and homework assignments. Curriculum covers behavior shaping, reinforcement timing, training log maintenance, and long-term team development. Graduates gain skills to maintain training progress and address future behavioral challenges throughout their service dog's working life.
People
Paul Buescher
Founder/Executive Director
Navy veteran and certified trainer with KPA CTP and PCT-A credentials. Developed Give Us Paws after recognizing veterans' service dog funding gaps. Holds leadership roles in canine professional associations.
Michele Corbin
Board Member
Accounting professional with construction industry experience. Former treasurer of civic organizations and Reserve Organization of America chapter member.
Christopher Carpenter
Board Member
IT infrastructure administrator supporting veterans' causes. Longtime animal advocate and Give Us Paws supporter since inception.
Questions
Do you provide service dogs for veterans with PTSD?
Yes, we prioritize veterans with PTSD for free service dog training programs when funding is available.
What training methods do you use?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques including clicker training and reward-based learning.
How long does service dog training take?
Our program typically requires 8-12 months of intensive training with weekly handler participation.
Do you train dogs for civilians with disabilities?
Yes, we offer subsidized training for civilians meeting ADA disability criteria with financial need.
Are you affiliated with Assistance Dogs International?
We hold Candidate Membership status with ADI while pursuing full accreditation.
What tasks do service dogs learn?
Dogs learn customized tasks like PTSD episode alerts, mobility assistance, and public access navigation.
