What We Do

We Transform Lives Through Specially Bred Great Dane Service Dogs
At Service Dog Project, we breed, raise, and train exceptional Great Dane service dogs exclusively for individuals facing balance and mobility challenges - completely free of charge.

Why Great Danes Make Superior Mobility Partners
Our dogs come from carefully selected European bloodlines, chosen for their shorter, sturdier build compared to American Great Danes. This robust frame provides the stability and strength essential for reliable mobility support, giving recipients confidence in every step.

Comprehensive Training for Real-World Independence
Each dog undergoes extensive balance and mobility training using minimal equipment, ensuring maximum freedom for both dog and handler. While our dogs master core stability skills before placement, they continue adapting to their partner's unique needs throughout their working life.

Who We Serve

Our certified service dogs support veterans, first responders, children, and adults living with:

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinson's Disease

• Cerebral Palsy

• Friedreich's Ataxia

• Other neurological and physical disabilities affecting balance and mobility

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Important Service Limitations

Our dogs are specifically trained for balance and mobility support only. We do not train dogs for hearing or visual impairment, epilepsy, seizures, diabetes, or autism.

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Candidate Qualifications

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Is a Service Dog Project Great Dane Right for You?

We carefully match each service dog with the ideal recipient to ensure a successful, lifelong partnership. Here's what we look for in potential candidates:

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Personal Readiness

• Full-time commitment to care: You must be able to provide 100% of your dog's care to build the essential one-on-one bond

• Age range:  Between 12 and 70 years old

• Maturity and dedication: Ready to learn and commit to the skills required for a successful service dog partnership

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Physical Compatibility

• Size requirements: For safety and effectiveness, applicants must be at least 45% of the dog's height and 65% of its body weight

  • Our Great Dane Specifications at Placement:​

    • Female Great Danes: Average 125-130 pounds, 28-30 inches tall​

    • Male Great Danes: Average 145-150 pounds, 30-32 inches tall

  • Safety Parameters:

    • Weight compatibility: Females can support up to 200 lbs, males up to 230 lbs​

    • Height compatibility: Females work best with handlers up to 62-67 inches tall, males up to 67-71 inches tall

• Active lifestyle: Able to work with your dog in public settings for a minimum of 3 hours daily

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Living Situation

• Location: Must live in one of the New England states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut) or New York for regular follow-up training and assessments. Veterans may apply from anywhere in the United States.

• Pet Limitations: No more than one pet dog in your household (to minimize distractions and strengthen the working bond)

• Secure outdoor space: Fenced yard required (apartment dwellers evaluated individually based on specific circumstances)

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Take the First Step Toward Independence

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Ready to begin your journey with a Service Dog Project Great Dane?

The First step is to complete our online inquiry form by clicking the button below. This initial screening helps us understand your needs and determine if our program is the right fit for you.

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What Happens Next?

After we receive and review your inquiry (typically within 3 weeks), one of two things will happen:

• You're a potential match: We will ask you for a video of you walking and speaking - specific instructions will be sent to you. We'll then invite you to join a Google Meet online where you will meet the training team and ask questions

• We're not the best fit: We'll refer you to another organization that may be better suited to meet your specific needs

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Remember, this inquiry form is just the beginning of your screening process - your first step toward the independence and mobility support that could transform your daily life.

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Your Journey to Partnership

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Understanding the Matching Process

Once your application is completed, you'll enter our carefully matching process. Unlike first-come, first-served programs, we take time to find the perfect partnership for both you and one of our Great Danes.

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How We Create Successful Matches

Every Great Dane has a unique personality, just like every recipient has individual needs. Our matching process considers:

• Physical compatibility: Height and weight requirements for safety and effectiveness

• Disability-specific needs: Training requirements for your particular mobility challenges

• Personality match: The most critical factor - ensuring your temperaments complement each other for a lifelong bond

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What to Expect During Your Wait

The waiting period varies as we carefully evaluate each potential partnership. While we cannot guarantee a match for every applicant, we are committed to finding the right fit when possible.

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Making the Most of Your Wait Time

We encourage you to:

• Volunteer with SDP: Get to know our dogs training methods, and community while contributing to our mission

• Research Great Danes: Learn about the breed's characteristics, care requirements, and what daily life with a 120-150 pound partner involves

• Stay engaged: Connect with our community and prepare for the incredible journey ahead

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Our Commitment to You

This unique program prioritizes quality partnerships over quick placements. Every successful match we make reinforces our belief that the right dog is worth the wait.

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Final Steps to Partnership

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Intensive Training Week

If you receive a phone call or email from us stating that we think we have a match for you, we'll invite you to come to our facility for a comprehensive week-long training program. During this intensive training, you'll:

• Work directly with your matched service dog

• Learn essential handling and care techniques

• Practice mobility and balance exercises

• Master the partnership skills needed for daily life

• Receive personalized instruction from our experienced training team

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Building Your Lifelong Partnership

This hands-on approach ensures both you and your Great Dane are fully prepared for the incredible journey ahead. By the end of your training week, you'll have the confidence and skills needed to work together as a successful team.

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Becoming a Recipient

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Your lifelong Partnership Begins

Once one of our Great Danes is matched to you, you'll become their forever family and provide a safe, loving home where they can thrive while serving as your mobility partner.

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Your Responsibilities as a Recipient

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Ongoing Health & Wellness Partnership

• Medical record sharing: Send all veterinary records to SDP throughout your dog's lifetime - their welfare remains our highest priority

• Stay connected: Respond promptly to wellness check emails and phone calls from our staff and volunteers

• Maintain insurance: Keep pet insurance coverage active for your dog's entire life

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Daily Partnership Commitment

• Active public work: Take your service dog in public 3-4 hours per day to maintain their skills and your partnership

• Continuous skill development: Practice and refine your partnership techniques regularly

• Community engagement: Volunteerism and community involvement are highly encouraged

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Financial Responsibilities

You'll cover all ongoing care costs, including:

• Equipment: Leash, harness, food dishes and stand

• Daily care: Premium food, vitamins, toys, bedding, dog coat

• Grooming: Nail clipping, ear cleaning, regular grooming needs

• Health  maintenance: Monthly tick and flea preventatives, annual exams, vaccinations, and all veterinary care

• Exercise and enrichment: Daily exercise requirements and mental stimulation

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A Partnership Built on Mutual Commitment

While we provide your trained Great Dane at no cost, your ongoing commitment ensures they remain healthy, happy, and effective in their life-changing work. This partnership extends far beyond placement - we're here to support you both throughout your journey together.