Approved applicants are given an 8-10-week-old puppy to bond with and teach basic obedience. Once the puppy is 6-8 months old, the puppy will begin training with K9 Elite, where they will be taught the specific needs of a service dog. Depending on the level of training, service pups will be in training for one to three months. Once training is complete, the veteran or first responder will return to train with their service pup and K9 Elite. Each year, service dogs will be required to return for evaluation and recertification.