Saving Veteran’s Lives,
One Dog At A Time
Training is 10% the Dog
and 90% the Handler
Welcome to Down the Leash Service Dogs. We are a veteran run nonprofit organization helping veterans in the southern Illinois area. We provide a safe environment for our nation’s heroes, teaching them basic and advanced dog handling skills for their own service dogs. We Believe the best trainer for a veteran’s service dog is the veteran. Our training philosophy is: Training is 10% the Dog and 90% the Handler.
No veteran that comes through our door will pay a dime for proper training of their service partners. Our goal is to ultimately decrease the number of veteran suicides that is plaguing our nation’s heroes by helping to give them a real sense of purpose through our program. We are also in the process of creating a network of other like minded companies that share the same passion as us in helping our veterans.
Tony Eaton is a United States Marine Corps Veteran. His service partner, Ariel has been by his side for nearly five years, helping him cope with and control his PTSD. Tony is also a retired police officer. His many years of experience with military and law enforcement have given him a unique perspective when it comes to serving other veterans, like himself. His desire is to help bring back a sense of mission to struggling veterans by giving them the tools and training they need to train their own service partners.
Testimonials
Check here often for our growing list of video testimonials.
Each veteran that we are able to help is a blessing to us. We cherish the ability to be part of each of their lives in a such a powerful way. When they are able, they will send a video of thanks and tell us how their service animal has helped them.
We are blessed to use the Herrin’s Prairie Masonic Lodge as a training facility.
