The trick to training service dogs

The idea of training service dogs sounds rather daunting, doesn’t it? Well, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how novice pet parents can learn how to train a service dog​ and help their pup go from pampered pooch to working wag-baby. Here’s what training service dogs​ look like.

Key takeaways

• According to US federal laws, anyone can become a service dog trainer. As long as your pup has been trained to assist with their owner’s existing disability, they are counted as a service dog or service dog in training.
• Understand what your pup is being trained for - do they need to learn to fetch specific items, remind you to take medication, or perform an action as a reaction?
• Create a calm, safe environment for your pup, and remain patient. Always reach out to a professional service dog trainer if you’re worried they’re not working.

Rules around training service dogs

According to the The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any dog that is trained to enact a service that helps a person with a disability is classified as a service dog. A ‘service’ includes things like being able to fetch things for someone less physically abled, remind someone who has a disability (this includes those suffering from depression) to take their medication, or offering guidance while out in public places. 

As per American federal laws, trained service dogs don’t have to wear special vests indicating they’re service dogs, nor do their humans have to provide a certification or have them registered. However, emotional support pups don’t count as service dogs. If they’re there to provide a service directly to your disability, then they’re able to come with you pretty anywhere. 

Sadly, some people abuse this system by pretending to have a service dog just so they can take them out to public places. Of course, we know your pet people would never do anything like that!

Can all dogs become trained service dogs?

Pretty much any canine carer can become a dog trainer, but can any dog become a trained service dog? The short answer is no. Sadly, not every pup is made for the world of work - this doesn’t make them any less special or wonderful in their own way, it’s just not in their DNA. Think of it as being left or right-handed, it’s nature.

When training a service dog, you need to make sure they have the right demeanor and personality. This includes:

• A calm and passive personality 
• Willingness or tendency to please their humans
• The intelligence to remember a range of commands
• Reliable with following training commands
• They can safely enter new environments or social situations
• Non-reactive while remaining alert

Of course, some breeds like Labrador or Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, or St Bernards have a naturally disposition towards learning and working. While we’ve all met a rowdy Goldie or a liberal Labrador, they have a higher tendency to be born with these service dog training traits than other breeds.

But, every dog is different, so if you’re not sure try out a few training tricks with your pup and see how they respond. If they pleasantly surprise you, perhaps life as a trained service dog could be possible.

Top tips on how to train a service dog

Decide what you need a service dog for

Think about what service your canine companion could learn to benefit your specific disability or the disability of a dependent. If mobility is a problem, focus on a training program designed to train them how to fetch things for you. Don’t begin training a service dog for a wide variety of things as it’s more likely to confuse them.

Start small with a basic training program

To follow on from the point above, don’t overwhelm your soon-to-be trained service dog. Dip their paws in the water before jumping in the deep end - try with just basic commands like sit and stay to see how quickly and efficiently they pick these up. Then, begin to focus on the service that would benefit your disability, so teach them to fetch your phone when it starts ringing, or learn to guide you around your home (or somewhere else very familiar to them).

Be patient

The most important piece of any dog training advice is be patient. Like humans, each dog learns at a different rate, with some needing more time than others to understand their new job. This doesn’t mean they won’t make a good service dog, it simple means they need some extra TLC to let their potential shine through. 

Seek professionally trained advice if you’re struggling

It’s always okay to ask for help - some pups might need a slightly different teaching technique from the one you’re using, or maybe you just need some external encouragement. Talking to a professionally trained service dog trainer could help refine your schedule and offer some insider tips. Your vet will also be able to provide free advice on dog training and discipline.

Whether your pup is couch potato or a service dog in training, find the right in-home sitter for them when you need to be away from home. Not only will the be surrounded by the comforting smells of home, some sitters can help to keep up their training program too!