Service dog training prepares dogs to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, including visual, hearing, and mobility impairments, mental disorders, etc. Below are five steps that provide a little insight into how a service dog is trained.
First, you will need to pick a dog that is perfect for you. This involves comprehensive research to carefully determine which dog breed will fulfill your wants, needs, and ultimate goals for the future. For example, a person with visual impairment or mobility impairment will most likely want to choose a bigger dog that can help them with support and maneuverability for everyday life tasks.
Second, once you have picked a suitable canine pal, it’s time for the evaluation process. This means the dog is required to pass numerous behavioral evaluations and service dog testing scenarios in order to be initiated into a service dog-training program.
The third step is the actual training of the dog. The service dog training process can vary in duration because it is an individualized process. Some dogs may take longer to train depending on how fast they learn. It is important to remember that every dog is different and has a different learning process. The more you practice, the more the dog will catch on.
The fourth step is the graduation of the service dog. Service dogs need to have a set amount of hours to complete their full training, including numerous hours in public settings. All graduating service dogs should now be well enough trained to perform specialized commands to aid their disabled handler.
Lastly, you now have a certified partner to assist you wherever you go! According to the ADA, “State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go”. It is also stated that, “Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.”