Service Dog Training

There are many types of service dogs in our society today.  Their jobs vary from leading the blind, to picking up object for people in wheelchairs, to emotionally supporting those who have traumatic disorders.  These dogs are sometimes trained by individuals, and some are trained in dog obedience schools.  Dog are amazing in all the jobs they can perform!

Being a professional service dog trainer usually takes a degree in one of the behavioral sciences. This, and a great deal of patience and experience with various breeds of dogs and their issues.

However, if you are disabled and would like a companion to help you do some things you couldn’t otherwise do, you can find the basics in this great book called Teamwork - A Dog Training Manual for People with Disabilities.

Having basic obedience training with your dog is a great way to start.  Your dog will have to know how to stay in an unmoving position until you tell him to move, so that he won’t go bursting out of doors or running up to people. He’ll have to know how to sit, and down, and walk nicely on a leash.

When chosing a dog to be an assistance dog it’s best to get a young dog, either a rescue or a purebred from a good, responsible breeder.  An older dog can also be trained, but he might come with many issues that have to be addressed first. Such as undersocialization or aggression or impatience.

Many breeds and mixes love to do assistance work.  And it’s a great way to bond with your dog!