Training Requirements for Service Dogs

Training Requirements for Service Dogs   by Connor Tritton     |Last Updated  12-08-2022

Do you know the value of a service dog?  Do you know the training requirements for service dogs?  If not, This article will walk you through all the characteristics needed as well as training for service dogs.

Well, I can say that it is something valuable! A dog has been man’s loyal friend throughout the ages.

And, they have proved to be extremely helpful perhaps more than any other kind of pets. On top of this, some dogs provide professional assistance to folks, who need it. Their training is of utmost importance, so is their vaccination schedule.

If you were ever interested in service dogs, you must be aware of some of the benefits of service dogs. There is a step-by-step process to train a dog.

Breeds Best for Service Dogs

What breeds are best for Service Dogs?

Well, the answer is any dog! Yes, you read right, any dog can become a certified service dog.

That means, Golden Retrievers, Border Collins, German Shepherds, etc. are the common breeds given one can found for service dogs. Usually, a larger dog is required for physical assistance, while for emotional support a small dog is acceptable.

Qualities and Training Requirements for Service Dogs

Even if you know the basic requirements needed for a dog to become a service animal, let’s build your knowledge more.

Age and Health of the Dog

Firstly, assess the Age and Health 

You all know the need for a veterinary hospital in a pet’s life. Therefore, every dog being trained for service purpose must be healthy.

Such dogs should not possess health problems like diabetes and arthritis that are responsible for putting the strain on the pets. An important point – all dogs should be neutered to make the male dogs less aggressive and help female dogs to bear the heat.

The Dog's Temperament

Second, test the Dog’s Temperament Traits.

The right temperament of a dog is necessary. Some dogs may get easily aggressive while others may not.

If a dog is cool and calm on the one hand, but smart and quick on the other hand,  there are chances it can be a good service dog. Knowing a dog’s breed characteristics will play a key role.

Professional Training is a Must

Third, Training only by a skilled professional is required.

Certain people do have a certified qualification and experience to train dogs, but it may not suit every dog.

Another thing to note is that not every country provides a certificate to the trainers, so, it is important to find a good and reputable trainer for your dog.

Training Requirements for Service Dogs

Fourth, consider the training requirements for service dogs.

The international standard is 120 hours a minimum over six months or more. While in the US there is such requirement, self-regulation is essential, and it is good to follow the guidelines. There are three phases:

Heeling

This is one of the most difficult parts. It involves maintaining the relative position with the handler (human), regardless the moves of the handler.

Proofing

This is sometimes considered to be the most consuming phase. In this, the dog is trained to do all the required moves along with constant distractions.

Tasking

In this, they learn the particular task to be performed such as pulling a wheelchair or guiding a blind person. The training for this step is often said to be one of the easiest.

During these sessions, there should not be any leniency in animal veterinary care, which will include dog’s vaccinations and check-ups. 

Training Requirements for Service Dogs:  The Public Access Test

This step is important as it tests the training. Some of the basic test includes:

• Curbed excitement in dogs
• Surcease of sniffing behaviors of the dog
• Less or no solicitations for food or affection

Registration and Equipping

Registering the dog ensures the competency of the dog, and it (or you) might be questioned at some point in time.

These registered dogs are then used for various purposes, helping folks as and when needed.

Service dogs are trained for many purposes to improve the disabled person’s functionality.

An individual who is disabled in any manner can benefit from a dog who helps them lead a healthy life without much trouble.

Keeping track of wellness exams for pets  is essential for building the health of the dogs.

Many service dogs have performed remarkably in helping humans with various tasks. In fact, it is truly inspiring how well they perform their act; I personally feel service dogs should be more recognized in the society.

Service dogs offer emotional support to veterans that make them live a happy and complete life. Make a difference in your life through such dogs.  

Legal Definition of a Service Dog

According to the U.S. Department of Justice that implements the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a Service Dog can be defined: 

"Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA."

Author Bio

Connor Tritton is the author of this, Training Requirements for Service Dogs as well as numerous other articles throughout the web.

His a zealous blogger and passionate about writing articles on Lifestyle, Health, and Fitness.

He's  been writing articles and blogs for 3 years and has written for many websites. In his free time, he loves to play football, Cricket and loves to listen to music.

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