Service Dogs

Service Dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are a dog that is task trained to mitigate an individuals disability. I do not have program dogs. I help individuals who are owner training their own service dogs that need assistance. I offer a subscription on TikTok link is on the home page for $2.99 a month and I host a minimum once a week lives teaching and discussing training, tools, techniques, and skills as a way to help owner trainers in their journeys.

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Temperament testing:

The key to picking a puppy for possible service work is making sure they have the temperament for it. Many dogs fail out of training because this crucial step is over looked. Making the dogs core personality and traits fit to be a Service Dog.

Breed Selection:

Are there breeds that succeed more in service work than others? yes. However no breeds original purpose was for service work. This is where temperament testing is key. It is more about the individual dog than the breed. My retired service dog pictured is a 10 lb terrier mixed breed and my current is a Rottweiler. In the U.S. any domesticated breed or mix can be a Service Dog not every dog can be.

Socialization & Exposure:

There is a key window between 8-16 weeks most people miss due to puppies not being fully vaccinated. However there are ways around this while keeping your puppy safe and giving them the best chance possible to succeed. Whether is carrying them, using a stroller, a wagon, or simply sitting in the car in the parking lot. Interaction and Socializtion are NOT the same.

Task training:

What makes a Service Dog?

The handlers disability and what the dog is trained to do to mitigate it.

I assist in training Psychiatric Service Dogs. Some tasks include:

DEEP PRESSURE OR TARGET PRESSURE

HARMFUL BEHAVIOR INTERRUPTION

BLOCKING

IGY6-LETTING THE HANDLER KNOW SOMEONE IS WALKING AROUND THEM OR BEHIND THEM

GROUNDING

SURROUNDING AWARENESS

OTHER:

Public Access

Gear Conditioning

Body Handling

Rehab after an attack

Fear Phases

Prepping for particular environments

Tool Conditioning

To be honest the list goes on. No I haven't only trained my Service Dogs I have assisted dozens of owner trainers across the U.S. virtually and in person.