Birthday Gifts for Pets

Training Your Dog To Be A Service Dog

22 August 2018

Madison Adams

If you have any kind of physical or mental difficulty, then you may be thinking about making your pet dog into a service dog. Service dogs differ from emotional support dogs in that they are specifically trained and able to deal with an impairment. Unlike emotional support dogs, service dogs are allowed a wide range of access and privileges. The good news is that any type of dog can be a service dog, and here are some tips on the process.

Physical Qualities

Though your dog may be of any size or age, it's important to make sure your dog is physically up to working. Older dogs with health problems may not be able to perform all the tasks when needed. While puppies are great to start training, they may not actually be able to perform their tasks until they have fully grown. Also, your dog should be spayed or neutered to lessen aggression and distractions.

Assess Your Dog's Personality

Not all dogs have the personality to be a service dog. Your dog must be easily trainable and focused entirely on you. They can't be aggressive and must be calm in all types of environments and around all types of people and animals. Dogs that are eager to please are usually excellent candidates.

Train Your Dog

Aside from basic commands, such as sit and stay, you must train your dog to avoid distractions and not solicit attention or treats from other people. It's important to teach your dog to respond to voice commands, especially if you need to have your dog off leash in order to perform the tasks required. You may want to hire a professional service dog trainer to help you.

Test Your Dog

Once you feel that your service dog is properly trained, you can test him or her out in public places. Try different types of environments including crowded stores and parking lots. Your dog should be able to stop sniffing around when told and only urinate and defecate on command. While it is normal for your dog to be aware of his or her surroundings, he or she should not act aggressive or anxious. If your dog fails these tests, then more training is needed.

Service dogs can be trained to assist with a wide range of tasks for many health conditions. Once your dog is properly trained, you will be able to take him or her everywhere, even in places where dogs aren't usually allowed. If you think your dog might be able to assist you with tasks that are hard to do because of your health condition, then contact a company that can give you assistance with how to make your dog a service dog.

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