Training a service dog or therapy dog requires dedication to teaching. These trained dogs provide assistance and support to individuals with disabilities or to those who need comfort. This needs professional dog training to prepare them for their responsibilities. In this blog, we’ll explore the process of service training and therapy dog training, as well as what it takes to develop a well-trained companion.
Understanding the Difference Between Service and Therapy Dogs
To begin with dog training, you need to understand the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs:
- Service Dogs: These dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities, such as hearing impairments, diabetes, etc. Service dogs have legal rights to accompany in public places under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Therapy Dogs: Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs provide emotional support and comfort to people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and therapy centers. They do not have the same legal rights as service dogs and typically visit specific locations with their handlers.
With the differences, both types of dogs undergo extensive dog training to prepare for their roles.
Step-by-Step Process for Service Dog Training
1. Selecting the Right Dog
You annot train all the dogs for service purposes. Dogs that are intelligent, calm, eager to learn, and enthusiastic are ideal for this position. Breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are commonly chosen due to their temperament and ability to retain training.
2. Basic Obedience Training
A service dog must first master basic obedience skills, including:
- Sit, stay, and down commands
- Loose-leash walking
- Ignoring distractions
- Coming when called
This basic training ensures that the dog can move to the next level for advanced service training.
3. Task-Specific Training
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks based on their owner’s needs, such as:
- Guiding visually impaired individuals
- Alerting to medical conditions (e.g., seizures or low blood sugar)
- Retrieving dropped items
- Opening doors or pressing buttons
Each service dog undergoes personalized dog training to meet their handler’s specific needs.
4. Public Access Training
Service dogs accompany their handlers everywhere; therefore, they should be trained to walk comfortably in public places. They should be calm in crowds, avoid distractions, and behave well in restaurants, stores, and public transport.
5. Certification and Evaluation
While not required by law, many service dogs undergo an evaluation to ensure they meet training standards. Handlers may also need to complete a training program to work effectively with their service dog.
Training Process for Therapy Dogs
1. Socialization and Basic Obedience
A therapy dog must be friendly, well-behaved, and comfortable around different people. Training focuses on remaining calm in various situations and not reacting aggressively to loud noises or strangers while following commands properly.
2. Desensitization to New Environments
Dog training for exposure to different or unusual sights, sounds, and smells is important to keep them calm and familiar during their visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Therapy dogs should be focused on their purpose without hesitation.
3. Certification and Registration
Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs typically need certification through organizations like Therapy Dogs International or the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. These evaluations test the dog’s temperament, obedience, and ability to interact with different people.
Whether training a service dog or a therapy dog, the process requires dedication, patience, and the right approach to dog training. Service dogs go through intensive service training to assist individuals with disabilities, while therapy dogs focus on providing emotional support in various settings. With the right training and preparation, these dogs can make a profound difference in the lives of those they assist.