Service Dogs
Service Dogs Facts
Service dogs play a crucial role in assisting individuals with disabilities, regardless of their breed. These highly trained dogs are permitted to accompany their handlers almost anywhere. According to the law, individuals can only ask two questions regarding a service animal: 1. Is the animal required because of a disability? and 2. What work or task is the animal trained to perform? Service animals may only be asked to leave an establishment if they are out of control or need to relieve themselves. Allergies or fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denial of access.
Puppies are not considered service dogs and typically undergo task training starting at 18 months of age. Each state regulates dogs-in-training differently, with Colorado recognizing them as service dogs. Certifying a trained service dog is challenging, as less than 50% of bred dogs graduate. Typically, certified service dogs undergo over 100 hours of training.
The role of a service dog is demanding, as they must remain calm and focused despite unpredictable human behavior. It's important to differentiate service dogs from therapy or emotional support dogs, which serve different purposes in different environments.
12 Service Dog Facts
1. A service dog is a dog specifically trained to perform a specific task to assist an individual with a disability.
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2. Any breed of dog can be a Service Dog.
3. Trained Service Dogs are allowed to accompany their person practically anywhere they go.
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4. By law, you may ask an individual with a service animal two questions:
A. Is the animal required because of a disability?
B. What work or task is the animal trained to perform?
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5. By law, there are only two reasons a service animal and its handler must leave an establishment:
A. The animal is out-of-control/the handler doesn’t have control.
B. The animal goes to the bathroom.
6. Allergies, or fear of dogs, are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people with service animals.
7. Puppies are not Service Dogs and typically are not put into task training until 18 months, once they’ve perfected advanced manners.
8. Colorado considers dogs-in-training as Service Dogs, which each state regulates differently
9. Certified Service Dogs typically have more than 100+ hours of training.
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10. Certifying a trained Service Dog is difficult.
Less than 50% of the dogs bred for this work will graduate.
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11. Being a Service Dog is difficult! People are unpredictable, and having to be around them, watch them, and constantly be ready to move – but not react– is crazy-difficult for many.
12. Service Dogs Are NOT:
A. Therapy Dogs, which are dogs brought to hospitals, schools, or airports.
B. Emotional Support Dogs, which are dogs people have at home to help them cope.
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This list is not comprehensive, but it begins to explain why less than 50% of dogs bred to be Service Dogs even graduate with the title. Not all dogs can be Service Dogs. As a trainer, we spend a great deal of time finding the right candidates before putting in any work. Do your dog a favor, don’t sign them up for a job they don’t want or will excel at.
Service Dog Training
Service Dog Training Involves Three Components:
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- Basic and advanced manners
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Task training
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Environmental proofing
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All three are crucial to a well-trained and grounded dog, as well as a dog that always behaves appropriately.
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Task training involves training the dog to perform the specific task their person needs them to do. For example, psychiatric service dogs are trained to provide deep pressure therapy during times of anxiety.
Environmental proofing refers to training the dog everywhere, at different times, in various weather conditions, with varying types of people, commotion present, etc. Without proper training or reinforcing and grounding each of these components thoroughly, the dog can experience stress and anxiety, struggle with their job, or ability to fulfill their duties – or act as a well-mannered member of society.
Can My Dog Be a Service Dog?
Many of us cherish the idea of having our dogs constantly by our side, providing comfort and companionship during challenging moments. However, true love for our furry friends entails being realistic about their preferences, capabilities, and desires. When evaluating your dog's suitability keep in mind that service dogs are specially trained companions with distinct characteristics:
They possess the ability to IGNORE DISTRACTIONS in their environment, remaining focused on their tasks despite tempting stimuli like passing dogs or enticing smells.
They EXHIBIT A LEVEL OF COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE in various situations, remaining unfazed by the unpredictable nature of human interactions, even in bustling or potentially confrontational environments.
Service dogs PRIORITIZE THEIR HUMAN FIRST above all else, consistently placing their needs first and responding promptly to cues without needing constant reminders.
These dogs DEMONSTRATE EXCEPTIONAL IMPULSE CONTROL and manners, refraining from reacting to their surroundings unless it directly pertains to their designated tasks.
The demanding criteria for service dog suitability highlight why less than half of dogs bred for this purpose successfully graduate from training programs. Not every dog possesses the temperament or inclination for service work. As a dog handlers, we invest considerable effort in identifying suitable candidates, ensuring that each dog is well-suited for the job at hand. It's essential to respect our dogs' individuality and refrain from enrolling them in roles they may not enjoy or excel in.