People who require service animals have very specific needs that the animal must be able to fulfill. They rely on the animals not as pets or companions but rather as fundamental necessities to make it through the day. Because the job is so important, service dog training is often rigorous. Not every dog is cut out to be a service dog.
Many dogs who become successful service dogs start their training as puppies. Of course, they must be potty-trained, but they also must be taught other skills. In order to be a good service dog, they will have to be able to shut out the distractions of the public and focus on the owner. Puppies that are friendly, approachable and well socialized have a better shot at being a good fit for a service career. More importantly, they must be able to learn easily and follow directions. Service dog training teaches the animal to perform certain behaviors consistently. The first set of behaviors are those needed to navigate public areas successfully. Public access skills include responding to a variety of commands, such as sitting or lying down. The animal also learns to exhibit control in public situations even when those situations are wrought with stress. The dog’s success in learning these skills is evaluated by Assistance Dogs International Public Access Test. The dogs are also trained to assist their future owners in overcoming the particular issue for which they require a service animal. For example, dogs who serve individuals who are blind might be trained to alert their owner when the doorbell rings. Service dogs for seizure patients can let their person know when a seizure is about to happen. Whatever the need, the right dog for the job can be trained to meet it. Not all dogs that start service dog training are successful, but those that complete it and pass evaluation are equipped to increase their future owner’s freedom. It’s not an easy job, but dogs that are well suited and properly trained for the work can change people’s lives.
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