How-to; Service Dog info 2025

[BGpa]

This is a placeholder for current info on Service Dogs
I'll post a reply on a topic, and others can add to it, etc.
I'd recommend starting a separate thread on "my opinion on x,y,z re:service dog..." to inspire a separate thread and discussion debate etc.

This will just be a place to provide reference on verified info
Feel free to add more of the same.

Mods let me know if this should go under another folder than training...

 

[BGpa]

Here's an example "good example of regional info"

Service Animal Resources

Information about the different types of assistance animals and reasonable accommodations, trained service dog resources.

resources.sdhumane.org

 

[BGpa]

A couple of highly useful opinions are noted in past threads, in reply to others SD questions. You can find more by search bar or the "similar threads" feature below
1. Post in thread 'Service Dog Breeder Help'
Service Dog Breeder Help

 

[BGpa]

Good books on SD training that you have read and ideally put in use?
Amazon search shows a dozen plus...any SD dog owners or trainers here on DCF, please share!

 

[BGpa]

Breeders for Dobes as SD

1. Good thread;
Post in thread 'Balance and stability service Doberman'
Balance and stability service Doberman

2. What about breeders who had dogs go on to SD individually?

 

[JanS]

It's good to post this sort of thing since I see more and more people abusing the SD thing as years go by. It's a shame because it can ruin it for people who genuinely need a SD.

 

[BGpa]

It's good to post this sort of thing since I see more and more people abusing the SD thing as years go by. It's a shame because it can ruin it for people who genuinely need a SD.

Agreed. I talk to a lot of people at dogparks and when out and about. I've met some of the most interesting people and learned from them.
I've noticed some who claim their dog is a SD or that they have trained others...and when I express interest in learning more, knowing some of the basics helps to gently disngage from those who dont.

 

[JanS]

When I worked at the airport it was very clear which ones were genuine and which ones weren't. The ones with the fake vests just wanted a free seat on the plane.

 

[BGpa]

When I worked at the airport it was very clear which ones were genuine and which ones weren't. The ones with the fake vests just wanted a free seat on the plane.

Was that during the Emotional Support Animal trend? People bringing their mini pony, potbellied pig, iguana et al!

I read the airlines finally got tired of it and rose up to ban them. Done right, Service Dogs are a very good thing. But its subject to scammers too, and I hope some education will help.

 

[JanS]

Was that during the Emotional Support Animal trend?

No ESA's weren't allowed on planes for free anymore then. These were dogs posing as service dogs.

 

[BGpa]

I'm doing some training under instruction for Bonnie as Mobility dog...
Learning a LOT from a 40 year in Obedience handler, competitor and now all around trainer...very simple, efficient, effective.

As in any similar training for the two-legged, ex: martial arts, inc gunfu, I like the old saying: " when the student is ready, the master will come"

updates to follow.

 

[Ravenbird]

I hope you keep posting about what you're learning and how to train some of the simple things.

 

[BGpa]

I hope you keep posting about what you're learning and how to train some of the simple things.

Will do, once I "proof" myself and Bonnie.

 

[GennyB]

Good books on SD training that you have read and ideally put in use?
Amazon search shows a dozen plus...any SD dog owners or trainers here on DCF, please share!

I'll take a look at the books I have and get back to you.
The one thing I wanted to mention because it came up serval times when I was training my girl to be my mobility dog. The thought never crossed my mind untill was it pointed out to me by more than one person and that is to work on fitness. And yes there are things you can do to build core strength. You can build both stamina and strength with weight pulling. You don't have to go to the lengths that dogs do that compete do but some strength will help prevent injury.
One thing Rumor did was run up the levy and it REALLY helped with strength. She also stood on thick foam block to help with core strength. I think there is a video out there about how to tasks on the blocks to help core muscles. Again, I'll look for it and get back to you.

 

[BGpa]

It's good to post this sort of thing since I see more and more people abusing the SD thing as years go by. It's a shame because it can ruin it for people who genuinely need a SD.

Thought of your comment @JanS
When I browsed this over coffee:

 

[BGpa]

I'll take a look at the books I have and get back to you.
The one thing I wanted to mention because it came up serval times when I was training my girl to be my mobility dog. The thought never crossed my mind untill was it pointed out to me by more than one person and that is to work on fitness. And yes there are things you can do to build core strength. You can build both stamina and strength with weight pulling. You don't have to go to the lengths that dogs do that compete do but some strength will help prevent injury.
One thing Rumor did was run up the levy and it REALLY helped with strength. She also stood on thick foam block to help with core strength. I think there is a video out there about how to tasks on the blocks to help core muscles. Again, I'll look for it and get back to you.

Thanks @GennyB
I'm training Bonnie as a mobility SD, and in addition to doing a check on joints (like an OFA for breeder health proof)
Starting a strength training program with a juvenile is good advice.
I've also read advice to start the dog on joint supplements early.

Any thoughts on that @GennyB and @SDhandler and anyone else who has owner DIY trained their dobe as SD?

 

[BGpa]

I hope you keep posting about what you're learning and how to train some of the simple things.

Update: I'm thinking we are done for the basics, performing PAT tasks and three trained tasks for mobility at 90-95% (one book summarizing the standard cutes 80%)

And per ADA Bonnie is legit, good to go and we have spent a LOT of time under the vest, practicing and doing the job.

From what I'm reading and seeing, talking with people with actual Service Dogs in use, you are always training, which is great as its rewarding to the dog if its fun.

But I'm aware of self bias, aka kennel blindness, amiright?

So I'm currently in the hunt fir an exoerienced, proven in SD trainer work, to test us, to "proof" us, and sharpen the saw, as they say.

More on that later but suggestions welcomed.

@SDhandler I pm'd ya with a couple questions, feel free to reply here, to share.

PS: since some of the conversation about tasks for a need tend to stray into HIPAA and privacy issues, I may be slow to update and talk generally, as I want to honor discretion plus be careful that what I put out here is accurate as possible.
Its ambiguous by its nature, and there are many opinions out there, including various associations or entities vying for registry or certification standards bearer...

Best practices in training to a task can be inferred I think, from the best oractices in other disciplines- and in digs the solid fiundation in basics is first- puppy class, basic obedience tests, CGC as a start.

 

[GennyB]

I've also read advice to start the dog on joint supplements early.

YES! I was going to mention that in my post but I was in a hurry and forgot.
I feed my dogs green lipped muscles for joint health.

Green Lipped Mussels For Dogs: Replace Those Harmful NSAIDs

There are many reasons to choose green lipped mussels for dogs. They work like anti-inflammatory drugs - but without the harmful side effects. Learn more ...

www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com

 

[BGpa]

Here is ADI's public access test

 

[BGpa]

Interrsting survey by ADI