Service Dog Training: What Dogs Work Best?
Service dogs are highly trained furry companions who help people with disabilities by performing tasks they are not able to do themselves. The demand for service dogs has risen in recent years, as people look for ways to improve their quality of life. Service dog training requires a lot of effort but can be rewarding for both the dog and the handler. Are you curious about whether your dog would make an excellent service dog? Read on to learn more about what type of dogs work best for service dog training and how to train them.
Not every dog is suited for service dog training. Firstly, service dogs must have a calm and obedient nature. They should be comfortable working in noisy and crowded environments, and have excellent socialization skills. Dogs should also be at least one to two years old before being considered for service dog training. Breeds that typically work well as service dogs include labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and German shepherds, due to their trainability and loyalty. However, it is essential to keep in mind that any breed of dog can be trained to become a service dog, given that they exhibit the right temperament and personality.
On the other hand, certain breeds will not work well with service dog training. Breeds that are known for their aggression or excessive shyness should not be chosen for service dog training. Examples of these breeds are chow chows, Dalmatians, and Rottweilers. If your dog demonstrates any of the following behaviors, they are probably not going to work well as a service dog: severe separation anxiety, excessive barking, unmanageable level of energy, or suffering from a chronic illness that limits their mobility or strength.
If you want to certify your dog as a service dog, you will need to follow a rigorous training process. The process will start by finding a credible and experienced service dog organization like Sierra Canine. They will help you determine whether your dog is suitable for service dog training and guide you through the certification process. Before continuing with training, you should check with your veterinarian to confirm that your dog is physically able to handle the rigorous nature of service training.
Training programs for service dogs vary and may take up to two years. Each service dog program focuses on training dogs to perform specific tasks such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting to seizures, and helping people with autism. Any of these tasks may take at least 6 months of repeated and consistent training where the dog is specifically taught to perform that task every day. Once your dog has undergone the training, they will be ready for certification. Certification ensures that your dog has the skills and abilities needed to be a successful service dog.
Service dog training can bring tangible benefits to people with disabilities. It’s important to understand how to determine which dogs would work well as service dogs and to follow the appropriate steps and procedures for training and certification. At Sierra Canine, we are a professional and certified dog training organization that specializes in service dog training. Our team can help you navigate through the process, assess your dog's abilities and potential, and determine whether your furry friend is suited for service dog training. Call us today to find out more about our training services.
california service dog training
Service dogs are highly trained furry companions who help people with disabilities by performing tasks they are not able to do themselves. The demand for service dogs has risen in recent years, as people look for ways to improve their quality of life. Service dog training requires a lot of effort but can be rewarding…