Training Your Own Service Dog: A Daunting Yet Rewarding Journey

Training your own service dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s also a massive undertaking. It requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of your specific needs and your dog’s capabilities.
Selecting the Right Dog
The first step is choosing the right dog. Not all dogs are cut out for service work. Look for a dog with:

• Calm and stable temperament: The dog should be able to handle stressful situations without becoming overly excited or anxious.
• Good health: Ensure the dog is physically fit and free from any health conditions that might hinder training.
• High intelligence: Service dogs need to be quick learners and able to understand complex commands.
• Good social skills: A friendly and outgoing demeanor is essential for public interactions.

Essential Training Skills
Training a service dog involves a combination of basic obedience, task training, and public access training.

• Basic obedience: This includes commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it.
• Task training: Specific tasks will vary depending on your disability, but common ones include retrieving items, opening doors, providing support, and alerting to medical conditions.
• Public access training: Your dog must learn to behave appropriately in various public settings.

Helpful Resources
Numerous resources can assist you in training your service dog:

• Books:
• Selecting and Training Your Service Dog by Muriel Davis Howlett
• The Ultimate Service Dog Training Manual by Keagan J. Grace

• Professional Trainers: Consider hiring a professional trainer to guide you through the process or for specific challenges. Utilize cites like the International Association of Dog Behavior Consultants and The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers to find a certified trainer near you.

Support Groups: Connecting with other people training service dogs can provide valuable advice and encouragement. Some popular Facebook groups are: Owner Trained Service Dogs and OTSD (Owner Trained Service Dogs).
Challenges and Considerations
Training a service dog is demanding and time-consuming. Be prepared for setbacks and frustrations. It's essential to maintain a positive and patient approach.

• Consistency: Consistency is key in training. Ensure everyone involved in the dog's care uses the same commands and training methods.
• Public Access: Practicing in various public settings is crucial. Be prepared to handle distractions and potential negative reactions.
• Financial Commitment: Training a service dog can be costly, including food, vet care, training equipment, and potential professional help.
• Legal Considerations: Understand the ADA and your rights as a service dog handler. Knowing what is expected of you and your dog is equally as important. For guidance on these areas check out: ADA Service Dod Requirements.

While training your own service dog can be incredibly rewarding, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. For some individuals, working with a professional service dog organization might be a more suitable option.
Would you like to learn more about specific tasks for different disabilities or how to find a professional trainer?