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Service dogs must go through very thorough training in order to become certified, but all
training must start with the basics. Much like training a common household dog, service dogs start with learning basic obedience commands using positive reinforcement. This helps the dogs have a good foundation on which to build other, more difficult tasks. Task training and detection are two main skills a service dog is likely to have depending on the person’s needs.
Obedience
When training a service dog, it is important to have a strong foundation with basic commands to build on. Teaching the service dogs commands like sit, stay, and lay down are a great starting point that trainers and owners will continue to rely on throughout the dog’s life. These commands help promote discipline and focus, while also making sure the dog knows how to behave in public settings. The general knowledge and practice of these commands help build trust and strengthen communication between the dog and the owner, making it easier for the dog to be able to assist the owner with more difficult tasks like retrieving or opening doors. Without starting with simple commands, it could make it more difficult for the dog to be able to assist with more difficult tasks in the future.
Task Training
Many service dogs may receive a specific type of training, referred to as task training. Task
training is when service dogs are trained in more specific tasks to assist their companions with retrieving items, mobility assistance, or opening and closing doors. Some service dogs can be taught how to help with balance. Dogs assisting with balance issues can help provide physical stability, restoring a person’s confidence while moving and giving them more sense of independence. Retrieving items can also prove to be helpful for people by reducing the need to bend down to get items like dropped medications and reducing the possibility of putting the person in a potentially unsafe position. Helping people to open and close doors is another task that can be taught to service dogs to help avoid unnecessary physical strain or injury for individuals with limited mobility and strength.
Detection
Some service dogs can be trained to detect medical emergencies such as seizures, low blood sugar, or even panic attacks. The dogs are taught to use their sense of smell to recognize chemical changes in the body that can be indicative of certain conditions like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Dogs have 300 million receptors in their nose that enable them to be extremely attuned to any small scent changes. Aside from being able to smell chemical changes in the body, service dogs can also be trained to notice very small changes in body language that could be early signs of seizures or panic attacks, like trembling or posture changes. Dogs can be taught how to associate specific movements with specific outcomes using simulated scenarios with trainers.
Socialization
Socialization is important for any dog training, but even more important when training a service dog. Exposing dogs to various sounds, settings, animals, and people will help them be able to learn how to focus when in social situations. Service dogs are likely to accompany people to a large variety of public places where they may be put in situations and environments they have not been in before. It is important that they are calm and equipped to handle new situations well. Exposing them to a lot of social situations at a young age helps them learn how to behave appropriately and not get over excited when around large groups of people. This also helps them learn concentration so they are less likely to become distracted from caring for their person. Making sure service dogs are well socialized helps them to become more reliable companions.
Consistent Positive Reinforcement
Consistent positive reinforcement is crucial not just during the early stages of training a service dog, but also throughout the dog’s entire life. This technique comes from the idea that trainers should be reinforcing good behavior rather than punishing mistakes because it helps dogs feel more confident while also building a foundation of trust. A positive, reward-based approach helps dogs remain eager to learn and helps create a pattern for receiving desirable behavior from them. By continuing this practice consistently the dog will start to associate the desired behavior with treats, praise, and good attention, making them more likely to repeat the action again when asked in order for them to get their reward.
How UDS Can Help
UDS is proud to offer a service dog program for individuals who have a mobility disability,
autism, or Veterans with PTSD. We also offer dogs for the classroom that are specially trained to help children that struggle with learning. At UDS, we pride ourselves in being with you every step of the way, and making ourselves available for any questions and guidance. UDS serves most of eastern and central PA. For more information, please contact us and fill out your information to learn more about our services.