What to Know Before Training a Service Dog

Understanding the logistics is only part of the picture. The long-term reality is explored in The Reality of Living With a Service Dog.

Choosing to team up with a service dog is a significant choice that will have a lasting impact on your life. While many of the resulting changes are positive, it's important to acknowledge that having a service dog can also present challenges! Understanding what to know before training a service dog helps set realistic expectations about responsibility, access, and long-term commitment.

Below are key insights we've gained over the years that are essential for your success with your service dog prospect.

1. Service Dogs are Living Beings, Not Machines

Service dogs undergo extensive training and are reliable in various situations, but they are first and foremost dogs. They are living creatures that can have accidents. It's important to be ready for the possibility of your service dog having accidents like urinating, defecating, or vomiting in public. Service dogs can also have off days when they may misbehave, not obey commands as well, or become distracted. Depending on the severity of their behavior, you may have to leave them at home or stay home yourself.

Your dog will likely experience illnesses at some point. They may need veterinary attention, so it's crucial to be financially prepared for such situations. You should also plan how to manage when your service dog is unavailable.

2. Patience is Key

Whether you are in the process of training your own service dog or acquiring a fully trained dog from a program, it is important to proceed at a measured pace. There is a tendency for individuals to want to immediately start bringing their service dog or prospect everywhere with them. It is crucial to not overlook subtle signs of stress in the dog, such as sleeping, yawning, stillness, or stiffness, which may be mistakenly interpreted as signs of relaxation.

Invest time in establishing strong foundations. Remember, it is not a competition. Many dogs that show exceptional abilities at a young age often end up experiencing burnout or developing behavioral issues that result in premature retirement. Practice patience and dedicate time to nurturing your bond. If you have a puppy, allow them to enjoy being a puppy. Spending a year or more focusing on mastering the fundamentals will lead to a decade of fruitful companionship.

3. Training is a Continuous Process

This ongoing process highlights why behavior change fails without regulation in demanding real-world environments. It is crucial to maintain the sharpness and skills of your service dog consistently. The saying “Use it or lose it” is particularly relevant in this scenario. Regardless of whether your dog comes from a professional training program or you are training them yourself, regular training sessions are essential to ensure that you both perform at your best.

Training serves as a great mental exercise for your dog, helps to expend excess energy, and prevents boredom or unwanted behaviors. Moreover, training can be highly enjoyable! Consistent training, even if just for a few minutes each day, will strengthen the bond and communication between you and your service dog.

4. Service Dogs Are Not a Cure

It's common to believe that once you have your service dog by your side, everything will improve. You may have waited for this moment for a long time, perhaps two years or more, and now it has finally arrived. While having a service dog can indeed transform your life by opening up new opportunities, it's essential to understand that a service dog is not a miraculous solution. In reality, it can sometimes make life more challenging. Tasks will take longer, you'll attract constant attention, and you'll have the added responsibility of caring for another life.

• If you face mobility issues, how will you manage taking your dog for walks and bathroom breaks?

• If you experience social anxiety, how will you cope with the public's stares and comments?

  
  

These are crucial considerations. It's important not to underestimate the value of incorporating other healthcare resources alongside your service dog. Remember that service dogs are living beings, and unforeseen events can occur. Relying solely on your dog for your well-being may lead to complications.

In the event of your service dog falling ill or getting injured, you must prioritize their needs over your own and allow them to rest and recover. Furthermore, there are places where it may not be safe to bring a dog, and you'll need to manage without them. It's inevitable that your service dog will eventually pass away. Dealing with such a loss, especially suddenly, can create a difficult situation compounded by emotional stress.

When faced with such scenarios, what will you do? A service dog should be viewed as one component of a broader support system rather than a standalone solution. Be prepared for situations where your dog is unable or should not be working.

5. Expect People to Be Very Curious

It is uncommon for people to see dogs in public, especially inside places like grocery stores, hospitals, and malls where pets are not typically allowed. However, in Puerto Rico, it is common to see many pets inside malls. While some individuals adore dogs, others may not be fond of them. There are people who fear dogs or have allergies to them.

Be prepared for individuals who may approach you and your dog out of curiosity. Most people are genuinely interested and eager to learn more, particularly when it comes to service dogs that bring immense joy. Many members of the public may have never encountered a dog that is as well-trained as a service dog, which can be truly remarkable!

Occasionally, these curious individuals may include children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. They might attempt to pet your service dog, play with them, make noises, or even try to feed them.

There is a possibility that you may come across individuals who do not have a favorable opinion of you and your service dog. They might make negative comments, either quietly or loudly. While instances of aggression like having the leash taken away or being yelled at are rare, they do occur. Thankfully, such occurrences are not the norm.

6. Only a Select Few Possess the Necessary Qualities

Many handlers underestimate the shift involved, which is why understanding what actually changes from pet to service dog is essential before committing. Being a service dog is an extremely challenging role. It goes beyond just behaving well in public and providing emotional support to their handler. A service dog must exhibit the right temperament and undergo rigorous training to be dependable in any given situation. For instance, if a child suddenly approaches and touches a service dog's face, the dog should be able to remain composed and unfazed. A service dog must maintain focus on their handler even in distracting scenarios, such as the smell of cooking chicken or bacon nearby, or when a female dog in heat is nearby, while also being completely reliable.

A service dog must stay composed and attentive even when their handler is experiencing distress. It is common to mistake a dog's anxiety for an "alert" or "concern," rather than recognizing it as a learned behavior.

A service dog's reaction to their handler's emotional state should be a trained behavior, not an emotional response of their own. Even dogs that have been selectively bred and carefully chosen over generations to become service dogs have a significant dropout rate. This fact should emphasize the challenges involved.

7. You Are a Representative of the Service Dog Community

When you form a service dog team, you also serve as an ambassador for the service dog community at large. In certain instances, you may be the first or only service dog team that someone encounters. Businesses, fellow dog owners, potential service dog handlers, children, and others will observe and learn from your behavior to understand the role and responsibilities of a service dog.

In the United States, we are fortunate to have laws that facilitate the use of service dogs for those in need, providing us with extensive access rights. To maintain this privilege, we must uphold the highest standards possible. Let's not give any authority a reason to intervene and limit our freedoms.

• Always conduct yourself in a professional manner.

• Maintain your dog's cleanliness and grooming, including their equipment.

• Ensure that your service dog's behavior is impeccable. If you encounter any challenges, seek assistance from a trainer or behaviorist promptly. This is crucial for your safety and that of those around you.

• When appropriate, take the opportunity to educate those in need. 

8. You Are Not Obligated to Possess an ID or Other Documentation

The Department of Justice explicitly states in their Service Animal FAQ that service dog handlers are not required to have any special registration or ID in order to be granted access to public places. According to the DOJ, "Covered entities cannot demand documentation, such as proof of certification, training, or licensing as a service animal, as a condition for entry. However not all entities are covered by DOJ jurisdiction. There are individuals and organizations selling service animal certification or registration papers online. These papers do not confer any rights under the ADA, and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal". It may be tempting to buy a service dog ID from Amazon to simplify things.

Some establishments may not be aware of the regulations and may ask for such an ID. The appropriate course of action in such a situation is to politely educate them about the laws and, if they persist, to show them a printed copy or bookmarked version of the ADA FAQs on your phone.

9. Many handlers are unaware that their service dog is not obligated to wear specific gear, such as a harness, vest, patches, or any other items. While it can be beneficial in making daily life easier and signaling to others from a distance that your dog is on duty and should not be disturbed, it is not mandatory. Some individuals may overlook the visual cues provided by vests or patches and may still attempt to interact with your dog, regardless of the clear indicators.

Some training programs may set additional equipment requirements at advanced stages.

10. Prepare for Challenges with Access

Regrettably, there is a lack of awareness about service dog laws among the general public. This lack of knowledge can create difficulties when attempting to enter establishments with your dog. These access challenges can vary from minor inconveniences to lengthy and distressing experiences that might involve legal authorities and even court appearances. It is crucial to be ready for such situations. The most important measure you can take is to be well-versed in the laws and regulations that protect your rights. Familiarize yourself with federal laws, state laws, as well as laws related to housing, air travel, employment, and any other relevant areas. Study them thoroughly, take notes, and ensure that your support network is also knowledgeable about these laws. Having someone who can intervene and support you in case of a dispute can make a significant difference. Practice how you might respond in front of a mirror to be as prepared as possible.

If you have any uncertainties, refer to the FAQs about Service Animals and the ADA.

Access disputes can be intimidating, especially if you struggle with anxiety or have difficulties with communication due to your disabilities. It is essential to remain composed. Some individuals opt to record the situation using their phones. However, this action is often perceived as confrontational and could escalate the conflict. Politely cite the relevant laws and, if possible, educate the other party. If law enforcement gets involved, cooperate with their instructions. If the issue cannot be resolved on the spot, make sure to report it to the Department of Justice afterward and follow up to prevent other service dog handlers from facing similar challenges.

11. Service Dogs Come with a High Price Tag

Raising and training these dogs requires significant time and effort. While there are programs that provide dogs at no cost or assist with fundraising, this is not always available.

It's important to remember that the financial responsibilities persist even after your dog is fully trained. Your service dog relies on you to ensure their well-being and top-notch condition, which includes providing high-quality food, veterinary care (including emergencies), grooming, training, and other necessary supplies.

12. Activities Will Require More Time

Bringing a service dog along is similar to going out with a toddler. The days of quick runs to the store will be a thing of the past. You'll have to outfit your dog (with a vest, leash, etc.), give them a brief grooming, ensure they've relieved themselves, and then load them into the car with an appropriate car seat. That's the simple part!

It's likely that you'll be approached by curious onlookers while doing your chores. A brief five-minute trip for milk could easily morph into a half-hour adventure complete with inquiries, compliments, and expressions of admiration like "What a cute puppy!" "May I pet your dog?" "What's the matter with you?" and so forth. The checkout process will be twice as long due to the cashier inevitably striking up a conversation.

Naturally, this is assuming smooth sailing without encountering any access issues or other challenges. If you opt to have a service dog, be prepared for outings to take at least twice as long.

About the Author:

T. is an International Dog Trainer School (IDTS) certified Dog Trainer, Calming Signals Approach practitioner, and Dog Behavior Specialist focused on canine welfare, behavior, and real-world reliability.