Handi-Dogs

Training a Service Dog is a lot of work and a big committment. Choosing an appropriate dog is the most important step. Be Patient.

Temperament

Don't be tempted to "save" a dog that has behavior or health problems, especially a history of abuse or neglect. If you are serious about training a service dog, this is not the time to rescue a problem dog. Important temperament traits to look at:

• Confident vs. Timid -- the dog should show a casual interest in new experiences, other dogs, and new people.
• Secure vs. Insecure -- Service dogs must be able to tolerate a lot of stressful situations.
• Calm vs. Frenetic -- "over the top" energy is difficult to control and train through.
• Gentle vs. Rough
• People-Centered vs. Environment-Centered -- Service dogs should be people-pleasers.
• Attentive vs. Distracted -- The dog should mostly be paying attention to you, not what is going on everywhere else.
• Dependent vs. Independent -- A service dog needs to look to its handler for direction.
• Needy vs. Aloof -- Is the dog always looking away from you? Not interested?

Breed Characteristics

Some dogs show very strong breed characteristics, and it can be difficult or impossible to change them. Consider what a dog was bred to do -- Herd sheep? Kill rats? Track game with their noses? How does that relate to what you want to train the dog to do?

The most consistent breeds for service work are Labrador Retreivers & Golden Retrievers. These breeds are people-centered, bred to follow directions (easily trainable), friendly, and tolerant.

A note about Pit Bull types (American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pit mixes) -- We do not recommend these breeds for service dog training for several reasons: 1). All terrier breeds are difficult to train for service work; 2). Pit types must be carefully monitored around small animals, regardless of individual training or temperament; 3). You will spend the rest of the dog's life fighting for access to housing and public facilities. You must decide what is more important to you -- having a service dog to help you, or being a breed advocate for Pit types.

The Right Size for the Job

For some people (some wheelchair users, hearing-impaired, seizure & diabetes alert) small dogs are the best choice, but for most people the toy breeds are not appropriate for service work. A Yorkie cannot retrieve your shoes. A terrier won't want to bring your shoes (but he may tear them to pieces). Pugs (& other short nosed breeds) cannot tolerate warm weather. If you have a bad back, you're going to have to bend over to deal with your little bitty dog. Small dogs can be trip hazards, especially if you have any mobility issues.

Small dogs can also be easily overwhelmed when taken out in public. That famous "attitude" that some people brag about -- barking, growling, snapping -- is a sign of fear, not protectiveness. Shaking (shivering) is also fear.

Age

Puppies

The parent's behavior/temperament and the puppy's early socialization (birth to 6 weeks) are extremely important. Avoid getting a puppy if you don't know its background.

If you do find a suitable puppy, it can start training as early as 8 weeks. Puppies started this early learn faster and have better behavior as adults.

Adolescents

Dogs generally show their adult temperaments between the ages of 1-1.5 years.

Be aware that dogs experience adolescence the same as humans do -- they become inconsistent teenagers. This can last from the ages of 1-3 years. Usually this is the most frustrating time period for owners, because the dog can perform perfectly one day, and be a total idiot the next day. As their self-confidence increases, they can become more territorial & reactive. Patience & consistent training are really important.

Adult Dogs

For Service Dog training, we generally do not accept dogs older than 4 years. Service dog training is extensive and expensive, so we work with dogs that have at least six years of working life after finishing the training.