Welcome to the Course
Introduction and suggested timeline.
Getting the Terms Straight
Navigating the legal terminology of the service dog world is confusing but critically important. You will learn what a service dog is and how it is different from an emotional support animal and therapy dog.
Disability 101
Learn about disability etiquette and the ins and outs of best communication practices with clients with disabilities.
Different Types of Service Animals
From mobility dogs to psychiatric service dogs and alert/response dogs. Learn about the different types of service dogs, the tasks they are trained to do and some of their behavioral differences. Service Dog Program Essay Project
Selecting a Service Dog
Temperament and selection of different types of service dogs is challenging. Initial screening strategies for prospective service dog candidates and how to incorporate screening into your pet dog training business. Temperament observation and assessment form. Service dog program considerations for selection and matching dogs to recipients.
Basic Training
Learn about basic training that is essential for service dogs. What skills do most service dog candidates need to know, and what modifications may be needed. Default behaviors.
Task Training
Step by step discussion of service dog tasks is covered including the retrieve, balance/brace, target training and applications of targeting and retrieve components in service work. Hearing alert and response behaviors and combining behaviors for complex chains (push/pull, opening doors, helping with clothing). Assess and mitigate risks in tasks. Equipment suppliers. Task Training (Dog Training) Project
Public Access Training
Training dogs to behave calmly and appropriately in places pets are not allowed. Assessing and reducing stress and evaluating teams. How and why to incorporate ongoing structured observations rather than just one public access test. Public access assessment/observation form template, client handouts. Service dog program considerations for public access preparation and recipient education. Public Access Essay Project
Accommodating Training Techniques
Learn how to accommodate modern, reward-based techniques such as clicker training so people with different types of disabilities can successfully train their own dogs. Accommodations for sensory, cognitive and mobility impairments. Community Resources for People with Disabilities Project
Supporting Working Service Dogs
What type of support is needed, options for offering ongoing training and evaluation support throughout a service dog’s working career. Program strategies for providing support to recipients.
Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals
Learn why collaborating with a healthcare professional is a critical and often overlooked aspect of service dog training. What you and your client gain when you work as a team with your client’s doctor, therapist or rehabilitation professional. Templates for letters, medical release and forms to facilitate communication with healthcare providers.
Incorporating Service Dog Training into Your Pet Dog Training Business
Strategies and considerations when incorporating service dog training into your pet dog training business. Focusing your services, screening potential clients and setting realistic expectations. Also see example forms and applications you can adapt for your business. Non-profit program advertising considerations and resources. Business forms and marketing information.
Learning Library
Service dog research including articles and studies on mobility, hearing, guide, service dogs for children with autism, service dogs for people with diabetes, epilepsy, service dogs for people with PTSD and other mental health issues and more. Recommended books and additional resources on service dogs.