Service dog trainers are usually very aware of the importance of reducing a service dog candidate’s stress in the training process. But what about the dog’s person? Owner-trainers often share on social media that they feel pressured and even occasionally “burned out” from training a service dog. While training a dog is often enjoyable, it also can be challenging and time-consuming. Furthermore, the public nature of service work can lead to uncomfortable situations for the handler working in the community. Some owner-trainers are relatively new to living with a disability, so there are additional elements of adjusting to life with a disability that can make this time even more challenging.
While it is important for owner-trainers to work with their service dog candidate regularly and do their training homework, it’s also important for the handler to develop a happy relationship with their dog through the process. Fortunately, there are strategies trainers can incorporate that may help:
- Owner-trainers need to have realistic expectations from the outset — trainers can help by educating owner-trainers on how dog development will affect the service dog training process. Most people do not understand what happens when a dog becomes an adolescent, so they are unprepared for the ups and downs in behavior. Many are also surprised by the duration of this challenging life stage. Owner-trainers end up feeling that they have failed in training when the dog’s behavior becomes unreliable. They will benefit from repeated reminders when their dog is a puppy that the easy training and focus they have in their young dog will go away, but then return when the dog fully matures.
- While service dog training is serious and requires a lot of work on important skills, trainers should also leave room for silliness and fun training experiences for the team. Find ways to incorporate games in the training of service dog tasks, and occasionally fit in lessons that are simply for fun instead of skills-based.
- Educate clients that all dogs mature at different rates, and they need to respect their individual dog’s development. Some dogs are ready for more intense public access work when they are 2 and other dogs may be 3 or even a bit older when they are ready. Guide clients on training and non-training activities that are appropriate to their dog’s unique development.
- Prepare clients for ups and downs in their dog’s behavior throughout the dog’s career, not just during adolescence. Clients need to understand that these fluctuations will happen even if they do everything perfectly. Model a sense of humor and flexibility when this occurs, and show the handler how to respond quickly by changing gears. For instance, if you have planned a field trip training session in an environment and the dog is completely unfocused, immediately change the location. Take the dog to a quiet park or back to a training facility where you can teach the owner how to provide appropriate play or enrichment.
- Offer services that can take pressure off. For example, if the owner is struggling to make progress on a task or working on leash walking, offer board and train or day training to help address the challenge.
- Set short-term goals that are easily and quickly attainable. Trick titles can be fun and complement service dog training. Earning a certificate can give the handler a sense of accomplishment as well.
Remember: While trainers can give owners advice and training recommendations, they are not the client’s therapist. If the owner is extremely upset or anxious, refer the client to their healthcare provider.
Trainers should keep both halves of the team in mind when thinking about maintaining mental health and avoiding burnout. Although the process of owner-training is challenging, it also can be rewarding and very empowering.
