A common challenge that service dog trainers encounter is a person with a disability who has selected a dog for service work that is not suited for
Preparing Service Dogs to Work in Tight Spaces
Working with a service dog in a small space is challenging. Store aisles can have objects and food on low shelves that are tempting for a dog to
Teaching Brace and Balance: Important Considerations
Dog trainers are often asked to train service dogs to help a person balance when walking or getting up from a fall. The person may hold a harness the
Training Service Dogs to Pull
Service dogs need to pull to perform tasks like opening a door, opening a drawer, pulling a zipper and helping their owner take off a jacket. Pulling
Default Behaviors for Service Dogs
What do checking in with their owner, waiting at curbs, and lying down while their owner waits in line have in common? These are all examples of
Four Ways to Prepare Service Dogs for Retrieve Training
Many service dog handlers need their dogs to perform tasks that involve retrieving, such as picking up dropped items, retrieving medications or
Three Important Tips for Anxiety Alert Training
An anxiety alert is a commonly needed task for service dogs trained to help people with PTSD, other mental illnesses and conditions that cause
Helping Clients with Timing
In the dog training world, we often discuss the importance of timing, whether it is clicking precisely or delivering the reward promptly. Excellent
Meeting the Needs of Clients Who Have Recovered from COVID-19
Most people who get sick from COVID-19 will recover fully. However, some individuals may experience long-term complications. We are still early in the