People with disabilities can have health changes that make training their service dog difficult. They may experience a health flare-up or require hospitalization. Situations like this can throw off even the best-laid training plans. While there is no way to predict and prepare for every circumstance, service dog trainers can help owner-trainers prepare for health fluctuations. They can also play the critical role of supporting owner-trainers during and after the crisis.
Here are some strategies to consider:
- Talk with clients in advance about a plan for the care of the dog. Work together to generate ideas for how to meet the dog’s needs. Many service dogs in training are adolescent dogs with higher energy needs. It may be helpful to arrange for a dog walker, pet sitter or dog daycare. Identifying and arranging these resources ahead of time ensures that the dog’s physical and mental needs are met even if the client’s health takes an unexpected turn.
- Create a manageable enrichment strategy. Plan activities that are easy for the client to do or prepare in advance. For example, owners may buy extra food-fillable toys and fill them in advance so there are always a few extras ready. Other options include setting up simple scent games or puzzle feeders that can keep the dog engaged without requiring much effort from the client. These enrichment activities can help keep the dog mentally engaged, reduce stress, and prevent boredom-related behaviors during times when the client may not be able to train.
- Implement routines that are easy for pet sitters or other caregivers to maintain if the client is hospitalized or otherwise unable to care for the dog. Establishing simple, consistent routines for feeding, bathroom breaks and exercise can make it easier for a temporary caregiver to step in and provide the necessary care. Detailed instructions and a clear schedule can help ensure that the dog’s needs are met.
- Create an emergency file. Encourage clients to keep a file with ready access to veterinarian information, current vaccinations and any medications the dog needs. This file should be easily accessible to anyone who might need to take over the dog’s care in an emergency. Including a few notes on the dog’s training progress and any special needs, in addition to a printed copy of the instructions regarding the dog’s schedule and care, can also be helpful for temporary caregivers.
- Consider possible emergencies in advance. If the client may need to call paramedics, prepare for how the service dog will be cared for. While a fully trained service dog may be able to travel by ambulance with the client, this is generally not appropriate for service dogs in training. One approach is to place a sign on the door that indicates a service dog is in the home and provide contact information in an easy-to-spot location in the home for someone who can care for the dog. This ensures that emergency responders are aware of the dog’s presence and can make care arrangements.
- Assess whether the dog is ready to accompany the client to medical appointments or procedures. Most service dogs in training are not yet mature enough or trained sufficiently for inpatient hospital stays, but some may be ready for certain doctor appointments. For longer hospitalizations, arranging visits from the service dog in training can provide comfort to the handler. Note that in the United States, service dogs in training are covered by state, not federal, laws, so their access in these contexts will vary by state.
- Offer additional services that may be helpful. For example, board and train or day training can help maintain training momentum when the client is not able to train the dog themselves. Virtual training sessions can also be helpful if the client is not feeling well enough to go to a lesson in a training facility. These services can provide continuity in the dog’s training during the client’s recovery period.
- Regularly practice with adaptive equipment. Some individuals have an intermittent need for adaptive equipment. It can be helpful for clients to practice working with their dog using their adaptive equipment even if they do not need it at the moment. This ensures that both the client and the dog are comfortable and proficient with the equipment, making it easier to use effectively when it is needed.
- Adjust training goals to fit the client’s current capabilities. In some cases, clients may be able to work on some task training at home but not feel well enough to practice public access. Alternatively, they may be able to work on some specific aspect of public access work within their home. For instance, the client may be able to work on rewarding a long down on a mat when they have visitors in their home. Be creative in helping adjust training goals to what is attainable for dog and handler at a given time.
- Remind clients that owner-training is a journey, not a sprint. Owner-trainers frequently feel pressured to achieve specific training milestones at specific times, which can be challenging or impossible during health setbacks. Clients will benefit from reminders that delays are common and not detrimental to the overall training process. In most cases, allowing dogs additional time to mature and proceeding more slowly is actually a benefit rather than a detriment.
By incorporating these strategies, service dog trainers can support owner-trainers facing health fluctuations, ensuring the well-being of both the client and their service dog in training. Preparing for potential challenges in advance can reduce stress levels and help facilitate the long-term success of the team.
