What's the best way to train your dog to become a service dog?
Definitely talk with an experienced trainer! Not only will they be prepared for all the nuances of service dog training, they will be able to let you know whether or not your dog is suitable for service work. I volunteer for a local organization that adopts dogs from shelters and then trains them as service or hearing dogs. They can look at 12,000 dogs and pull 10 for their program. Not many dogs are cut out for it.
You are talking service dog training, and not therapy dog training, right?
Your right , to many people mistake therapy dogs as service dogs , first a person needs a disability .
There is a great Lady named Alita Downer who is the owner of Cabe-able=canines in La Mesa. She is a wonderful trainer who trains you to train your own dog. She does all different type of classes which will help your dog get certified for therapy training. (Yes, she works with and trains service dogs.) As far as the steps and what is needed I know that your pet will need to pass a Canine good Citizen Test which she Alita does both the testing and or if needed she does training classes as well to get your dog prepared. I would recommend calling her. I know she will be able to help if nothing else lead you I the right direction.
Best of Luck!
There is a great Lady named Alita Downer who is the owner of Cabe-able=canines in La Mesa. She is a wonderful trainer who trains you to train your own dog. She does all different type of classes which will help your dog get certified for therapy training. (Yes, she works with and trains service dogs.) As far as the steps and what is needed I know that your pet will need to pass a Canine good Citizen Test which she Alita does both the testing and or if needed she does training classes as well to get your dog prepared. I would recommend calling her. I know she will be able to help if nothing else lead you I the right direction. Best of Luck!
Erica, It was very kind of you to share this referral. I thought I'd mention Aleita of Cape-Able Canines is now retired, but Jane answered her email.
oh, I am sad to hear that but good for her . Alita was an amazing trainer who has so much knowledge and traveled the world learning about dogs and their behaviors, I sorry you did not get the chance to meet her. I never did meet Jan but hopefully she was able to lead you in the right direction as I am sure that she is in contact with Alita and could let you know who you should contact?
I read Aleita's amazing bio on their website. They suggested Canine Support Teams, (caninesupportteams.org/) a non-profit Service Dog training and placement organization, based in Menifee, CA. Like many orgs. they can only help if those who can provide current medical doc. of qualifying disability.