Certified Intensive Service Dog Training Course

Session 1 – Basic Knowledge of Service Dog

This covers the basics of what a service dog is and core fundamentals you need to know before you begin training, including:

- How service dog programs began and how they have evolved over time

- Different types of service dog and what tasks they can perform

- A general overview of what public access rights service dogs are granted

Session 2 – Understanding your Service Dog

This lesson covers the ability and limitation of a service dog, and how to undestand your dog through their body languages. You'll learn: 

- What your own future service dog is capable and incapable of 

- How to know your dog's need through postures, facial expressions, and sounds 

- How to run a puppy testing when you look for a candidate

Session 3 – Preparing for Training

Here, we'll explain the core components of our highly effective, reward-based positive training method, and you'll learn: 

- Recognizing types of dog training methods 

- Performing reward-baesd training techniques 

- Finding the suitable equipment for training your dog

Session 4 – First Phase Training (Basic Commands to Teach)

When training a new Service Dog, there are certain basic behaviors and concepts that should be taught first. The foundation training for service dogs includes clicker training, teaching the dog its name, teaching the dog to wait calmly in one spot, teaching the dog to sit, and how to walk on a leash. Each of these skills is essential for a well-trained service dog that can assist its handler/user effectively. However, training takes time and requires patience. Perseverance and patience are key for successful service animal training.

Session 5 – Bark Training

This lesson is a guide on how to train a dog to bark on command and be quiet on cue, specifically for service dogs. We will guide you through the process of training a service dog to bark to alert its owner of visitors or strangers and to - warn of fire or other dangers. The session includes exercises for barking control and how to quiet a protest barker; You will find tips on how to evaluate the situation and define and train an alternative behavior for different types of barking.

Session 6 – Mobility Service Dog Tasks

Service dogs in training can be taught to perform many different tasks to assist their owners. A big part of the specialized training is retrieving. People with physical disabilities who drop items on the floor and have mobility issues may need help with the laundry and picking up items off the floor. A dog that is trained to perform “Retrieve” can have a big impact on your life. By following a method called the "motivational retrieve," canines can be trained using positive reinforcement. This chapter is a step-by-step guide for training dogs to find and retrieve medication and various small objects. We have included tips for troubleshooting common issues.

Session 7 – Advanced Training

This lesson provides a collection of tips and guidelines for training a service dog to perform various tasks. The chapter features lessons on how to train your dog to perform tasks like detecting allergens, standing on two legs, pushing a shopping cart, collecting laundry, and picking up trash. The lessons are presented in a step-by-step format and include reinforcement techniques such as praising and rewarding.

Session 8 – Public Access

Basic skills and self-control training are crucial before taking a service dog to public locations like shops, malls, cafes, schools, and airports. We encourage the teams to start training in outdoor pet-friendly locations. There are three main areas of public access for service dogs: outdoor pet-friendly locations, indoor pet-friendly locations, and non-pet-friendly locations. This chapter includes a self-administered Public Access Test to help you determine if your team is prepared to visit non-pet-friendly public locations.

Final and Certification

The final lesson includes a checklist for assessing both the dog and trainer's readiness for service dog work. The aim is to keep the training enjoyable for both the dog and the handler/user. We are committed to using ethical and scientifically sound methods. We encourage ongoing learning and emphasize the importance of polishing the service dog's skills through repetition.