We all have seen the dogs with the vests that say “Service Dog,” but do you know what it takes for that dog to earn the coveted position? The path to becoming a service dog is a remarkable journey filled with training, dedication, and an unbreakable bond between the dog and their handler.
In this blog, we will explore the various levels of service dogs, learn about the extensive training they undergo, discuss the certification process, and uncover many more aspects of these incredible animals. Whether they are guiding the visually impaired, assisting those with mobility issues, or medical alert, service dogs are invaluable in brightening the quality of life for countless individuals.
The Three Different Levels of Support Dogs
Did you know there are different levels of support dogs? Every level plays a particular role in supporting their handler’s needs and has different purposes and roles to fulfill.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional Support Animals are animals that provide comfort to individuals diagnosed with mental or emotional conditions by a medical or mental health professional. Unlike service dogs, these pets do not undergo specialized training and are not required to perform specific tasks. They primarily offer companionship and emotional stability. While Emotional Support Animals can sometimes live with their owners in housing that might otherwise prohibit pets, they don’t have public access rights. They typically can’t join their owners in places where animals are generally not allowed.
Therapy Pets
Therapy Pets are those pets you see in nursing homes, hospitals, and schools that bring a little joy and comfort to those in these settings. These animals, which can include dogs, bunnies, ponies, and more, are specifically chosen for their calm and friendly demeanor. Therapy Pets, along with their handlers, must pass a series of tests to show they can remain composed and comfortable in various environments. Some organizations require specific training programs, such as the AKC Good Citizen training, and the process of training and certification typically takes between six months to a year. Once certified, Therapy Pets make regular visits to provide emotional relief and positive interactions to those in need.
Service Dogs
Service Dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with specific disabilities. These are highly skilled dogs that perform tasks that directly mitigate their handler's disability, allowing for greater independence and quality of life. To qualify for a Service Dog, an individual must have a documented medical diagnosis, and the dog must be trained to perform tasks that aid with that condition. Service Dogs have public access rights, meaning they can accompany their handlers into places where pets are typically not allowed. While businesses may inquire if the dog is a trained service animal, they cannot ask about the handler’s specific disability. These dogs are indispensable companions, providing crucial support and improving their handlers' daily lives.
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The Path to Becoming a Service Dog
Organizations specializing in service dogs typically select breeds known for their suitability for specific roles. For instance, German Shepherds might be chosen for police work, while breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are often preferred for seeing-eye or mobility support due to their temperament and physical capabilities. The organization either picks reputable breeders or has its own breeding program to ensure a healthy lineage.
Once the puppies are born, they remain with their mother and siblings for at least 8 weeks, sometimes up to 16 weeks, until they receive their final set of vaccines. This early stage is essential for social development. Afterward, the puppies are placed with volunteer puppy raisers who provide a nurturing environment and expose them to different situations to build their confidence and adaptability.
Puppy raisers undergo training themselves before receiving a puppy! They must dedicate significant time to the puppy’s general behavior and training so the young dog will grow up well-socialized and obedient. This phase can last up to two years and requires a deep commitment, as letting go of the puppy after forming a strong bond can be challenging.
Testing and Evaluation
Not every puppy will make it through the demanding training program to become a service dog. By the age of two, most dogs are mature enough to undergo comprehensive health and behavior evaluations to rule out any issues.
Medical Testing
- Full Examination: A thorough check-up from the tip of the ears to the tail to identify any abnormalities.
- Blood Work: To rule out diseases and establish a baseline for future health assessments.
- Fecal Testing: Regular testing ensures the health of both puppies and raisers.
- X-Rays: To check for joint and bone health, preventing future problems common in certain breeds.
Specialized Testing: Depending on the service role, more extensive tests might be necessary, especially for dogs involved in medical alert tasks.
Behavior Screening
- Reactions: Assessing the puppy’s response to various stimuli, such as bicycles or wheelchairs, and ensuring they are comfortable around people of all ages and appearances.
- Development: Monitoring developmental milestones, such as attention span and bladder control, to confirm they are progressing as expected.
- Aggression: Immediate disqualification for any signs of food aggression, resource guarding, or other aggressive behaviors.
- Predictability: Evaluating the dog’s reactions to specific situations, ensuring they remain calm and responsive under stress.
For certain roles, additional behavior tests may be conducted. For example, a dog trained to pick up objects must have a gentle mouth and follow commands reliably.
Adoption for Non-Qualified Puppies
For pups that don’t pass the testing phases, their puppy raisers may adopt them or place them in loving forever homes. This allows every dog, regardless of its suitability for service work, to find a caring and supportive environment.
Training for Service Dogs
Once a puppy reaches the appropriate age and has passed medical and behavior screenings, it begins its formal training. Service dog training facilities often house the dogs during this period, or they may assign dedicated trainers to work with a few dogs at a time. Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of this training, as it has been proven to be the most effective and humane method for teaching and retaining new skills.
Throughout the training process, trainers document each dog’s progress and characteristics. This information helps match the dogs with potential handlers based on individual needs and preferences. For example, a calm and slow-moving dog may be paired with someone who has limited mobility, while a more energetic dog might be better suited for an active individual.
Training is continually adjusted to showcase that the dog can perform its tasks reliably, even in the presence of distractions. This is especially important for medical alert dogs, which need to detect emergencies well in advance without being sidetracked. Missing a cue could have serious, even life-threatening, consequences.
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The Service Dog Meets the Family
Once the dog is fully trained and consistent in its behavior, it meets its new family. The handler who is responsible for the dog might not always be the person with the disability; it could be a parent, spouse, or partner. Both the handler and the person with the disability undergo training with the dog at the training facility. After meeting all the necessary milestones, the dog graduates and goes home with its new family.
However, the journey doesn’t end there. For the first year, the service dog and its handler have regular check-ins with the training organization, which can be conducted remotely or via video calls. In some cases, the dog might return to the facility for additional training if necessary.
Continuous Care, Training, and Certification of Service Dogs
A service dog requires ongoing care and training throughout its life. The family receiving the dog is responsible for maintaining its health and well-being. Regular veterinary visits are essential; ideally, a service dog should have an exam twice a year. This includes vaccinations, flea, and heartworm prevention to protect the dog from diseases that could impair its ability to work. Consistent care proves that the dog remains in optimal health and can perform its duties effectively. Veterinarians trained in working with service dogs can spot subtle health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Ongoing refresher training is also important to keep the dog’s skills sharp. Service dog organizations may offer online or in-person classes, and they often have connections with other trainers who can provide additional support.
Recertification
Service dogs should be recertified every 3-5 years to document that they remain healthy, well-behaved, and capable of performing their duties. The recertification process includes a comprehensive health check, behavior assessment, and verification of the dog’s ability to perform its tasks.
For medical alert dogs, a 6-week log documenting timely cueing and outcomes is required for recertification. If a dog fails recertification or scores low, the owner can either retrain or retire the service dog. Planning for a successor dog is imperative as the service dog ages to provide continuous support for the handler.
Retirement - Successor Service Dog
Making the choice to retire a service dog can be very emotional. A very special bond has developed, and making that change can be overwhelming for both the person and the service dog. Most service dog organizations will prioritize successor service dog placement for optimal transition. Many choose to keep the retired service dog, and it will become a family pet while the successor service dog takes over.
If you are interested in helping out a service dog organization, you can reach out to your local veterinarian for suggestions, or Good Dog! Autism Companions, an organization that GeniusVets and The Drake Center for Veterinary Care have fundraised for.
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