Service Dogs In a Training Program

A service dog in training program trains dogs who assist people with disabilities other than the loss of sight or hearing.  Service dogs provide assistance to people with a wide variety of disabilities. 

Sometimes service dogs in a training program will train a person with a disability (handler) and a dog he already owns.  The dog and handler are trained to work together as a team.  This works well because the dog and handler already know each other and have a relationship.  They just need to learn how to work together.

Not all dogs, however, are suited to be working dogs. Some don’t have the physical characteristics necessary to provide assistance to the handler, and some don’t have the temperament to work on a team with their handler.

Some dogs are bred to be service dogs, and they are raised in training programs.  Golden retrievers and Labradors are favorite service dog breeds because they are intelligent, calm, stable and enjoy working with people. 

A service dog in training program teaches the dog basic obedience skills and to respond to praise and to voice commands.  He learns a number of skills that are generally helpful to people with disabilities.  The dog learns to pick up dropped objects, to open and close doors, turn lights off and on and to get the phone for his owner.

If the handler has special needs, the dog may attend an advanced service dog in training program to learn how to help his handler.  Service dogs help people with physical mobility issues.  Psychiatric service dogs help people with bipolar and other mental health disorders.  Service dogs for autistic people help keep them safe and help them to socialize better.  Service dogs for diabetics sense when their handler’s blood sugar is low, they remind them to take medication, and they will go get help if their handler is unconscious.  Similarly, epileptic service dogs can sense an impending seizure and keep his handler from being injured.  He also knows to get help if his handler is unconscious.

These special dogs help many people have happier, more independent lives.service dogs in a training program are a blessing to the people who need the service dogs.