So, you have come to the point of knowing how you want to go about getting your dog, what comes next?
Training
As with everything else we have discussed there are multiple ways to train your soon-to-be service dog. All of them with their advantages and disadvantages.
Professional trainer or organization: These are normally what is called board and train. Meaning that the dog spends most of its time with the trainer and away from the handler until training is almost complete. Once the base training is done the trainer normally works with the handler to train them on how their dog works.
This typically gives the best results in the quickest time.
Owner training: This is a valid method for those that opt for it. Owners can train their own dog, but it is not for the faint of heart. This normally takes about 2 years and hundreds of hours of training to get to a point where the owner can call the dog a service dog.
With so many resources, like YouTube and social media, out there it is a simple thing to learn how to train a dog. There are even online trainers that you can contract to help.
Hybrid training: This is how I trained my dog. I have enough background to comfortably train my dog through his obedience and even start some of his tasks. A lot of help came from things I had found online.
When I found myself stuck, I would reach out to a trainer and have them help me through the process.
I get into a lot of heated debates about this one. I am one of those people that always look to the worst situation especially when it comes down to service dogs. I typically train using the guidelines set forth by the IAADP. I have found that this has a lot of safeguards to protect your team.
Since we are talking training, I always suggest to owner trainers that they log all their training. If it is not on paper it did not happen. The reason for this is not because anyone can demand to see it, but there are sometimes when it can save your hide.
If you have been looking through a lot of service dog groups I am sure you have seen all the complaints about being denied access and/or their dog being attacked by someone's pet. This does happen, it can also lead to your team having to go to court.
In court you can, and probably will be called on to prove your team's validity and that you are actually covered by the ADA. The easy way is to make sure you have a letter from your doctor saying that you need your service dog and your training log. Other things like notes from trainers that help train, videos of your dog tasking, all of that will help, but in my experience, the doctor's letter and a log is the best.
In conclusion
Thank you for reading through this. I honestly hope I have been able to help. Having a service dog has been a life-changing thing for me as I hope it will be for you.
Stop by my sight whenever you can and share your comments and questions. I would love to see you here. Start your own blog, and share the pictures of your team as you find your new life.
God bless!
