The answer is a simple yes, though make sure you investigate your state laws about this! Owner service dog training is a big thing and has its advantages as well as its own disadvantages. So, what do you need to do to start down the path of owner training?
Prerequisite for having a service animal:
Have a diagnosed permanent mental or physical disability. Typically, this is proven by a doctors note saying that the user is permanently disabled, and the use of a service dog will provide him or her with a more normal life. Those like myself who are serviced by the VA could find a note from their doctor very hard to come by, but if you have your record showing your disability that will work also.
Do your due diligence with researching what a service animal may or may not be able to do for you. Some people go into this process believing that a service dog is the total cure for their disability and once they have their own dog their disability will be "cured". Service dogs are a great tool for mitigating symptoms and giving forewarning about an episode, but they are not a cure all.
Kick off
Research the laws for service dogs. The federal laws are covered by the ADA and can be found here, however every state has their own versions of service dog laws. You can search our forums for every state law I have been able to find.
Sit down with your family and have a very serious conversation with them about bringing in a service dog. Having a service dog is a serious commitment. Enjoy going out on date nights with your spouse with the service dog? You can't simply leave the dog at home when it isn't convenient. Vacations, weddings, family outings? Got to plan for the puppers to come. This can cause a lot of stress for other family members and even a good bit of jealousy. Make sure they are inn for the long haul or it is not going to work.
Decide what you are going to want the dog to do for you. ADA states that a service dog must have at least one trained task that it does for the handler in relation to the handlers disability.
This definition comes from the IAADP, which is the "gold standard" for service dog training.
Decide on a dog. This is very important! This dog is going to be your companion for the next 10+ years. What is that dogs activity level? Can you keep up with those needs? Is the dog going to be able to meet the demands of service dog work? Typically, less than 10% of dogs are smart enough and able to take the stresses that being a service dog are. Make a list and do more research with trainers, breeders, and other service dog teams.
Once you have found your "perfect choice" get with a professional trainer and breeder and ask them to test the dog and see what they think of the puppies' chances of becoming a service dog. This does not mean that without a doubt this puppy will be able to become a service dog, but it increases your chances dramatically.
