Archive for the ‘Training’ Category
Jun 14
ADHD Service Dog Tasks
Recently, there has been a steep increase in people diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). One popular mode of treatment for ADHD is powerful prescription drugs that can have significant stimulatory effects.
Many people, especially parents, have raised concerns about the long-term usage of these pills. They are exploring less chemically reliant methods of addressing ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, diet modification, limiting screen time, and improving sleep habits.
And the question often arises, for individuals with severe ADHD, is the assistance of a service dog another possibility?
Can someone with ADHD have a service dog?To qualify for a service dog, a person’s health condition must be an eligible ADA disability. In the case of ADHD, the condition is so severe it substantially limits their ability to participate in major life activities.
Most people with mild ADHD who can manage their symptoms will not qualify for a service dog. However, those with severe ADHD may qualify if they also require the assistance of a trained service dog that directly helps with their condition.
What tasks can an ADHD service dog perform?ADHD service dogs fall under the type of psychiatric service dogs (PSD). They can perform a variety of tasks for someone with ADHD:
Alerting: Service dogs can be trained to alert their handler when they become distracted or lose focus. The dog can nudge or paw at their handler to redirect their attention back to the task. Deep Pressure Therapy: Service dogs can provide deep pressure therapy by leaning against or laying on their handler when they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. The pressure can be calming and help regulate the individual’s sensory input. Retrieval: Service dogs can retrieve specific items for their handler, such as medication or a water bottle, to help the individual stay focused. Boundary Setting: Service dogs can create a physical boundary around their handler to prevent them from wandering off or becoming distracted. Interrupting Impulsive Behaviors: Trained service dogs can interrupt impulsive or potentially harmful behaviors, such as skin picking, hair pulling, or reckless driving.As a bonus, service dogs also offer emotional support to their handler by providing a constant source of companionship and unconditional love.
It’s important to note that the tasks a service dog can perform for ADHD may vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and the dog’s training. It’s worth talking to your doctor or therapist about your specific needs and looking into documents like PSD letters to affirm your eligibility.
Have you ever asked yourself, ‘How do I get my dog to stop pulling on the leash‘? You are not alone. This is a common question. You may have noticed other dogs walking calmly beside their handler while your dog tugs impatiently on the leash.
In this article, we’ll show you how to teach your service dog in training to keep pace with you during walks.
Getting Started Step 1 – Leash and TreatsYou can begin leash training in your yard with a 10-20 foot leash and treats your dog likes (small pieces of meat or fruit usually work if you don’t have dog treats or any food your dog likes). It’s best to use a front harness instead of a neck collar.
Equipping your service dog in training with a comfortable harness, like this reflective service dog harness vest, will add to the success of the leash training.Some big dogs may do better with a head collar. These may also discourage pulling because when the dog strains at the lead, the head collar puts gentle downward pressure on the dog’s head.
Step 2 – Establish a HabitFirst, decide which side you want your dog to walk on, then always practice with the dog on that side. This will be the side you offer treats on, encouraging the dog to stay there. Walk around your yard, rewarding your dog with a treat when they stay by your side. At first, give them a treat every few steps for staying with you. You can do this less often as the dog improves, but they should always get their reward while doing the behavior you want to reinforce — in this case, staying by your side.
Sometimes the dog will lag or wander. When this happens, say, “Let’s go” or “Come on” while slapping your thigh on the treat side. This should get your dog’s attention. As soon as your service dog catches up with you, give them a treat. Give more treats every few steps as the dog continues to stay with you.
Keeping a training log will help with analyzing the progress of your service dog’s leash training. Download this free sample Service Dog Training Log, provided by Service Dog Certifications, to get started.
Step 3 – Dealing with StubbornnessWhat if your service dog in training is stubborn? If the dog doesn’t respond to “Let’s go” or the slap on your thigh, pull the leash taut and give it a gentle tug. The idea is to remind the dog of your presence and make it more difficult for them to ignore you. However, don’t force or pull the dog to you! Let them catch up on their own. Offer praise when they finally come toward you, then take pressure off the leash.
Step 4 – Set BoundariesDogs need time and space to relieve themselves when walking, but you want to be able to decide when and where they do it (not on the neighbor’s rose bush!). Choose a time when you would typically give a food reward, and instead say, “Sniff” or “Potty.” This freedom to explore is a reward, too – so if the dog tugs on the lead, say, “Let’s go,” and end the free time. Do this also when your service dog is finished with relieving, and you’re ready to end the free time. Then continue walking.
Getting Out of the YardOnce your service dog in training has mastered the previous exercises, start shrinking the size of the rope or leash until you’re at about six feet of lead. Mix things up by walking faster, slower, or in a different direction. If your service dog stays by your side, you can move on to a sidewalk. If not, continue training until your service dog has it down.
Once on a public sidewalk, there will be more distractions, so have extra treats on hand. Continue training the way you did in your yard, saying, “Let’s go,” and tugging on the lead if your dog gets distracted and starts pulling. When they return to your side, reward them with a big treat for ignoring an extra-interesting distraction, like a cat, a squirrel, or a car to chase.
What if my dog keeps trying to trip me?If your dog keeps getting underfoot, stomp or shuffle your feet, bringing them to the dog’s attention.
Remember, if you’re happy and upbeat during training, chances are your service dog in training will be too.
ServiceDogCertifications.com
Pay Attention to Your Service Dog’s AbilitySome dogs may figure out that simply pulling away and then coming back to you is an easy way to get a treat. Sneaky dog! If you feel your dog is playing you for treats, stop giving a treat when the dog returns, and instead, give one for staying by your side for a longer period of time without interruption.
As with any training, leash training a new service dog takes time and patience. If you’re unable to get your dog to follow or you don’t have the proper space and time to conduct the service dog training yourself, don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend with service dog training experience or even a professional. As your fully-trained service dog will be able to follow you into any public area – even places where usually no dogs are allowed –, leash training is an important factor in getting your service dog to pass the required public access test.
Show that your Service Dog has mastered the Public Access Test.Get your Handler-Certified Public Access Test certificate.
Any educator will tell you that their grade book and lesson plan serves multiple purposes. It keeps them organized and identifies how well their students are doing. When students fall behind, an educator can easily spot their weak areas and strengthen them. In the end, grade books and lesson plans also serve as documentation to prove that a student did the work and what the student should be proficient at. Like grade books and lesson plans, a service dog training log tracks and verifies a dog’s training history. This article will outline how to keep a service dog training log that is useful and a great report for your service dog’s progress.
What is a Service Dog Training Log?When training a service dog, a training log can be a trainer or handler’s most important asset. Although no laws are requiring a trainer or handler to keep a service dog training log, the practice of maintaining one can simplify training and has many practical benefits. The four major benefits of a training log are outlined below:
1. Keeps the Trainer OrganizedNo matter how intelligent a dog is, training can always devolve into a frustrating endeavor. Keeping a training log allows a trainer to structure lessons and stick to what’s necessary. By documenting a dog’s progress, trainers can keep to schedule and remain focused. Training a service dog takes months, sometimes years. By staying organized, trainers may shorten the duration of the training.
2. Ensures a Level of QualityWhen reviewing a service dog training log, a person can spot which obedience commands a dog excels at. Rather than guessing at a dog’s proficiency, a service dog training log ensures that a service dog meets obedience commands at a specific level of skill. Because a handler’s well-being often depends on a service dog’s skill and competence, ensuring that a level of quality is met is vital. A service dog training log confirms that a dog is trained at the desired level and can perform the tasks needed by the handler.
3. Identifies Strengths and WeaknessesEven an exceptionally intelligent dog can have challenges in learning a particular skill. By keeping a training log, trainers and handlers can better identify where training needs lie and address them right away. Similarly, a training log highlights a service dog’s strengths, therefore making the task of matching service dogs to the needs of their handlers much simpler.
4. Serves as Proof of TrainingThough there are no federal laws that require proof of a service dog’s training, a handler may need evidence to apply for specific certifications or registrations. For example, the International Association for Service Dog Partners (IAADP) states that a weekly training log may be required from a provider who supports IAADP for service dog certification. This training log must document the required 120 hours of Public Access training. If a handler or trainer intends to certify or register a service dog in the future, a training log is essential. Also, should the need arise, a training log provides legal protection for the service dog, trainer, and handler. Although a training log can be time-consuming and cumbersome, they can be incredibly helpful.
Do you want to show that your Service Dog has mastered the Public Access Test?Get your Handler-Certified Public Access Test certificate. Sample Service Dog Training Log ContentThere’s no standard format for a service dog training log. The structure of the training log depends on the preference of the trainer or handler. However, some standards of information apply:
Name of trainer Date Time Location Competency Obedience command or prompt Task or Public Access Skill linked with the competency Trainer or Handler NotesYou can start your training log by downloading this free sample Service Dog Training Log, provided by Service Dog Certifications.
A service dog training log can be as simple as a notebook kept by the trainer or handler, documenting a dog’s progress during training. For trainers who want more information and ready-to-use templates, books and manuals on service dog training also have training logs that can be consulted. More cost-effective and straightforward options are free service dog training log downloads on the internet.
A service dog training log not only documents the strengths and weaknesses of the canine but can also function as proof of training in a legal dispute. Keeping Your Service Dog Training Log SafeAs the years go by, a trainer or handler might misplace or forget about their training log. Therefore, a service dog training log must be kept safe, in good condition, and in a location that’s easy to remember. The log is proof of the countless hours and effort placed training a service dog. This means that keeping the training log where a trainer or handler has access to it is critical. Keeping photocopies of the training log can also help ensure that the information is readily available and complete.
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