Archive for the ‘Training’ Category
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.
Mar 02
Anxiety Service Dog Tasks
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are common within the U.S. About 18% (about 40 million) of all adults in the country have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety, if left untreated, can cause distress, depression and interfere with work and relationships. Treatments for anxiety include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, lifestyle changes, and service dogs. Learn how an anxiety service dog can help and what kinds of tasks they can do in this article.
Anxiety and Service DogsAll of us experience stress. Stress is a normal part of life and can even motivate us to better ourselves and make progress. When stress becomes overwhelming and uncontrollable, however, it turns into an unhealthy form of anxiety.
An anxiety disorder can become persistent and excessive, making everyday situations challenging—maybe even impossible. People who have anxiety might avoid important social events due to their fears. They experience panic attacks or become overwhelmed in crowds, preventing them from having a healthy social life. Anxiety can impede work and school performance, limiting a person’s ability to succeed.
What Tasks Can a Service Dog Do for Someone with Anxiety?In all the situations mentioned above, anxiety service dogs can offer vital assistance. More than a supportive presence, anxiety service dogs carry out essential tasks that help manage a person’s anxiety. The following are a few examples of the many tasks these dogs can offer:
Tactile StimulationAlthough many dogs lick their owners or perform nose bumps as a sign of affection, anxiety service dogs can do these actions on command in the presence of numerical distractions. Tactile stimulation—like repetitive licking—can change a person’s focus away from their anxiety, prompting them to use their own positive coping mechanisms and regain composure.
Deep Pressure TherapyThe body’s central nervous system manages sensory integration, processing information from the senses to respond appropriately. Unfortunately, anxiety can cause sensory overload, disrupting the central nervous system’s ability to react logically to the outside world.
A service dog can perform deep pressure or deep touch pressure therapy (DTP) to calm the nervous system down, enabling them to manage their anxiety.
Find an ExitBecause an anxiety attack can occur at any time, it helps if the person undergoing the attack can leave the area whenever necessary. An anxiety service dog can receive training to find the nearest exit upon command or cue, leading a person away from a distressing or embarrassing situation.
Crowd ControlPeople who have anxiety may experience claustrophobia in crowded situations. However, they can also feel boxed in even if only one or two people are in their personal space. An anxiety service dog can serve as a buffer between their handler and the people around them by placing itself between their handler and someone else.
An anxiety service dog can help their handler control their fears in crowded situations. Obtaining Emergency Phones or MedicationAnxiety service dogs can receive training to fetch emergency cell phones and medication. For example, an emergency telephone (designated for use only in emergencies) can help a person to obtain help as soon as possible. Additionally, anxiety service dogs can receive emergency medication to help their handler calm down.
Turning on the LightsPeople who struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder, are sometimes afraid of the dark. An anxiety service dog can enter the room first and flip on the lights, keeping their handler from suffering through being in the dark.
Performing Safety ChecksAfter experiencing a traumatic event, like a robbery or home invasion, a person can develop PTSD. An anxiety service dog may receive training to investigate an area or room before they enter, reassuring their handler that they’re safe. For many people with PTSD, getting affirmation of their safety is of utmost importance.
Hyper-Vigilance ReductionAnxiety can trigger hyper-vigilance, making a person feel unsafe even in typical environments. A state of perpetual hyper-vigilance becomes distressing and disabling without treatment, making daily activities nearly impossible. An anxiety service dog can serve as a reality check for a person with anxiety. The dog can be a source of reassurance, allowing them to concentrate on their daily lives without worrying about unrealistic dangers.
A Calming InfluenceWhen looking for the ideal anxiety service dog, temperament is critical. An intelligent dog who is gentle, calm, and not prone to agitation is the perfect candidate. A dog that’s anxious themselves can still function as an excellent pet but wouldn’t make for a good service dog in general.
In short, an anxiety service dog should be an overall calming influence to someone with anxiety. The tasks listed in this article are only a few examples of the many ways an anxiety service dog can help manage anxiety disorders. They serve as a stabilizing influence and are vital to their handler’s state of mind and well-being. More than a pet, an anxiety service dog allows individuals with anxiety to live a safe and happy life.
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