How to Make My Dog a Service Dog
You can turn your pet dog into a service dog if you have a qualifying disability and train your dog to perform a task relating to that disability. You’ll have to evaluate whether your dog has the right temperament and physical health for the job and then focus on teaching public behavior, socialization, and the specific tasks they’ll need to assist you.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from assessing your dog’s suitability to teaching advanced tasks and providing an overview of training approaches — so you can transform your dog into a reliable service companion.
- Assess Your Dog’s Suitability for Service Dog Training
- Train for Public Behavior
- Teach Specific Service Dog Tasks
- Consider DIY Training vs. Hiring a Professional
- Avoid Common Training Mistakes
- Use Service Dog Accessories to Identify Your Dog
1. Assess Your Dog’s Suitability for Service Dog Training
A service dog can be any breed, but not every dog can be a service dog, so the first step is evaluating whether your pet is a good candidate. A service dog must be calm, focused, and responsive. If your dog is easily distracted, reactive, or anxious in new situations, they may struggle with service dog duties.
For example, if your dog tends to bark at strangers or pull on the leash, they may need additional socialization before starting more advanced training.
Your dog should also be in good health to handle the physical demands of service work. Schedule a vet check to rule out any issues that could interfere with their ability to perform tasks. For example, a dog with joint problems might not be a good candidate for mobility-related tasks, like retrieving items or offering physical support.
Service dogs can be any size as long as they’re up for the job. A larger dog may be more suitable if you need help pulling a wheelchair, but a smaller dog can be fine for many forms of psychiatric service dog work.
2. Train for Public Behavior
Service dogs must behave well in public, no matter the environment, and should be able to pass a public access test. This requires training your dog to stay calm and focused, even when distractions are present. You can be asked to leave a venue if your service dog is disruptive.
Gradually expose your dog to various environments, people, and situations to ensure they remain calm and confident. This helps them get used to the sights and sounds of public life.
Take your dog to a busy park or pet-friendly store to practice staying focused on you, even when there are distractions like other animals or noisy children.
Your dog must be able to ignore distractions like other animals, loud noises, or unfamiliar people. Practicing in different environments is key to teaching your dog how to remain focused. Walk your dog through a crowded street, rewarding them for maintaining eye contact and following commands despite the distractions.
3. Teach Specific Service Dog Tasks
Once your dog can behave in public, it’s time to train them for the specific tasks they’ll need to help you. There is an incredible variety of service dog tasks. The tasks your dog learns should be directly related to your needs. These can include retrieving items, providing deep pressure therapy, or alerting you to medical changes like low blood sugar.
Break each task into small steps and reward your dog as they make progress. Use positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, to encourage your dog when they perform correctly.
Training service dog tasks requires consistency. Practice tasks daily and in different environments to ensure your dog performs them reliably, no matter where you are. Check out this link for our guide on how to train a service dog.
4. Consider DIY Training vs. Hiring a Professional
Training your own service dog is possible (and it’s fully allowed under the ADA) but requires time and consistency. Hiring a professional can help with more advanced or specific training needs.
If you’re committed to training your dog yourself, there are many online courses and books to help guide you. Just be prepared for a time commitment of a few months to a year. Break training into short, 15 to 30-minute sessions to keep your dog engaged without overwhelming them.
If you run into difficulties or need help with advanced tasks, a professional trainer can help. Look for someone with experience in service dog training. A professional can help with stubborn behavioral issues and fine-tune your dog’s abilities.
5. Avoid Common Training Mistakes
Training a service dog takes time, and rushing through it is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Be patient and focus on small, incremental progress rather than trying to teach too much at once. Another common error is skipping socialization. Exposing your dog to various environments early on is key to helping them remain calm in public settings. Without proper socialization, your dog may become anxious or distracted in new situations.
Consistency is also key — sporadic or inconsistent training can confuse your dog and slow their progress. Stick to a regular training schedule and ensure you’re using positive reinforcement, as punishment can damage your relationship and make your dog fearful. Finally, be mindful of your dog’s physical and mental needs. Regular exercise and practicing tasks in different environments will help your dog stay focused and perform reliably, no matter where they are.
6. Use Service Dog Accessories to Identify Your Dog
While not required by law, using service dog accessories like a vest or harness helps signal that your pet is now a working service dog. A vest with “Service Dog” clearly labeled can prevent unwanted interactions from the public, ensuring your dog stays focused on its tasks. This simple visual cue is especially useful in places where pets aren’t usually allowed, reducing confusion and unnecessary questions.
In addition to a vest, consider using accessories like “Do Not Pet” patches, labeled leashes, and service dog ID cards. These reinforce that your dog is on duty and should not be distracted. While an ID card isn’t legally necessary, carrying one can help in situations where additional documentation of your dog’s role may be requested, easing communication and ensuring smoother access to public spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Dog Into a Service Dog
Can any dog be trained to be a service dog?
No, not every dog has the right temperament or health to become a service dog. Calmness, focus, and good health are essential traits. However, there are no limits regarding breed and size if they’re up to the task.
Can I adopt a dog to turn into a service dog?
Yes! You do not need to buy a pre-trained service dog. You can adopt a dog at your local shelter and rescue for service dog training, as long as they are up to the job intellectually and physically.
How long does it take to train a service dog?
Training can take a few months to a year or more, depending on the dog and the complexity of the tasks.
Do service dogs need certification?
No, service dogs do not need to be certified under ADA service dog laws, but they must be trained to perform tasks related to your disability. If someone wants to verify that you have a service dog, they’re allowed to ask you two questions: 1. Is the dog a service dog required for a disability? and 2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Can I train my own service dog?
Yes, you can train your own service dog. However, it requires consistency, patience, and a strong understanding of the tasks needed.
Turn Your Dog into a Lifelong Companion and Service Animal
Training your pet to become a service dog is a significant commitment, but by following these steps — evaluating your dog’s suitability, focusing on public behavior, teaching necessary tasks, and practicing regularly — you can successfully transform your pet into a capable service animal. Whether you choose to train your dog on your own or with the help of a professional, patience and persistence are key to success.
If you are ready to register your service dog, click on the image below.
About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.
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Hi how are you I want make my dog a service dog I deaf and I have sizers too he know a little about me he know went some comeing in the door or if I have a sizer but he not a service dog at all but I want make him one
I am Bypolar and have bouts of depression! I would like to make my new puppy a service animal for emotional support
Hello my name is Sandra and I have a french bull dog and would love him to be my service dog, I suffer with anxiety, depression. How may I go about this because I have no one else in my life away from my dog whom I love dearly.
Hi I’ve suffered with anxiety and depression for a while now and I’m getting a gsd soon as I think a companion will help is it possible I could register my pup so I can have him with me more and when I travel
Anxiety and depression are disabilities that may qualify you for an Emotional Support Animal. You will need to work with a licensed mental health professional directly to know for sure. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-certification-registration/
Hi my name is Michael I also suffer anxiety and depression from a history of drug use and wanted to know if my emotional support animal has to become a service animal in order to keep the landlord from evicting me !!!
Not necessarily. An Emotional Support Animal is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in most cases can live in no-pets housing. Should your landlord deny your ESA you may find the tips in this article interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/landlord-does-not-accept-emotional-support-animal/
I want to very much i neef her but iam homeless i dont have money
I have severe migranes and anxiety and depression and my dog already uses her paw to alert me to my migranes before they come and insists cuddling when I get severe depression and pulls me out from places or calms me when I get anxiety and has her good citizen can I get certified so she can travel with me
Your dog sounds like a perfect psychiatric service dog that has already mastered the tasked based training. If your dog is also comfortable in public settings and can pass a public access test, you would have a certified service dog. Once the training is fully complete, you may choose to register your service dog in order to get additional documentation that helps communicate that your dog is indeed a fully certified service dog. Though this step isn’t required by law, many service dog owners find it comforting and helpful when confronted with other citizens. You may find this article on how to certify your service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-certify-a-service-dog/
if you are homeless how come you have a device huh?
I’m looking who helps train service dog’s I have 2 labrradoodles 1 a two year female second 1 is 6 months male Star 2 year old knows heal sit and is calmer looking for prices and how to go about it I have 2 fusions in my neck and another in my lower back so at times hard to pick things up off the floor I also have PTSD , Pannick attacks along with anxiety my dogs make me calmer but not sure which one I should have trained 2 year old Female Star knows sit, heal when we walk but barks at other dogs acting up 6 month Buster knows sit and being a puppy likes to climb up on counters to get into things still being young and having less training
I am trying to get my dog fully registered for. Service. I need to provide a letter to my apt manager. I need help
A letter is not required for a service dog.
If you have your dog certified and get a badge for him, that is all you need. I got a photo ID badge for my service dog.
NOT every dog has the correct temperament to be a service dog and handle the stresses of being in a public or stressful setting.
1: Have your dog evaluated by a trainer that is familiar with service dogs and scent training.
2: If approved get health testing done on your dog, be prepared to spend $1500.
3: when health testing is completed and your dog is cleared. If your dog is not cleared most trainers will work with you in selecting a suitable breeder/lineage/temperament.
4: Working with a trainer and begin scent based training, be prepared to spend up to $10,000.00 on training, your dog will go through all sort of training including scent based training.
5: Remember a sheet of paper doesn’t make your dog a service dog.
a: You must be disabled (see the ADA definition) the disability must be diagnosed by a doctor.
b: Your dog must be suitable for the job you are giving him/her.
c: Your dog must be TASK TRAINED, and must not pay any attention to the general public, other animals, people, loud noises, dogs, cats, etc.
6: In accordance with the ADA law certification and paperwork are not required for service dogs, though training, task training, safe handling, leash laws, and proof of disability are!!!! Buying a vest, ID, and sheet of paper doesn’t make your pet a service dog, this makes your dog a danger to other working service dogs in the community when your pet is not conditioned to work around the general public. Disability specific task training does when done with the right dog!
Disabilities. PTSD , anxiety, panic attacks and I have 3 fusions so sometimes it’s hard to pick things off floor
Any online recommendation of trainers that specializes in anxiety?
Interested for my son
It is just high priced for me. I would like to know of a trainer
I am about to buy my son a German Shepherd and wanted to have him trained to be his service dog. My son has cerebral Palsy and he will be turning 18 years old the 23rd of this month and I just feel like it is a great idea to go ahead and get him a puppy and start working with them. His cerebral palsy is not got him where he can not live a normal life. I just feel having a service dog would do him a world of good. The biggest issue my son really deals with outside of some mobile skills is he has a very high level of Anxiety and I think having this service dog could help him with that the most. I have read about people having service dogs for issues such as these. Can someone get back to me with help on what direction I can take this? I don’t have a lot of money to spend so that is another issue is there any programs that will help people in situations such as this?
Sincerly,
Tammy Swain
Advanced Canine Systems is the best place to have your dog trained. My dogs have been trained by Joseph and one of them went off to become a law enforcement dog. Joseph is the absolute best.
Not sure about programs for assistance. Check with a local trainer, your doctor or disability. You can train the dog yourself to do the task necessary for him as long as the dog has the right temperment and you have the time. Remember it takes about 18 months of regimented training to prepare them properly. There are good books available to assist you but if time is an issue, get a trainer.
Can you have 2 small dogs. I’m going to be traveling soon
You better get the laws from DOJ, you are wrong on many levels in this article! SCAM as there is no law saying you have to have a good citizen award. PTSD dogs are allowed to be off leash, they are allowed to be let out to make sure it is safe for person to go out! People can only ask 2 questions, is it a service dog and what is it trained to do! On most airlines, if dog is too large to fit in front of you on the floor, they are given a seat at no cost! No ID, card, registration or vest is required! I had to learn this for my job!
Stop spreading half truths!
Hi debbie! You seem extremely knowledgeable with all of this. I am a new dog owner and suffer with anxiety and depression. Im trying to understand the process to getting him to be a service dog so i can bring him to stores with me and such. Is possible, could you private message me on facebook? My name is Carolyn Scherr. Tia!
Hi how are you I want make my dog a service dog .I’m hard hearing and struggle with hearing knocks or doorbells when guest arrive. My dog Athena is good on letting me know when someone is at the door but she usually barks , so how do I fix that. Since I know most service dogs don’t bark .
Alerting a hearing impaired person with a bark may be an acceptable task for a service dog.
A service dog alerting you in your home to a knock is not a bad thing. Public barking is what you need to make sure the dog understands is not not acceptable.
Hello. I am diagnosed with PSTD and would like to have my dog be with me during a flight later this year. I have read the guidelines but I have a couple questions. After submitting mine and my dog’s information through the form on here, when and where do I have my dog “test” his commands and how he responds to them? I am traveling to Hawaii, which is very strict when it comes to traveling dogs. Is filling out the form and paying for the certificate, vest, etc. enough to provide for Hawaiian authorities? This may be more simple that I make it out but I would greatly appreciate any pointers. Thank you.
Hi,
I live in Hawaii. Unfortunately, having a certified service dog (or an ESA) does not exempt the dog from the stringent quarantine requirements. The dog needs to have had a minimum of 2 rabies shots (min. 30 days apart), the titer needs to be determined through bloodwork and after the bloodwork shows a high enough titer, the dog has to wait 30 days. Also, the last rabies shot has to be more than 30 days in the past by entry into Hawaii. Your vet should be able to help you with this process.
Both service dogs and ESA are allowed to travel with you in-cabin into Hawaii, though, which is usually not allowed for all pets, including small ones like cats and small dogs.
My dogs have been trained by Joseph over at Advanced Canine Systems. Joseph is the real deal.
is your dog a task trained service dog? (BTW there is no legal certification for service dogs or esa in america) you need a note from your doctor saying you are disabled and need your dog with you. Also look at the airlines rules and regulations.
I want my dog to be a service dog. I am physically disabled. Multiple ligament replacement. I am PSTD/ANXIETY issues, and I live alone.
Hello, I’d like to make my dog a service dog my wife has PTSD and I’d like to take her around a hospital or hospice setting to make people happy how can I accomplish this?
If you want to take the dog around to help other people (not just your wife) that would be considered a therapy dog, not a service dog. Im not entirely sure if a dog can be both.
Hi,
I am diagnosed with PTSD and my husband is deaf. We have 2 Boston-Terriers and we would like to make them service dogs. They obey the tasks required to be service dogs. Can we register them both? We always travel together almost everywhere, and making them officially service dogs would greatly help us. Can it be done?
Thank you for your advise. I am moving into a new apartment and they new landlord is asking for a note from my physician. What should I do? And what would be the steps to do that? Should I go to the vet or my actual physician. And if I go to my physician how would I go about it? Thank you!
According to the ADA you do not have to disclose your ailment to the landlord. They may not ask you for paperwork on you dog either. They may only ask what special task does the dog perform. Do not let anyone bully you into disclosing personal information not required by law. The landlord is breaking the law if they continue to ask you, or decline housing to you based on your answer.
How can I get my dog to be a service dog I mean disabled and I need help doing certain things at times are there any courses that you offer in the Ohio area that are for disabled people and all people on low income
Hi is there a place I can send my puppy to get training to be a service dog? I live in Rhode Island is there such a place?
I am disabled and would like to train my fog as a, service dog
Thanks for your help
I got me a small dog because I have PTSD Bi-Polar depression anxiety and schetzefrenia and social anxiety and I got kicked out of Wal-Mart in my town because I had my dog with me
Can a service dog be trained to assist with more then one disability at a time. For instance I have many health issues some including diabetes where my sugars go high an low also anxiety and depression. Would they be able to be trained to give warning an service with all?
Yes! Your service dog can provide more than one tasks for you. You can train your Service Dog yourself or you can request help from a local trainer.
You go to your actual physician and they will give you a letter
Yes, your doctor can write you a letter if they are treating you for a mental or emotional disability. You can get your letter online, in case your doctor is unavailable. Just make sure the online service you choose sets you up with a real licensed medical health provider who will provide a letter with verifiable contact information. Don’t fall for any letter mills that promise a letter within a couple hours. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
I LIVE ALONE. I FALL ALL THE TIME AND BREAK BONES. I READ AN ARTICLE THAT A SERVICE DOG CAN HELP WITH THAT. I HAD A MRI A MONTH AGO, AND I AM AT 100% RISK OF BREAKING A BONE IF I FALL BECAUSE I HAVE OSTEOPOROSIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS. I ALSO HAVE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, COPD, ASTHMA, NO CARTILAGE LEFT IN MY RIGHT SHOULDER, WITH 7 THINGS WRONG, INCLUDING A BROKEN SHOULDER BLADE . THESE THINGS SHOWED UP IN THE MRI. I ALSO HAVE DIABETES AND MY EYESIGHT IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. I AM BI-POLAR, WITH HIGH ANXIETY AND BAD DEPRESSION, ESPECIALLY SINCE I LOST MY HUSBAND OF 33 YEARS 10 YEARS AGO 12/17/2009 TO PANCREATIC CANCER. WE GOT MARRIED AT 18 YEARS OLD. THEN THE LAST DOG HE BROUGHT HOME TO ME, HAD TO BE PUT TO SLEEP ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. I WANT A GERMAN SHEPHERD BECAUSE I AM A LARGE WOMAN AND NEED A LARGE DOG. I HAVE HAD 2 AND THEY ARE EVEN TEMPERED. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND ONE ALREADY HOUSE-BROKEN, THEN I WOULD TRAIN HIM/HER FROM THERE. ANY SUGGESTIONS? PS I RENT A LARGE MOBILE HOME.
Contact CCI.org they will match you with a dog that is suitable to your needs, and for the job.
If you want a dog that will be able to weight bear for you. You do not want a German sheperd. Since you said you are on the bigger side, you need a bigger dog such as a mastiff to hold any weight for you. Also, I’m not sure how your bipolar manifests, but if there’s any chance of one personality harming the dog do not get a SD. For service dog work, if you have all of these issues, get one fully trained, not self trained because for all of these issues, you’ll more then likely need someone to help professionally. Example being the diabeties. (Not trying to be rude, being realistic)
I woul like to train my dog for my service dog for PTSD but I am told that once I do that they can’t be a family type dog only by me, I don’t want to have my family not enjoy her too, is this true?????
A service dog can still be a loving dog. However, the service dog does need to be alert at all times and ready to perform the tasks needed by you. Therefore, the family’s enjoyment of the dog would need to be its secondary task, and you, your family, and especially your service dog would need to respect that order. You may find this article on the definition of a service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/what-is-the-definition-of-a-service-dog/
I have been training my dog which is a Pomeranian. Where can I obtain more resources to train him as a service dog to perform medical alert task?
I am interested in getting my daughter’s dog qualified as a service dog so she can take him to college. She was recently (2 years ago) diagnosed as a type one diabetic. She has had a lot of anxiety because of this. Her dog ( mini Australian Shepard) is not trained to help with her levels as other DAD dogs are, he just has made a tremendous difference in her outlook, levels of anxiety and how well she is managing. Can you tell me if you think he would qualify?
Thanks,
Kateri
Your daughter might qualify for an ESA. Since her dog has not gone through any training yet this could be the better solution. You may find this article on bringing ESA’s to college interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-school/
Have you heard from some one I’m in same boat
NOT every dog has the correct temperament to be a service dog and handle the stresses of being in a public or stressful setting.
1: Have your dog evaluated by a trainer that is familiar with service dogs and scent training.
2: If approved get health testing done on your dog, be prepared to spend $1500.
3: when health testing is completed and your dog is cleared. If your dog is not cleared most trainers will work with you in selecting a suitable breeder/lineage/temperament.
4: Working with a trainer and begin scent based training, be prepared to spend up to $10,000.00 on training, your dog will go through all sort of training including scent based training.
5: Remember a sheet of paper doesn’t make your dog a service dog.
a: You must be disabled (see the ADA definition) the disability must be diagnosed by a doctor.
b: Your dog must be suitable for the job you are giving him/her.
c: Your dog must be TASK TRAINED, and must not pay any attention to the general public, other animals, people, loud noises, dogs, cats, etc.
6: In accordance with the ADA law certification and paperwork are not required for service dogs, though training, task training, safe handling, leash laws, and proof of disability are!!!! Buying a vest, ID, and sheet of paper doesn’t make your pet a service dog, this makes your dog a danger to other working service dogs in the community when your pet is not conditioned to work around the general public. Disability specific task training does when done with the right dog!
Jow can i get my dog trained is it expensive
I have copd can I get a emotional service dog
For the best dog training facility in Albany Call All Dawgs Training. All Dawgs offers obiedence, agility training, and Dog Boarding.
I have a depressed and estress can I do my dog service
I have a golden lab mix… Beautiful and kind. Tucker is about 6 years old. Because I am now a widow, I must rehome him because I now live in an independent living facility. He would be a great companion or service dog. Can you help…? I have no money to train. Patti Burns
I just received a Rottweiler puppy for Christmas with intention of training her as a service dog or my PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Does anyone know of any trainers in the Portland Oregon area that can train for these issues?
Any help where to start would be appreciated.
Also, it seems I would start the process here by registering? Is that correct?
Thanks again!
Are there programs to help pay for training of a dog I already have?
Can I get my 11 yr old husky to he come my help with my mental health as he helps me get out my flat due to my depression and other illness
In order to have a service dog, you must first have a qualifying disability. Then, you must have a dog that is fully trained to perform at least one job or task that relates to that disability. You may find this article helpful: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/psychiatric-service-dog/
Hi
How are you? Hope all is well.
I would like to inquire about service dog training. I own a small dog (3 years old) that took obedience training last 2020. I’m a person with a disability (blind on the right eye), I just want to know if she can be trained and qualified as my service dog and how much would be the training fee? Also, if you can refer to trainers that can provide the service dog training for my dog, it would be a big help for me. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.
Thank you. Have a great day!
Unfortunately we do not provide training assistance or referrals, we wish you the best of luck though.
I have bad anxiety a lot and I’m trying to get my dog a service dog that way I can take her places when I have anxiety she can help me out.
You may find this article informative: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/anxiety-service-dog-tasks/
I have epilepsy, I have seizures badly my poodle notifies my family with his heavy and loud whining. He stays in my room with me, reminds me at his time to go out it’s time for my medication. Can he be my service pet?
To qualify for a service dog, you must meet two criteria: 1. Your condition has to qualify has an ADA disability and 2. Your dog must be trained to perform a job or task that directly relates to your disability. If you’re unsure, we recommend speaking to your healthcare provider.
Service dog, and if he can di so in public wirh obedience, off leash (so he can get someone if needed), and isn’t reactive to strangers I don’t see why training him to be your service dog wouldn’t work.
i have bilateral senorineural hearing loss. I have 1 hearing aid and one cochlear implant. Can I bring my dog as a hearing assistance dog
You can certainly own a service dog for a hearing impairment as long as two conditions are met. First, the hearing impairment has to meet the criteria for being a disability. Second, the dog must be trained to perform a job or task relating to the hearing disability.
I have severe hearing loss in both ears, with my right ear being worst. Could a Yorkie, who is trained to hear for my name being called, be registered as a Service Dog. They also would be trained to wake me up if they hear a knocking on my door or the RING camera going off.
That sounds like a wonderful way a dog could help with your condition if it is an eligible disability. Those are certainly tasks performed by service dogs for the hearing impaired.