Training a service dog is a rewarding journey, but it can feel overwhelming with the sheer volume of information and techniques available. To help aspiring trainers and handlers navigate this complex process, we’ve compiled a list of the most valuable resources, drawing insights from experienced service dog trainers. This guide focuses on systematic training programs, motivational tools, and essential skill-building for service dogs in training (SDiTs).
Understanding Service Dog Training Resources
The development of a capable service dog requires a structured approach to obedience, socialization, and specialized task training. Many successful trainers emphasize programs that build a strong bond between handler and dog while fostering impulse control and reliability, even in distracting environments. The following resources have consistently been recommended for their effectiveness in achieving these goals.
Top Recommended Service Dog Training Resources
Sue Ailsby’s Training Levels Program
This comprehensive, step-by-step program is a cornerstone for many service dog trainers. It’s lauded for its motivational approach to building a strong relationship, developing obedience skills, and providing socialization and manners instruction. Specifically designed for service dogs, the program excels at cultivating impulse control, ensuring reliable responses to cues amidst distractions, and encouraging independent problem-solving in a fun yet structured manner. It fosters a unique communication system between dog and handler, deepening their bond through shared learning experiences.
Susan Garrett’s Crate Games
Susan Garrett’s Crate Games is frequently cited for its efficacy in teaching unwavering impulse and self-control, crucial for public access. This motivational program is invaluable for building a solid foundation for “stays” and recalls, even in very young puppies. Trainers report rapid progress, with puppies learning to target objects at a distance and maintain position under various distractions. The program encourages dogs to develop self-control and relaxation, making them comfortable in various environments, including crates, which has significant implications for public access training.
Control Unleashed and The Puppy Program
Though initially designed for performance dogs, Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed books, including The Puppy Program, are highly recommended for service dog training. The Puppy Program focuses on instilling a lifelong love of learning and focus, creating a handler-focused, stable dog capable of performing reliably regardless of distractions. For adult dogs struggling with impulse control or focus, the original Control Unleashed offers valuable strategies. These resources are instrumental in preventing behavioral issues before they arise and ensuring a dog’s competence in any situation.
Building Blocks for Performance
Building Blocks for Performance is a valuable resource for trainers aiming to develop working aptitude, strong handler focus, and the ability to manage excitement levels in their young service dog candidates. This program is adept at building a solid working bond between trainer and puppy early on, fostering responsive obedience and instinctive manners, all while ensuring the dog can perform reliably under distraction.
C.L.A.S.S. Program (Canine Life and Social Skills)
The C.L.A.S.S. program is a comprehensive, motivational training and manners certification that utilizes certified trainers and defined protocols. It offers three levels of training (BA, MA, PhD), each building upon the last. While it teaches basic and intermediate obedience, public access skills, and manners, its true value for service dog trainers lies in the controlled environment it provides for group training, skills practice, distraction proofing, and socialization. This program helps create well-mannered, socially adept dogs.
Learning Games
Learning Games provides a fun and motivational approach to teaching dogs independent thinking, creativity, cue recognition, and reliable performance. It also offers opportunities for handlers to strengthen their communication with their dogs and build foundations for future task work.
101 Dog Tricks
Kyra Sundance’s 101 Dog Tricks is a popular resource that, beyond teaching numerous tricks, offers a practical launching point for basic and intermediate obedience and task training. Many tricks listed, such as opening doors, turning lights on/off, and retrieving, directly translate into valuable service dog tasks. The program also allows for earning trick dog titles, providing a fun way to further engage and title a service dog or SDiT.
Donna Hill’s YouTube Channel
For visual learners, Donna Hill’s free YouTube channel, “Assistance Dog Training,” offers excellent step-by-step directions, clear explanations, and effective techniques for teaching a wide range of service dog behaviors and task work. It’s an accessible and highly valuable resource.
Teamwork Manuals
The Teamwork I and Teamwork II manuals are established resources for service dog training, particularly for owner-trainers. While opinions on their effectiveness vary, they can fill specific training gaps. These manuals offer advice for teaching various tasks, though some sections may be vague or author-specific. It’s advisable to review them to determine if their approach aligns with your training style.
Sound CDs
Sound CDs are considered essential for desensitizing service dogs to various noises. While specific CDs vary, common recommendations include those with puppy sounds, dog trial sounds, fireworks, thunderstorms, and sounds of babies and children. These CDs help prepare SDiTs for a wide range of auditory stimuli they may encounter in public. The Puppy Sounds CD is frequently mentioned, alongside other desensitization resources.
Conclusion
This list represents a starting point for discovering valuable resources in service dog training. Exploring various training avenues, continuously learning, and embracing new challenges together are key to success. Service dog teams that train collaboratively are more likely to stay together and achieve their goals. For those beginning their service dog training journey, consider exploring free online resources like Anything Pawsable’s guides on foundational skills, socialization, and public access etiquette.
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