Becoming a certified service dog is a rigorous and lengthy process, typically requiring over two years of dedicated training to master the necessary skills. This comprehensive guide outlines the fundamental training and skills that aspiring service dogs must acquire.
Core Training Objectives for Service Dogs in Training
For those raising service dog puppies, there are three primary objectives to focus on:
- Establishing Good House Manners: This involves teaching the puppy appropriate behavior within a home environment, including where to relieve themselves, how to interact with household members, and respecting household rules.
- Comprehensive Socialization: Exposing the puppy to a wide variety of environments, sounds, people, and other animals is crucial. This helps them develop confidence and adapt to different situations they may encounter as a working service dog.
- Mastery of Basic Obedience Commands: A strong foundation in basic obedience is essential for a service dog’s reliability and effectiveness. This includes commands that ensure safety, control, and the ability to perform specific tasks.
Key Commands for Service Dog Training
Future service dogs will be trained in over 30 essential skills. While the exact command word may differ slightly between training programs, consistency within a program and for each individual dog is paramount. Here is a comprehensive list of commands that service dogs are typically taught:
- WATCH: Used to capture the dog’s attention.
- WATCH ME: Encourages the dog to make direct eye contact with the handler.
- SIT: Instructs the dog to rest on its hindquarters.
- DOWN: Commands the dog to lie down completely on the floor.
- STAND: Prompts the dog to stand on all four legs.
- COME: Calls the dog to the handler’s side, to sit in a heel position.
- HERE: Directs the dog to come to the handler without a specific posture requirement.
- STAY: Requires the dog to freeze in its current position.
- WAIT: Instructs the dog to stop moving forward temporarily.
- RELEASE: Signals that the dog’s task or work is complete.
- NO: Used to get the puppy’s attention and indicate an incorrect behavior.
- DON’T: A command to refrain from initiating an unwanted or bad behavior.
- OFF: Tells the dog to dismount from an object and place all paws back on the floor.
- LET’S GO: Signals the dog to begin moving.
- HEEL: Directs the dog to position itself on the handler’s left side.
- SIDE: Commands the dog to position itself on the handler’s right side.
- LEAVE IT: Instructs the dog to move its head away from an object it is touching or about to touch, and to make eye contact with the handler.
- GET BUSY: A cue for the dog to eliminate (urinate or defecate).
- SETTLE: Encourages the dog to calm down.
- GO THROUGH: Guides the dog to move ahead of the handler, turn around, and position itself to back through a narrow doorway or passage.
- BACK: Commands the dog to step backward.
- FOLLOW: Instructs the dog to move behind the handler as they move forward through a door or passage.
- GO AROUND: Tells the dog to move around a person or object.
- MOVE: A general command for the dog to physically shift its body in any direction.
- CLOSER: Directs the dog to move within a few inches of the handler.
- GO TO: Instructs the dog to approach another person.
- UNDER: Commands the dog to crawl into a space, tucking its paws and tail to fit.
- THAT’S ALL: Signals the cessation of a specific behavior.
- CAREFUL: Prompts the dog to approach cautiously.
- GET A DRINK: Directs the dog to obtain a drink of water.
- QUIET: Commands the dog to stop barking, whining, or howling.
For a more in-depth understanding of these commands and their applications, further details can be found at Puppy in Training. Mastering these commands ensures that a service dog is well-prepared to assist their handler effectively and safely in various everyday situations. The dedication to training these foundational skills is what ultimately enables a dog to fulfill its vital role as a service animal.
