First Day of Service Dog Training
On my first day of training my service dogs
Under the laws of the ADA (American Disabilities Act), I do not need to disclose why I am training to have my service dog. However, being that I am training and writing about training my service dog I am offering more information to you my precious audience about our journey as we bring you through it all here on this blog. I will share my first month of training my service dogs in April. I would like also to mention that I am a trainer with DogAcademy and one of their training programs is to train your service dog- alongside one of their trainers. Let’s begin with a few preliminary points about service dogs…Training My Own Service Dog: The First Day
The Journey Begins
They say that every great journey begins with a single step. Today marks that initial step as I venture into the world of training my own service dog, a decision born from a deeply personal experience. Several years ago, I suffered a stroke—a harrowing event where I came frighteningly close to life-altering consequences. If not for my dogs, who were by my side, I might not be walking today. This profound realization sparked a desire within me to have a more formal and dedicated companion—one trained to not only be present but also to assist in specific ways that contribute to my safety and well-being.
Why Have a Service Dog?
Service dogs are more than pets; they are lifelines to those who, like myself, face daily challenges due to physical or mental health conditions. They serve as ears for the deaf, guides for the blind, and protectors for those susceptible to seizures or serious health episodes like I suffered. For individuals who endure the often invisible struggles of mental illness, these canine companions can be the stabilizing force in a tumult of emotions.
Going through an organized school such as the Guide Dog Foundation/America’s Vet Dogs or Paws of War is a great option. Training your own service dog is going to be a much better idea because the bond one builds with one dog during training makes the training that much stronger and the trainer doesn’t have to transfer the training over to the actual handler.
Clearing the Confusions: Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support and Therapy Dogs
To fully grasp the importance of service dogs, it is necessary to distinguish them from emotional support animals (ESAs) and therapy dogs:
- Service dogs, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), undergo rigorous training to perform specific tasks tailored to assist individuals with disabilities. These dogs enjoy legal protection that sanctions their presence in all public areas alongside their handlers. Legally a service dog only has to perform one task to assist the handler with their disability. They do however need a bonafide reason for having a service dog by a doctor.
- Emotional Support Animals offer comfort by their mere presence and do not require task-specific training. These companions aid in alleviating symptoms for those with emotional or mental disabilities and have specific legal rights under housing and air travel laws, notwithstanding public access. Just being present can constitute being an emotional support animal.
- Therapy dogs specialize in providing affection and tranquility in various institutional settings. Contrary to service dogs and ESAs, these furry volunteers lack a legal statute that endows them with unrestricted public access.
Legal Rights and Protections for Service Dog Owners
Harnessing the aid of a service dog not only implies companionship but also navigating a sea of legalities. Under the ADA, service dog owners are bestowed with certain prerogatives, from public access to businesses and transportation to accommodation rights that ensure their guide can reside and travel with them, regardless of standard policies.
Though service dogs are not mandated to wear identification or carry documentation, many choose to do so to avoid public consternation and to educate on the function of service dogs, as misunderstandings are commonplace.
The Milestones Ahead in Training My Service Dog
Intending to foster an inextricable bond and tailored assistance, I have elected to train my service dog. The forthcoming weeks will unravel a chronicle of training sessions, with each day contributing its unique set of breakthroughs and methods.
I shall utilize positive reinforcement and clicker training techniques, marrying them with an active lifestyle. Together with my soon-to-be service dog, we will participate in a monthly walking challenge, integrating physical fitness into our regiment to forge a bond of mutual trust and respect. We count physical fitness as part of our daily regime and something that helps us all be of good mind- body- and soul. We will also begin our Doga Journey back up.
A Tail of Togetherness
While this post serves as the overture to our shared expedition, it is not merely about the training nuances. It also embodies the essence of purpose—what it means to lean on a four-legged ally so profoundly. This chronicle is not just about the shaping of a service dog; it’s about sculpting a companionship that stands resolute in the face of life’s unpredictabilities.
Join me on this special adventure, where we uncover the marrow of what it means to connect, nurture, and ultimately— triumph together.
Our Guide
I will not be pretending to go on this journey alone with my dogs. I will have the guidance of Shana Cohen in her 30 Day Intensive Training Program. So I will be following along with her training and sharing whatever I can with you as we follow along- not to copy her words but to follow her steps in training and tailoring our training to us during the next month. I will be adding videos and photos during the next month of our training with Scout, Liberty, and Freedom.
Our First Step
The first step Shana has us do is to associate our dogs with the clicker. This is the easiest and most training your dogs and you will ever do. During this training, you’re simply going to introduce your dog to the clicker here are the steps:
Steps to Associate the Clicker
By associating the clicker with treats, your dog will come to understand that the sound of the clicker indicates a reward is coming. To do this, first, make sure you have an ample supply of small treats on hand (such as Charlee Bear Treats or cheese). Then follow these steps:
- Start in a quiet and distraction-free area.
- With your dog in front of you, click the clicker and immediately give them a treat.
- Repeat this several times until your dog starts to look for the treat after hearing the click.
- Once your dog is eagerly anticipating the treat after each click, start introducing verbal cues such as “good” or “yes” while clicking and treating.
- Practice this association regularly until your dog consistently responds to the sound of the clicker with excitement and anticipation.
Remember, patience is key when working with any dog, especially during training. Stay positive, and consistent, and make sure to follow through with rewards for good behavior. With time and dedication, you and your service dog-in-training will lay a strong foundation for future training sessions together. Happy clicking! 🐾 ️🐶
Taking It One Step at a Time
The journey of training a service dog is not without its challenges, but it is also one filled with rewards. Each step towards your ultimate goal of having a certified service dog is a triumph, no matter how small. Remember to celebrate these milestones and cherish the bond you are creating with your dog along the way. And most importantly, never forget the ultimate purpose behind training a service dog – to gain greater independence and support in your daily life. So keep pushing forward, take it one step at a time, and know that you and your service dog are on an incredible journey together. 🐾 ❤️ ️🐶
30-mile dog Walk challenge in April to raise funds to support Veteran’s mental health through the healing power of dogs! Part of our training is physical training- which helps us all bond stronger together!
Stay tuned as we share our progress, milestones, and insights learned along this paw-paved path. 🐾
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Note: This is just the beginning of our journey. There is so much more to come as we embark on this meaningful and rewarding endeavor. So, stay tuned for more updates and insights as my service dog training journey continues! Remember to always follow your heart and purpose, no matter how daunting the path may seem. Together with our trusted animal companions we can live happier healthy lives side by side.
Until tomorrow have a happy and healthy tail-wagging day,
Pamela the All American Dog Runner Girl and her All American Dog Pack
