Are you wondering if you can train your pet to be a service dog? While it may be possible, there are several crucial factors to consider before hiring a trainer or starting the process. From assessing your dog’s suitability to understanding the alternatives, let’s break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What Does a Service Dog Do?
Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks that assist people with disabilities. Unlike emotional support animals or therapy dogs, service dogs actively help their handlers by performing tasks that mitigate disabilities.
For example, my service dog, Koogle, helps with my hearing loss by nudging me when the doorbell rings or when my coffee order is ready. He then leads me to the source of the sound, whether it’s the front door or a barista.
Common service dog tasks include:
- Picking up dropped objects
- Opening doors
- Pulling wheel chairs
- Carrying items
- Interrupting nightmares for individuals with PTSD
- Providing bodyweight pressure to calm people with Autism
Organizations like Canine Companions serve individuals with over 65 different types of disabilities, highlighting the wide range of ways a service dog can help.
Important: Don’t pursue service dog training just to take your dog to public places. Would you fake a disability just to take your dog to a restaurant?
Consider Non-Profit Service Dog Providers First
Did you know that many non-profit organizations provide fully trained service dogs for free? These organizations often breed their own dogs specifically for service work, ensuring they have the right temperament and work ethic.
While you might face a waitlist, these dogs undergo extensive preparation for the job. In comparison, training your own pet could take just as long—and there’s no guarantee of success.
Why Choose Non-Profits?
- Many organizations provide service dogs free-of-charge
- Their dogs are often bred for service traits like calmness and focus.
- Training is rigorous and comprehensive.
- They provide follow-up support for free.
- Many are certified by Assistance Dogs International
Is Your Dog a Good Candidate for Service Work?
Not every dog is suited for service work, and a big factor is their early development. The first 12 to 16 weeks of a puppy’s life—known as the socialization phase —is critical. During this time, puppies learn how to interact with their environment, people, and other animals.
Dogs that miss out on proper socialization during this window may struggle with anxiety, fear, or reactivity later in life. Even with extensive training, these traits can make it difficult for them to reliably perform service dog tasks.
Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Dog:
- Was your dog properly socialized as a puppy?
- Does your dog stay calm in public and around distractions?
- Does your dog have the temperament for service work (e.g., confidence, focus, and adaptability)?
My dog, Koogle, was bred specifically for service work. He went through a structured socialization program with a volunteer puppy raiser before entering formal service dog school at 18 months. If your dog didn’t have this kind of preparation, training them for service work will be much more challenging—and possibly unsuccessful.
Hiring a Local Trainer: What to Consider
If you’re still considering training your pet with the help of a local trainer, make sure to do your homework. Here are key questions to ask before signing a contract:
- Experience: Does the trainer have experience specifically with service dogs? Can they provide references or testimonials from successful graduates?
- Dog Assessment: A reputable trainer should assess your dog to determine whether it’s suited for service work. Be wary of trainers who promise quick results without evaluating your dog’s temperament and history.
- Timeline: Ask for a realistic timeline, including minimum and maximum training durations. Remember, training could take over a year—at which point, a non-profit might be a better option.
- Ongoing Support: Non-profits often offer lifetime support for free. Ask the trainer if they provide follow-up services or support after training is complete.
- Certifications: Assistance Dogs International is the accrediting organization for service dog trainers in the United States, but they only certify non-profit organizations . Ask about other credentials or certifications the local trainer may hold.
- Veterans: The Veterans Administration will only approve service dog benefits if the trainer is certified by Assistance Dogs International
The Cost of Training Your Pet as a Service Dog
Hiring a professional trainer to work with your pet is expensive. Costs can range from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000, depending on the amount of training your dog needs.
Even with professional training, you’ll need to spend time reinforcing your dog’s skills between sessions. Expect a minimum of six months of training, even if your dog is already well-socialized and obedient.
Risks of Training Your Pet:
- Many dogs don’t meet the physical or temperament requirements for service work.
- Even dogs bred and raised to be service dogs have a 50% washout rate1*.
Considering the time, money, and uncertainty involved, it may be more practical to work with a non-profit that specializes in service dogs.
The Long-Term Commitment of Service Dog Ownership
Owning a service dog is a lifelong commitment. These dogs require daily care, regular training reinforcement, and ongoing support to stay healthy and sharp.
Unlike machines, service dogs are living beings with needs and emotions. You’ll need to maintain their skills through regular practice and ensure they receive proper exercise, healthcare, and attention.
Even if you hire a local trainer, the responsibility of maintaining your dog’s training ultimately falls on you.
Final Thoughts: Is Hiring a Trainer Worth It?
While hiring a trainer to turn your pet into a service dog might sound appealing, it’s rarely the best option. Non-profit organizations can provide fully trained service dogs for free, often from lines of dogs bred specifically for the job.
If your dog has the right temperament, was properly socialized, and you’re willing to invest time and money, training your pet might work. But your chances of success are likely less than 50%.
Service dogs are meant to make life easier for individuals with disabilities by helping with everyday tasks. To ensure the best outcome, consider working with a non-profit organization that specializes in service dogs—they’re the experts.
- Canine Companions reports approximately half of well socialized and specially bred dogs entering professional training are released from the program due to health or unsuitability ↩︎
