Service Dogs: How Can I Get My Dog Certified?
© 2012 Lucinda M.Ludwig All rights reserved. Originally published on HubPages May 1, 2012
Introduction
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, last amended in March 2011, a dog that is individually
trained to assist its (disabled) handler in activities of daily living may qualify as an assistance dog which the handler
may take into public where dogs are not normally allowed.
The dog and handler must meet specific criteria however, one of which is not certification - at least in the United
States. The reader is referred to Assistance Dogs International (ADI) for requirements in other countries.
This article will discuss the type of work assistance dogs do, how they are trained and how to obtain an assistance
dog or training for a pet.
trained to assist its (disabled) handler in activities of daily living may qualify as an assistance dog which the handler
may take into public where dogs are not normally allowed.
The dog and handler must meet specific criteria however, one of which is not certification - at least in the United
States. The reader is referred to Assistance Dogs International (ADI) for requirements in other countries.
This article will discuss the type of work assistance dogs do, how they are trained and how to obtain an assistance
dog or training for a pet.
What do assistance dogs do?
ADI, a professional association of organizations that train assistance dogs, defines a service dog as a type of
assistance dog. Assistance dogs include guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs that assist individuals with
disabilities to function more independently.
1. Guide dogs are trained to assist people who are visually impaired by helping them navigate their environment.
Guide dogs are trained to lead their handler in a straight line from one point to another. It is up to the handler to give
directions and know his whereabouts.
However, the dog is trained to lead the handler around obstacles and can even be trained to read traffic signals. These
dogs are trained to be "intelligently disobedient. If a handler directs a guide dog to step out into traffic or proceed into
an obstacle, the dog is trained to refuse to proceed.
2. Hearing dogs alert their deaf or hard-of-hearing handlers to sounds in the environment that the handlers cannot
hear such as the sound of an alarm clock, doorbell, smoke alarm, breaking glass, a crying baby or someone calling
the handler's name.
They respond to the sound that they have been trained to alert to by coming to their handler and either nudging with
their nose or pawing. The handler then follows the dog to the sound.
3. Service dogs include all other types of assistance dogs that are neither guide dogs nor hearing dogs. Included in this category are dogs that are trained as seizure response dogs, mobility assistance dogs, dogs for children with autism, psychiatric assistance dogs and medical alert dogs.
assistance dog. Assistance dogs include guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs that assist individuals with
disabilities to function more independently.
1. Guide dogs are trained to assist people who are visually impaired by helping them navigate their environment.
Guide dogs are trained to lead their handler in a straight line from one point to another. It is up to the handler to give
directions and know his whereabouts.
However, the dog is trained to lead the handler around obstacles and can even be trained to read traffic signals. These
dogs are trained to be "intelligently disobedient. If a handler directs a guide dog to step out into traffic or proceed into
an obstacle, the dog is trained to refuse to proceed.
2. Hearing dogs alert their deaf or hard-of-hearing handlers to sounds in the environment that the handlers cannot
hear such as the sound of an alarm clock, doorbell, smoke alarm, breaking glass, a crying baby or someone calling
the handler's name.
They respond to the sound that they have been trained to alert to by coming to their handler and either nudging with
their nose or pawing. The handler then follows the dog to the sound.
3. Service dogs include all other types of assistance dogs that are neither guide dogs nor hearing dogs. Included in this category are dogs that are trained as seizure response dogs, mobility assistance dogs, dogs for children with autism, psychiatric assistance dogs and medical alert dogs.
Mobility assistance dogs
People who have difficulty with balance may benefit from a dog that walks alongside them with a special harness used to help them maintain their balance and keep from falling. Dogs can be trained to stand still to be used by their handler for support when getting up off of the floor or to transfer between surfaces, such as a wheelchair and bed and they can also be trained to pull a wheelchair. Seizure response dogs Seizure response dogs are trained to respond to a seizure by performing a task such as getting assistance from another person, pushing an emergency alert button, or retrieving a phone or medication. People with seizure response dogs report a lower incidence of seizures, probably due to the fact that their dogs reduce their handler's stress level and provide a sense of security. |
Dogs for children with autism
Dogs trained to help children with autism assist their child partners by serving as a topic of conversation and opening up opportunities to practice socially acceptable behaviors. The dogs are used to keep a child from eloping and may be trained to nudge their child partner to interrupt repetitive behavior.
Dogs trained to help children with autism assist their child partners by serving as a topic of conversation and opening up opportunities to practice socially acceptable behaviors. The dogs are used to keep a child from eloping and may be trained to nudge their child partner to interrupt repetitive behavior.
Psychiatric assistance dogs
Like dogs that assist people with physical disabilities, psychiatric assistance dogs are required to perform specific tasks that mitigate an individual's disability. These tasks might include tactile stimulation to reduce emotional overload, for example for a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For example, dogs might be trained to lick their handler's face or provide calming pressure during a panic attack. The dog could be trained to circle his partner to keep people at a distance or help his partner find his way to an exit in a high-stress situation. Psychiatric assistance dogs also perform some of the same tasks that other assistance dogs perform such as retrieving and turning the lights on and off. Medical alert dogs are dogs that are trained to detect changes in scent produced by illness such as diabetes and Addison's disease. Seizure alert dogs are trained by some organizations to alert their human partner to an oncoming seizure but science has yet to explain exactly what the dogs are sensing. Dogs that live with people who have seizures and that are trained to respond to seizures do tend to learn to sense oncoming seizures, even without training, and alert their partners prior to a seizure. |
What qualifies a dog to be an assistance dog?
In order to be considered an assistance or "service" dog under the law, a dog must be individually trained to perform a
task or tasks to mitigate a specific individual's disability. The tasks cannot include the provision of general
comfort or companionship, although these are certainly advantages of the partnership between dog and
handler.
ADI member organizations require that dogs are able to perform at least three tasks, but this is not a legal requirement
in the U.S. Dogs may be trained to perform just one task, but more times than not if an individual requires the
assistance of a dog, the individual can benefit from having the dog trained to perform more than one task. The dog
must be under control in public at all times. It should:
task or tasks to mitigate a specific individual's disability. The tasks cannot include the provision of general
comfort or companionship, although these are certainly advantages of the partnership between dog and
handler.
ADI member organizations require that dogs are able to perform at least three tasks, but this is not a legal requirement
in the U.S. Dogs may be trained to perform just one task, but more times than not if an individual requires the
assistance of a dog, the individual can benefit from having the dog trained to perform more than one task. The dog
must be under control in public at all times. It should:
- Stay in close proximity to its handler unless a task requires the dog to move further away
- Not solicit attention or be disruptive of normal business activities
- Not steal food or other items
- Be trained to eliminate on cue in designated locations
- Be quiet and not emit unnecessary vocalizations
- Not show aggression toward other animals or people
How are assistance dogs trained?
Most assistance dogs start their training as puppies. While assistance dog training does not usually begin until the dogs are 14 - 18 months of age, the early socialization process and basic training is critical to healthy mental and emotional development and success as an assistance dog when the dog reaches maturity.
Although assistance dogs should not interact with the public when working, puppies must be socialized to all types of people, places, things and other animals (particularly dogs) in order to develop confidence and a sound temperament. |
Puppy training
It is the job of the volunteer puppy raisers who give selfishly of their time to see that the puppies in training are well socialized and get the basic training they need during the first year or so of life until they are ready to begin their specialized training to become assistance dogs. Assistance dog programs vary in their structure, but many programs depend on volunteers to help them during this critical stage of the dog's development.
Individualized training
Assistance dog organizations vary in their structure, but the process must include a needs assessment of applicants in order to determine eligibility, what specific tasks an individual needs a dog to perform and which kind dog would be best suited to the individual's physical ability, personality, level of stamina and strength. Dogs, like people possess different characteristics and not all dogs are equally capable of performing all tasks. Some dogs are better suited as hearing dogs and others as mobility assistance dogs.
It is the job of the volunteer puppy raisers who give selfishly of their time to see that the puppies in training are well socialized and get the basic training they need during the first year or so of life until they are ready to begin their specialized training to become assistance dogs. Assistance dog programs vary in their structure, but many programs depend on volunteers to help them during this critical stage of the dog's development.
Individualized training
Assistance dog organizations vary in their structure, but the process must include a needs assessment of applicants in order to determine eligibility, what specific tasks an individual needs a dog to perform and which kind dog would be best suited to the individual's physical ability, personality, level of stamina and strength. Dogs, like people possess different characteristics and not all dogs are equally capable of performing all tasks. Some dogs are better suited as hearing dogs and others as mobility assistance dogs.
Public access training
Assistance dog training includes regular "public access visits" to practice applying what the dogs have learned. The dogs learn to lie under the table while the trainers eat, walk through crowds, walk cross busy streets, and ride elevators. Certification Federal law does not require dogs to be certified as assistance dogs, but organizations that train assistance dogs certify their own dogs as a means of quality assurance. Different organizations have different recertification requirements, the purpose of which is to make sure the dog and handler are continuing to work well together, the dog is maintaining its skills and the handlers are assuming proper responsibility for the dogs' care. |
Length of training
Basic obedience training and specialized assistance dog training takes on average between 6 and 18 months. The length of time needed for training depends on the number and complexity of tasks that need to be trained.
Basic obedience training and specialized assistance dog training takes on average between 6 and 18 months. The length of time needed for training depends on the number and complexity of tasks that need to be trained.
What are some tasks an assistance dog can be trained to do?
A few of the tasks assistance dogs can be trained to do include responding to a seizure by going to get help, alerting to specific sounds, retrieving dropped items, turning the lights on and off, pulling a laundry basket, opening commercial doors, pulling a manual wheelchair, opening and closing a refrigerator door, closing a non-commercial door, paying a cashier, assisting with clothing removal and transfers.
Where can I get an assistance dog?
ADI maintains a list of member organizations on its website. There are more organizations and individuals getting in on
the assistance dog training business and it would behoove the individual looking for an assistance dog to thoroughly do
his or her homework before selecting an organization or individual trainer.
the assistance dog training business and it would behoove the individual looking for an assistance dog to thoroughly do
his or her homework before selecting an organization or individual trainer.
|
How much do assistance dogs cost?
Assistance dogs are valued at anywhere from $25-50,000 once fully trained. Organizations vary as to their requirement for client contribution and assistance with fundraising. Most service dog organizations are non-profit organizations that receive their funding from charitable donors and fundraising events. Consequently, there is often a long waiting list for dogs from assistance dog organizations.
|
Do assistance dog trainers have special qualifications?
Assistance dog trainers are generally experienced trainers with specialization in assistance dog training. However, some are apprentices who are gaining experience. Apprenticeship programs are usually 2 - 3 years long.
Can I train my own assistance dog?
Individuals may train their own dogs. However, training an assistance dog is not an easy job, especially for someone who is not a professional dog trainer and does not have the specialized knowledge required to train assistance dogs.
The best option for someone who wants to train his or her own dog is to first contact a reputable organization using the ADI membership list to find out if the organization trains dogs that are already owned by individuals seeking the organization's services. Alternatively an individual could locate a professional trainer with experience training assistance dogs. An experienced assistance dog trainer can determine whether a dog would make a good assistance dog candidate and if the individual does not already have a dog, assist that individual in selecting a suitable dog for training.
A professional trainer can also administer a public access test to provide documentation that a dog-handler team meets the ADI criteria. This documentation, though not required by law may provide support for defense of a dog's training and qualifications should an issue ever arise. |
Although not required under federal law, assistance dog vests and identification badges are readily available on the
internet. A vest (or cape) may provide helpful identification but not always. Many people remain ignorant about
assistance dogs and will try to pet a working dog, saying they did not see the patch that reads, "Don't pet me, I'm
working."
A good resource for individuals who wish to train their own dogs is the International Association of Assistance Dog
Partners (IAADP).
internet. A vest (or cape) may provide helpful identification but not always. Many people remain ignorant about
assistance dogs and will try to pet a working dog, saying they did not see the patch that reads, "Don't pet me, I'm
working."
A good resource for individuals who wish to train their own dogs is the International Association of Assistance Dog
Partners (IAADP).
Some training resources include:
- Teamwork I & II DVDs and Training Manuals by Top Dog in Tucson, Arizona
- Lend Me an Ear (book) by Martha Hoffman
- Clicker Train Your Own Assistance Dog (DVD set) by Barbara Handelman
- Vancouver Island Assistance Dogs Training
Summary
Assistance dogs are not just well trained dogs. They're partners to individuals with disabilities. Each has been
specially trained to perform specific tasks to help a single person with a disability.
No certification is required under the federal law. Neither is an identification vest or cape required. However, assistance
dogs must be under good control in public at all times.
People considering training their own dogs should consult ADI and the IAADP for more information, including the public
access test that may be administered by a professional trainer. The public access test is not required by law, but may
provide needed documentation should the team's qualifications ever be called into question.
specially trained to perform specific tasks to help a single person with a disability.
No certification is required under the federal law. Neither is an identification vest or cape required. However, assistance
dogs must be under good control in public at all times.
People considering training their own dogs should consult ADI and the IAADP for more information, including the public
access test that may be administered by a professional trainer. The public access test is not required by law, but may
provide needed documentation should the team's qualifications ever be called into question.
Resources
Assistance Dogs International
Assistance Dogs International, Inc. is a coalition of members representing organizations and individuals training
and placing Assistance Dogs. The purpose of ADI is to improve the areas of training, placement, and utilization
of Assistance Dogs.
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners
A non-profit, cross-disability organization representing people partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs.
Definition of Disability (Social Security Administration)
"Disability" under Social Security refers to the inability to work. To receive federal benefits, applicants must
meet 3 basic criteria.
Definition of Disability (ADA Amendments Act of 2008)
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) an individual is considered to have a disability who has a
physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Home Page
ADA Home Page - Information and Technical Assistance
National Service Dog Resource Center (a Pet Partners program)
Information about service dogs and trainer directory
DogCapes.com
Vests and patches for working dogs; directory of service dog trainers
Vancouver Island Assistance Dogs Training
Videos created to help people train their own service and assistance dogs for mobility, hearing alert etc.
Service Dog Central
Online community of service dog partners and trainers; great resource for service dog information
Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs for People with Mental Illness
This blog post explains the difference between psychiatric service dogs and emotional support dogs.
Service Dog. Therapy Dog. What's the Difference?
This article explains the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs.
Service Dog Tasks for Psychiatric Disabilities
Examples of tasks that could be trained to assist people with psychiatric disabilities
Assistance Dogs International's Guide to Assistance Dog Laws
Provides U.S. federal and state laws and laws for member countries as well as behavior and training standards
Revised ADA Requirements: Service Animals (Effective March 2011)
Includes definition of service animal and where service animals are allowed, requirements for being under control
Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business
Information from U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section
Redefining the Rules Governing Service Dogs Covered by the ADA
By Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division
Service Dog Certification -- Spotting Fake Certification/Registration/ID
Tips for recognizing fake service dogs and organizations offering certification for a fee schemes
Assistance Dogs International, Inc. is a coalition of members representing organizations and individuals training
and placing Assistance Dogs. The purpose of ADI is to improve the areas of training, placement, and utilization
of Assistance Dogs.
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners
A non-profit, cross-disability organization representing people partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs.
Definition of Disability (Social Security Administration)
"Disability" under Social Security refers to the inability to work. To receive federal benefits, applicants must
meet 3 basic criteria.
Definition of Disability (ADA Amendments Act of 2008)
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) an individual is considered to have a disability who has a
physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Home Page
ADA Home Page - Information and Technical Assistance
National Service Dog Resource Center (a Pet Partners program)
Information about service dogs and trainer directory
DogCapes.com
Vests and patches for working dogs; directory of service dog trainers
Vancouver Island Assistance Dogs Training
Videos created to help people train their own service and assistance dogs for mobility, hearing alert etc.
Service Dog Central
Online community of service dog partners and trainers; great resource for service dog information
Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs for People with Mental Illness
This blog post explains the difference between psychiatric service dogs and emotional support dogs.
Service Dog. Therapy Dog. What's the Difference?
This article explains the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs.
Service Dog Tasks for Psychiatric Disabilities
Examples of tasks that could be trained to assist people with psychiatric disabilities
Assistance Dogs International's Guide to Assistance Dog Laws
Provides U.S. federal and state laws and laws for member countries as well as behavior and training standards
Revised ADA Requirements: Service Animals (Effective March 2011)
Includes definition of service animal and where service animals are allowed, requirements for being under control
Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business
Information from U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section
Redefining the Rules Governing Service Dogs Covered by the ADA
By Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division
Service Dog Certification -- Spotting Fake Certification/Registration/ID
Tips for recognizing fake service dogs and organizations offering certification for a fee schemes