Traditionally service dogs are available through service dog training programs. However, in the U.S. and a few other countries, service dogs are allowed to be trained by their owners. Both training methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading to find out more about both methods and their differences.
Programed Training
Service dogs that go through training in a service dog program, to earn their service dog vest, are trained by expert professional trainers. They go through rigorous training and evaluations so that by the last phase in their training program it is clear if they are ready to be paired with an owner. The disadvantage to a service dog training program is that the dog might not be trained to the full needs of the disabled person they are paired with since they are not assigned to an owner until the end of their training.
Owner Training
The advantages of owner training are that the owner can start training when the puppy is very young and they can completely customize the training so the dog can meet and fulfill every need their owner requires. Another advantage is if the owner has the experience and knowledge of service dog training they will know what breed will work best for them or for the person they are training the dog for.
However, because few owners have the expertise of professional service dog trainers the success rate of their dogs working abilities is slim. Training the dog when it is young sounds like it has advantages, but if that dog goes through the training and is still not working up to full service dog standards, the owner will have to make the decision whether to keep the dog as a pet or give it up for adoption. Either way the owner will have to start over.
Programed Training
Service dogs that go through training in a service dog program, to earn their service dog vest, are trained by expert professional trainers. They go through rigorous training and evaluations so that by the last phase in their training program it is clear if they are ready to be paired with an owner. The disadvantage to a service dog training program is that the dog might not be trained to the full needs of the disabled person they are paired with since they are not assigned to an owner until the end of their training.
Owner Training
The advantages of owner training are that the owner can start training when the puppy is very young and they can completely customize the training so the dog can meet and fulfill every need their owner requires. Another advantage is if the owner has the experience and knowledge of service dog training they will know what breed will work best for them or for the person they are training the dog for.
However, because few owners have the expertise of professional service dog trainers the success rate of their dogs working abilities is slim. Training the dog when it is young sounds like it has advantages, but if that dog goes through the training and is still not working up to full service dog standards, the owner will have to make the decision whether to keep the dog as a pet or give it up for adoption. Either way the owner will have to start over.
This is an added step that we train our dogs individually for the recipient. If possible we have the recipient tell us about their disability and/or other requirements which warrants a service dog. We then pick and train their "future service dog" specifically for them. We also have the recipient come stay close to our facility in order to train the recipient as well as add more individual training for our service dogs Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs - http://www.MedicalServiceDogs.com
ReplyDeleteHope this helps..
BJ
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