Ways to train your service dog

Every dog owner looks for the best match when it comes to seeking the perfect service dog. Some of the attributes that make it the best fit for its tasks include a dog:

• That is well bred
• Has undergone training
• Has undergone maximum socialization to be able to interact in public without fear
• Has undergone extensive medical tests proving its sound health

When selecting a service dog, it is important to check that your specific goals, desires, and needs are met without compromising. Once you have found the right service dog, make sure you train him accordingly.
Highlighted herein are different ways that will help you train your service dog.

Down and stay
Majority of service dogs work in public where they are expected to encounter other people other than their handler. Therefore, it is extremely important for the dog to be able to relax in such an environment and only respond to commands from its handler. The dog should be able to rest or stay still for a minimum of two hours and stay near their handler so as to respond to stimuli from the handler whenever such a need arises.

Under
The under behavior refers to the ability of the service dog to be able to be tucked under a given object such as a chair, outstretched legs etc. This way, it does not become an object of obstruction, remains unobtrusive while in a public area, and at the same time, it becomes easier for the service dog to travel within a public mode of transport.

Leave it
Leave it is the ability of the dog not to engage in a given activity or habit such as sniffing inappropriately, eating food off the floor, being overly social with strangers and so on. Such behaviors and concepts should be introduced to the dog and properly reinforced before similar commands are used in public areas.

Heel walking
Heeling refers to the ability of the dog to be walked on a loose leash in public while having its ultimate focus on the handler. It should be able to ignore distractions and any kind of impulsive behavior.

House training
The dog must be trained on how to behave while in the house and outside the house. To maintain good habits, ensure that the handler gives clear signals to the dogs when they are in public.