Becoming a service dog trainer requires a combination of education, practical experience, and a passion for helping dogs and humans. The most experienced dog trainers understand that the most difficult part of work is often working with people!
This is a step-by-step guide:
I. Obtain a solid educational foundation
1.Studying animal behavior:
A basic understanding of dog behavior is crucial. You can study animal behavior courses at local colleges or universities, or through online platforms. These courses cover topics such as learning theory, social behavior, and the biological foundations of behavior. For example, understanding how dogs learn through positive and negative reinforcement is crucial for effective training
2.Understand the training principles of service dogs :
Service dogs have specific training methods and principles. Familiar with concepts such as specific task training, public access training, and desensitization. You can learn about these through online resources such as books, official websites of recognized service dog organizations, and attending seminars or webinars
II Gain practical training experience
1.Volunteer or Apprentice :
Looking for opportunities to collaborate with experienced service dog trainers. Many service dog organizations welcome volunteers to provide assistance in various aspects of training, such as basic obedience training, socializing, or assisting the public in going out. This practical experience will allow you to experience the daily work of a service dog trainer and learn from professionals.
2.Training Your Dog :
Start by training your dog to perform basic service tasks. This may include tasks such as retrieving objects, opening doors, or providing balance support. Training your own dog will help you practice and improve your training skills, and understand the challenges and rewards of this process
III Certification and License
1.Certification Program :
Although there is currently no universal certification for service dog trainers in the United States, several organizations provide recognized certifications. These courses typically include coursework, practical exams, and training skill assessments. For example, the Professional Dog Trainer Certification Committee (CCPDT) provides a certification process that can enhance your credibility as a trainer
2.Regarding service dogs and ADA
ADA aims to allow people with disabilities to use their service dogs in public places. ADA explicitly states that if a person with disabilities claims that their dog is a service dog, regardless of whether it is certified by a state or other agency, they will be believed. See below:
Section 35.136 of the Americans with Disabilities Act states: “Public entities shall not request documentation, such as proof that an animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal.” You can click on the link below to view the complete Americans with Disabilities Act law: https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleII_2010/titleII_2010_withbold.htm
The establishment of ADA enables people with disabilities to train their own service dogs
3.Regarding USDDR
A.What is USDDR?
With the efforts of over 100 service dog trainers in the United States, the United States Service Dog Registry (USDDR) was established. It is a small group trying to make a big difference. It was designed with input from experienced trainers and service dog owners who believe there should be an opportunity for those who wish to voluntarily and knowingly comply with not only the ADA law, but also an additional and specific set of community defined training and behavior standards above and beyond the ADA and the basic foundations of a public access test.
The purpose of USSDR is to provide people with the opportunity to voluntarily hold themselves and their animals accountable to higher standards by publicly signing a set of specific training and behavioral standards that go beyond the law. Merely registering with USSDR or any state does not qualify an animal as a service dog, nor does it grant any special legal or other rights. If someone is found to not meet USDDR’s training or behavioral standards, their registration may be cancelled or suspended.
B.What does registering in USDDR mean?
USSDR is an additional provision that goes beyond the law. According to the law, members of service and assistance dogs are not required to present or hold identification in the form of vests, special seat belts, training certificates, or registrations. Animals are not required to undergo formal training, certification, or registration by any state, federal, or independent organization.
USSDR hopes to help reduce the number of people abusing ADA by requiring registrants to understand that intentionally distorting animals as service or aid animals for any reason is not only unethical but also illegal.
4.Business License :
If you plan to operate as a professional service dog trainer center, you may need to obtain a business license in accordance with local laws. Please consult the local government or small business management office for relevant requirements
IV. Establish a network and reputation
1.Join a professional association:
become a member of professional associations such as the International Association of Auxiliary Dog Partners (IAADP) or the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). These associations provide resources, networking opportunities, and platforms to stay informed about the latest industry trends and regulations
2.Customer reviews and recommendations:
When you start working with customers, focus on providing high-quality service and building a good reputation. Positive customer reviews and recommendations are crucial for developing your business and establishing yourself as a reliable service dog trainer
V. Continuing education and professionalization
1.Keep updating:
The field of service dog training is constantly evolving. By attending conferences, reading scientific journals, and participating in online forums, learn about the latest research, training methods, and technologies
2.Specialization :
Consider specialized training for specific types of service dogs, such as blind person training guide dogs, mobility assistance dogs, or psychiatric service dogs. Specialization can help you target specific customer needs and stand out in the market.
FAQ:
1.Who is eligible to own service animals?
According to the definition of the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are dogs that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Now, what does this really mean? For better understanding, we will divide the definition into three parts: disability, training, and mission.
Disability: The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a person with a disability as a physical or mental disability that severely restricts one or more primary activities of life, a person with a medical history or a history of such illness, or a person believed by others to have such illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over a quarter (26% to 61 million) of adults in the United States suffer from some form of disability and can benefit from the assistance of service animals.
Training: Service animals should always receive basic obedience training. They should perform well in public places and be under the control of the processor. In addition to basic obedience training, service animals must also receive training (by professional trainers or trainers themselves) to perform “service” tasks or behaviors directly related to the trainer’s disability.
Task: The tasks performed by service animals for their coaches must be directly related to disabilities.
In short, if you have a trained dog (either yourself or a professional) to help you solve disability issues, you may be eligible for a service animal.
2.What breed of dog can be considered a service dog?
According to ADA laws, any breed of dog can be considered a service dog.
3.Do I need to pay additional fees?
may not. No enterprise, apartment or airline can charge you extra fees just to have your service dog accompany you.