Specialized Service Dog Training

Most people consider basic dog training difficult. Even the basic commands usually require the trainer and dog to dedicate weeks to mastering the skills. So think of the months or years required to train a police, search and rescue, guide or other service dog.

Careful selection is the first process in training these special animals. There are good reasons behind the fact that certain breeds - often German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers - are preferred for this type of work. Other breeds normally don't have the physical characteristics or temperament required to undertake the complex behaviors performed by these working dogs.

Even within breeds some individuals display an aptitude for the rigorous training, while others are moved into different areas or dropped from the program. Assertiveness, but not aggression, is required, except in emergencies and then on command only. Confidence is essential, but not willfulness. Strength is important, but intelligence is key.

Trainers work to deepen the bonds required to create trust and perform on command with chosen candidates. Police, search and rescue and even guide dogs can find themselves in dangerous situations. Like humans, dogs don't spontaneously put themselves in harm's way. With the correct training, some will learn to take on challenges even trained and athletic humans would consider deeply before undertaking.

Search and rescue dogs, for example, sometimes cross freezing rivers to snatch and extract drowning children. Others have pulled free half-buried avalanche victims while the ice cracks beneath their canine feet.

Basic commands and trust are built over a year or more of specialized training and acclimatization in the trainer's home or facility. Then the real effort begins once the animal is certified as trainable.

Service dogs receive from 6 to 18 months of additional training depending on the role they will undertake, spending hours per day in special instruction. The behaviors taught are often those you wouldn't want your average pet to learn.

From light switch flipping, pulling open doors, fording water to locating buried objects and more are covered. Service dogs learn to tolerate gun shots, avoid obstacles, remain calm and focused on the task in crowds. They may be taught to aggressively protect the handler while being gentle with victims.

Other training can include learning to tolerate smoke, run through burning buildings or even chase vehicles. Exactly the behavior you wouldn't want your pet to do.

Important, but less dangerous tasks are also taught to other categories of service dogs.

Sightless or deaf people are aided in their daily tasks by seeing-eye or hearing (guide) dogs. These assistance prove their value every day, guiding the blind or wheelchair bound down the street, fetching a container of food or drink, or just answering the doorbell.

Always remember when you see a working dog that they ARE working. They’ve been trained specially to carry out required chores, so let them undertake their duties without interference. Instead, consider and appreciate the hard work both the trainers and the dogs have done.

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