Certified Intensive Service Dog Training Course

Session 1 Basic Knowledge of Service Dog

This covers the basics of what a service dog is and core fundamentals you need to know before you begin training, including:

‣ How service dog programs began and how they have evolved over time

‣ Different types of service dog and what tasks they can perform

‣ A general overview of what public access rights service dogs are granted

Session 2 Understanding your Service Dog

This lesson covers the ability and limitation of a service dog, and how to understand your dog through their body languages. You'll learn: 

‣ What your own future service dog is capable and incapable of 

‣ How to know your dog's need through postures, facial expressions, and sounds 

‣ How to run a puppy testing when you look for a candidate

Session 3 Preparing for Training

Here, we'll explain the core components of our highly effective, reward-based positive training method, and you'll learn: 

‣ Recognizing types of dog training methods

‣ Performing reward-based training techniques

‣ Finding the suitable equipment for training your dog

Session 4 First Phase Training (Basic Commands to Teach)

When training a new Service Dog, there are certain basic behaviors and concepts that should be taught first. The foundation training for service dogs includes clicker training, teaching the dog its name, teaching the dog to wait calmly in one spot, teaching the dog to sit, and how to walk on a leash. Each of these skills is essential for a well-trained service dog that can assist its handler/user effectively. However, training takes time and requires patience. Perseverance and patience are key for successful service animal training.

Session 5 Bark Training

This lesson is a guide on how to train a dog to bark on command and be quiet on cue, specifically for service dogs. We will guide you through the process of training a service dog to bark to alert its owner of visitors or strangers and to - warn of fire or other dangers. The session includes exercises for barking control and how to quiet a protest barker; You will find tips on how to evaluate the situation and define and train an alternative behavior for different types of barking.

Session 6 Mobility Service Dog Tasks

Service dogs in training can be taught to perform many different tasks to assist their owners. A big part of the specialized training is retrieving. People with physical disabilities who drop items on the floor and have mobility issues may need help with the laundry and picking up items off the floor. A dog that is trained to perform “Retrieve” can have a big impact on your life. By following a method called the "motivational retrieve," canines can be trained using positive reinforcement. This chapter is a step-by-step guide for training dogs to find and retrieve medication and various small objects. We have included tips for troubleshooting common issues.

Session 7 Advanced Training

This lesson provides a collection of tips and guidelines for training a service dog to perform various tasks. The chapter features lessons on how to train your dog to perform tasks like detecting allergens, standing on two legs, pushing a shopping cart, collecting laundry, and picking up trash. The lessons are presented in a step-by-step format and include reinforcement techniques such as praising and rewarding.

Session 8 Public Access

Basic skills and self-control training are crucial before taking a service dog to public locations like shops, malls, cafés, schools, and airports. We encourage the teams to start training in outdoor pet-friendly locations. There are three main areas of public access for service dogs: outdoor pet-friendly locations, indoor pet-friendly locations, and non-pet-friendly locations. This chapter includes a self-administered Public Access Test to help you determine if your team is prepared to visit non-pet-friendly public locations.

Final and Certification

The final lesson includes a checklist for assessing both the dog and trainer's readiness for service dog work. The aim is to keep the training enjoyable for both the dog and the handler/user. We are committed to using ethical and scientifically sound methods. We encourage ongoing learning and emphasize the importance of polishing the service dog's skills through repetition.

What Will You Receive Upon Completion of This Intensive Service Dog Training Program?

Upon successful completion of this service dog training course, you will receive a very well-behaved service dog and a Certificate issued by Service Dog Training School International: Service Dog Certificate. To view a sample of the award, please click here.

What Will Your Dog Receive Once His/Her Training Is Complete?

Your dog partner will be certified as a Service Dog with all the training records by ServiceDog Training School International. He/she will be registered with us. You will be able to prove your dog's legitimacy as a service animal when you type the certificate number or the handler name and the dog name in the field "Registration Verification For Airlines & Business Owners".

What Does It Mean To Be Certified?

It means that you can prove that your dog has been trained to do specific work or perform specific tasks as a service dog.

The primary purpose of certification is to ensure that your dog is fully trained as a service animal. Also, it verifies your ability as a handler to know how to manage your Assistance Dog/Service Dog through everyday situations and public places such as shops, parks, restaurants, grocery stores, etc.

Please, be cautious of fake service dog registration services as they do not contribute to legitimate service dog teams or provide any training and evaluation. You can learn how to recognize scam service dog registration websites by checking our “Service Dog Training Scam” page.

This certificate program is valid in the US, the UK, parts of Canada, and the EU. We advise you that you check your local regulations, as these may vary.

Under What Circumstances May Airlines Deny Transport to a Service Dog?

◉ Airlines are permitted to deny transport to a service dog if it:

○ Violates safety requirements - e.g., too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin;

○ Poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;

○ Causes a significant disruption in the cabin or at airport gate areas; or

○ Violates health requirements - e.g., prohibited from entering a U.S. territory or foreign country.

◉ Airlines are permitted to deny transport to a service dog if the service dog user/handler is unable to explain what specific work or task the dog has been trained to do. Personal information about the individual's disability can not be required.

◉ Airlines may deny transport to a service dog that is accompanying a person with a disability if a Department of Transportation (DOT) service animal form is required, but it has not been completed and submitted by the service dog handler/user in a timely manner.

This form is essential in providing the airline with information about the service animal, such as its age, size, breed, and behavior, as well as details about the handler/user.

Upon completion of this Certified Intensive Service Dog Course, you will receive a training certificate as proof of your dog's legitimacy and will also be eligible for our Air Travel Training Program.

Our team will be by your side to help you prepare the service animal air transportation form and other documentation that may be required.

Emotional Support Animals are not allowed to fly in the passenger cabin free of charge. You can find more information in our article New 2023 Rules and Restriction for Flying with Service Dogs (and ESA).