Service Dog Certification, Advanced Dog Training

What is service dog certification? How do you get one? These are just two of the common questions people ask when they want to hire service animals. Today you will find them answered.

What Is It Really?

It’s simply a certification that aims to formalize the work of your serviced dogs. A lot of people, especially those who are living alone, depend on their pets such as dogs for their survival. They can be trained to fetch medications, to watch out for health trouble, to guide them as they traverse, and to provide them companionship.

However, contrary to popular belief, there’s no such thing as standard certification, unlike humans. There are no definite tests the dogs have to take, and you don’t need to have them licensed in the state where you are in.

What Is Its Importance?

The truth is that it’s not mandatory for serviced dogs to have their own certifications. In fact, any establishment or person who demands for such from the owner can be liable under the law. Nevertheless, you may still want to aspire for one to make sure that you can train and develop a dog that is truly reliable. You need to remember that it’s your life that’s going to be on the line.

Certification will also help dogs develop certain characteristics that would make them more ideal to become serviced dogs than mere pets. For example, you can tame their attitude and make them more people friendly. This is necessary since they need to rely on other people’s help should you find yourself in trouble. They must not be too overprotective to avoid excessive barking or too much aggressiveness.

What Kinds Of Dogs Should Be Certified?

Any kind of dog can be certified. It really depends on the owner. But you have to pick out dogs that can truly meet your requirements and needs. For example, if you have trouble walking, you need large dogs such as Labrador or golden retrievers. Noisy dogs are ideal if you are living in a very huge community or you are basically alone in your own house.

How Do You Get the Dogs Certified?

If you want to get a certification for your dog, you just need to approach any recognized serviced animal association. A lot of them already have their own guidelines on how they are going to certify serviced animals. You have to accomplish all of them before you can have them certified.

Service Dog Photo by Randy Son Of Robert via Flickr

You need to keep in mind that your dog will never be certified as a serviced animal unless you can prove to them that you truly need your pet’s assistance.

During the certification process, the dog may be asked to undergo a series of tests to determine its acuity level, aggressiveness, ability to follow commands, sense of responsibility, and a lot more. It may also have to undergo further training. Depending on what kind of certification the association gives, the process may take a year or more.

Once your dog is certified, you will then receive a kit containing the certificate and a vest that says it’s a serviced animal.