Choosing a Service-Dog Trainer

Selecting the right trainer is one of the most important decisions in the process.

A responsible trainer should:

• Evaluate the individual dog before making promises
• Ask about the handler’s functional needs
• Explain the difference between obedience, task training, and public-access preparation
• Use humane, appropriate, and clearly explained training methods
• Include the handler in the process
• Provide realistic expectations
• Practice in relevant real-world settings
• Explain costs and responsibilities
• Avoid guaranteeing that every dog will succeed
• Offer guidance for maintaining the dog’s training

Be cautious of anyone selling instant service-dog certification, registration, identification cards, or vests as proof that a dog has service-dog status. Under federal ADA rules, a vest, online registration, certificate, or identification card does not turn a pet into a service dog.

The determining factors are the handler’s qualifying disability and the dog’s individual training to perform disability-related work or tasks.