Service dog board and train plays an important role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. These are specially for trained dogs to perform a wide range of tasks from alerting to medical conditions to providing emotional support. Service dog boards and training programs have become an essential aspect of professional dog training.
These programs offer a structured environment where dogs are trained intensively by experienced trainers to meet the specific needs of their future handlers. Whether it is assisting those with autism, PTSD or mobility issues. Selecting the right service dog and the right training program is important.
This article explores the key elements of service dog training programs focusing on top training schools, the significance of breed selection, and the various services professional trainers provide. By understanding these aspects potential service dog owners can make informed decisions to make a strong and effective bond between them and their future canine companion.
Overview of Board and Train Service Dog Programs
Top Service Dog Training Schools
Service Dog School of America
Focus: Psychiatric, therapy, alert, and autism service dogs
Options:
- Train your dog
- Purchase a pre-trained dog
2-School for Dog Trainers
Specialization: Preparing future service dog trainers
Key Area:
Emphasis on training for autism spectrum disorders.
3-Cooperative Paws Service Dog Coach
Focus: Certification course for professionals
Specialization:
- PTSD service dog training
- Customized training plans
4-Service Dog Academy
Approach: Online video classes for remote learning
Specialization:
- Medical alert dogs
- Global reach with over 300 trained dogs
5-Tarheel Canine
Focus: Work dogs and emergency response tasks
Specialization:
- Service dogs for emergency support
- Police and military dog training
6-Bergin College of Canine Studies
Approach: Classroom learning combined with hands-on experience
Focus:
- Comprehensive education in service dog training
- Task-specific and behavioral training
7-Highland Canine Training LLC
Divisions:
- Service dogs
- School for trainers
- Police K9s
Services:
- Personalized training packages
- Board and train options
8-Virtual Reality Training for Service Dogs
Innovation: Virtual reality training for handlers
Purpose:
- Preparing handlers before working with real dogs
- Improving readiness and comfort levels
9-National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS)
Reputation: High client satisfaction ratings
Specialization:
- Service dogs for disabilities (e.g., hearing, mobility, psychiatric)
- Ongoing support for handlers and dogs
10-Total K9 Focus
Focus: Personalized training programs across the U.S.
Services:
- Board and train options
- Customized task-specific training
Importance of Breed Selection
Common Breeds Used in Service Dog board and Train
1) Retrievers:
- Popular for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature.
- Frequently chosen for mobility assistance and medical alert tasks.
2) Standard Poodles:
- Known for their hypoallergenic coats and versatility.
- Often used for individuals with allergies or medical alert needs.
3) Shepherds:
- Valued for their work ethic and protective instincts
- Commonly selected for tasks requiring focus, such as guiding or emergency response.
Key Considerations in Breed Selection
Wash-Out Rate
The service dog industry faces a wash-out rate of approximately 50%, meaning many dogs either fail to complete training or are deemed unsuitable for service after deployment.
Cooperative Breeds
Trainers typically prefer breeds that are easier to train and more cooperative, as these dogs tend to excel in service work.
Lower-Drive Bloodlines
To increase success rates, trainers often focus on lower-drive bloodlines, as dogs with less drive are more likely to stay calm, focused, and manageable in public settings. This reduces the likelihood of high-energy or impulsive behavior which can be problematic in service environments.
Addresses any behavioral issues in existing service dogs
Corrects undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, anxiety, or aggression
Consultation Services
- Evaluate potential service dogs from rescues or existing pets.
- Assists in selecting the right dog for service training
- Training Approaches
Classical Conditioning
- Trainers use classical conditioning techniques to make commands instinctual for the dog.
- Reinforce positive behaviors and make consistent responses.
Personalized Support
- Offers ongoing guidance for handlers during and after training
- Make sure that the handler and dog develop a strong working relationship and can troubleshoot any challenges that arise post-training.
Service Dog Breeds with Highest Success Rates in Training
Selecting the right breed for service dog training is essential for making effectiveness and reliability. Certain breeds are consistently noticed for their high success rates in training due to their temperament, intelligence and adaptability.
Top Breeds Recommended for Service Dog Training
1-Labrador Retriever
Traits: Friendly, eager to please and highly trainable.
Success Factors: Known for their sociability and ability to remain calm under pressure. Labs are often preferred for various service roles due to their cooperative nature and strong desire to work with people.
2-Golden Retriever
Traits: Intelligent, friendly, and patient.
Success Factors: Their instinct to fetch and their loving nature make them ideal choices for service dog roles. They are quick learners but may require a longer training period compared to Labradors.
3-Standard Poodle
Traits: Smart, adaptable and task-oriented.
Success Factors: Poodles excel in training due to their intelligence and smartness to learn. They are also hypoallergenic making them suitable for individuals with allergies.
4-German Shepherd
Traits: Intelligent, loyal and versatile.
Success Factors: Historically used in various working roles, German Shepherds are capable of learning a wide range of tasks. However, they may require more experienced handlers due to their strong drive.
5-Border Collie
Traits: Highly intelligent and focused.
Success Factors: Known for their exceptional learning abilities and work ethic, Border Collies thrive in environments where they can engage in complex tasks. However, they may struggle to relax when not working.
6-Bernese Mountain Dog
Traits: Gentle, intelligent, and strong.
Success Factors: Their size allows them to assist with mobility tasks effectively. They are known for their calm demeanor and loyalty.
7-Great Dane
Traits: Gentle giants known for their strength.
Success Factors: Great Danes can provide physical support for mobility-impaired individuals and have a sweet temperament that makes them good companions2.
8-Collie
Traits: Intelligent and calm.
Success Factors: Collies can be trained to perform specific tasks such as sensing seizures and are known for their gentle nature with children2.
9-Cocker Spaniel (Working Type)
Traits: Friendly and eager to please.
Success Factors: Smaller than other breeds on this list, Cocker Spaniels can be effective service dogs for individuals who need assistance but do not require a larger dog.
10-American Staffordshire Terrier
Traits: Confident and good-natured.
Success Factors: This breed’s strong affinity with people makes them suitable for various service tasks, especially in mobility assistance.
Key Considerations for Successful Training
Temperament
Dogs must be calm under stress and able to perform tasks reliably in different environments.
Intelligence & Trainability
High intelligence is crucial; breeds that learn quickly tend to have better success rates.
Socialization Skills
Service dogs must be well-socialized to interact appropriately in public settings. While many breeds can be trained as service dogs, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, German Shepherds, and Border Collies consistently rank among the most successful due to their desirable traits. The right choice depends on the specific needs of the handler as well as the individual dog’s temperament and abilities.
Key Features of Board and Train Programs
Training Environment
Dogs stay at the training facility where they receive daily training sessions. This immersive approach can lead to quicker results compared to at-home training.
Types of Training Offered
Specialized training is provided to dogs including basic obedience, behavior modification, and socialization skills.
Owner Involvement
While the dog is trained by professionals, owner participation is crucial for reinforcing learned behavior at home. Regular updates, such as photos and videos, are often provided to keep owners informed of their dog’s progress1.
Service Dog Board and Train:Pros and Cons
Some Pros and cons associated with service dog board and train.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a board and train program?
A board and train program involves sending your dog to a professional trainer for an intensive training program over several weeks.
How long does the training last?
Training durations can vary but typically range from two weeks to three months depending on the program and the dog needs.
Are board and train programs effective?
Many owners report positive outcomes; however effectiveness can depend on the quality of the program and ongoing owner involvement post training.
What should I look for in board and train facility?
Seek facilities with positive reviews, experienced trainers, transparency about their methods and a focus on human training practices.
Can I visit my dog during training?
Policies vary by facility; some allow visits while others prefer to limit contact to ensure focus on training.
Final Thoughts
The field of service dog board and train programs is incredibly diverse, offering a wide array of specialized services tailored to meet individual needs. From psychiatric and medical alert dogs to mobility assistance and emergency response dogs, choosing the right training program and the appropriate breed is critical for success.
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