Service Dog Requirements - Basic Info

Are you considering making your dog into your own personal service dog?  Many, many people mention to me as a trainer that they are interested in learning more about how to make their dog a service dog.  Since I have had so many people interested in this recently, I decided to start with the basic information.

Although many people tend to think of Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepard dogs as the most common service dog breeds, any dog of any breed can become a Service or Therapy animal if they have the right tempermeant and receive the proper training.

Some organizations require a dog to pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test to be qualified as a Service Dog.  Full information on the CGC test is available on Such Good Dog's blog.


The following list is an example of an Assistance Dog Public Access Certification Test.  Although different tests vary slightly, the basics are the same.



1)  Controlled unload out of vehicle.
The dog must wait in the vehicle until released.  Once outside of the car, the dog must wait, under control, for the handler.  The dog must remain under control while another dog walks past.

2) Approaching the building.
The dog must remain calm around traffic.  The dog must stay in the relative heel position.  The dog must stop when the handler comes to a stop.

3) Controlled entry through a doorway.
The dog must wait quietly at the door until commanded to enter.  The dog must wait inside the doorway until able to return to the heel position.

4) Heeling through a building.
The dog should remain within one foot of the handler at all times.  The dog should remain focused on the individual and ignore the public.  The dog must adjust to speed changes and readily turn corners without the handler having to jerk or tug at the dog.  The dog must easily and comfortably be able to move through tight quarters.

5) Six foot recall on lead.
The dog must readily respond to the recall command (and does not take his time or detour along the way).  The dog must come directly to the individual, remain within the prescribed distance, and remain focused on the individual.

6) Sits on command.
The dog must respond promptly to the Sit command.  The dog sits and remains under control around food.  The dog sits and remains under control while a shopping cart goes by.  The dog maintains a sit-stay while being pet by a stranger.

7) Downs on command.
The dog must respond promptly to the Down command.  The dog downs and remains under control around food.  The dog downs and remains under control while a shopping cart goes by.  The dog maintains a down-stay while being pet by a stranger.

8) Noise distractions.
The dog should remain under control during a noise distraction.  The dog should not show aggression, fear, or appear to be continuously affected by the noise.  The dog may jump, turn, or show a small startle reaction, as long as the dog recovers quickly.

9) Restaurant.
The dog must be unobtrusive and out of the way of employees and patrons as much as possible.  The dog must maintain proper behavior, remain quiet and ignore food.  Many tests require the dog to down-stay underneath the table.

10) Off lead.
The dog must stop and wait for the handler to regain control when the leash is dropped.

11) Dog taken away by another person.
Another person must be able to hold the leash while the dog remains calm and under control as the owner walks 20 feet away.

12) Controlled Exit.
The dog stays in a relative heel position.  The dog remains calm around traffic.  The dog stops when the handler stops.

13) Controlled load into vehicle.
The dog waits calmly until told to enter the vehicle.  The dog easily enters the vehicle upon request.

14) Team Relationship.
The handler praises the dog when the dog does well.  The dog appears friendly, relaxed, and confident.  The person was able to keep the dog under control.

Whether or not you are interested in qualifying your pet as a service dog, it is important to be a responsible owner and train your dog to be a balanced, polite member of society.  I work every day to make my dogs the best, most well-behaved, happy dogs they can be!

Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC)

If you are considering making your dog a service dog, one great place to start is the Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC).  This is a test that will demonstrate that your dog is well behaved within society.
Many organizations require your dog to pass this certification to become eligible for service or therapy dog status.  Whether or not you plan to make your dog into a service dog, the following 10 items are great things to train your dog in.  We should all want our dogs to be respectful and maintain their manners in public!  I know I do!

The following information was obtained from the American Kennel Club (AKC).

According to the AKC, an owner is required to sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, prior to taking the test.  This is a pledge in which owners agree to take care of their dog's safety, training, exercise, quality of life, and health needs.  Owners agree to be responsible by cleaning up after their dogs and never allowing them to impose on the others within the public.  Again, these are all things we should strive to do as dog owners!

The test consists of 10 items that must be passed in order to become a Canine Good Citizen.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test:

1) Accepting a friendly stranger.
The dog will allow a stranger to approach and speak to the handler.  The dog must show no sign of shyness or resentment, and must not break position as the handler greets and shakes hands with the evaluator.

2) Sitting politely for petting.
The dog must not show shyness or resentment as the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body.  The handler may talk to the dog throughout the exercise.  The dog will sit or stand at the handler's side.

3) Appearance & grooming.
This test proves that the dog will be comfortable being examined, touched, and brushed (as a veterinarian, friend, or groomer may do).  The evaluator will inspect the dog to see s/he is clean, groomed, and in a healthy condition.  The handler will supply the brush normally used to groom the dog.  The evaluator will lightly examine the ears, softly brush the dog, and pick up each front foot of the dog.  The dog is not required to hold a specific position during the exam.  The handler may talk to the dog or give encouragement and praise.

4) Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead).
This test demonstrates that the owner/ handler is in control of the dog.  The dog should remain attentive and responsive to the handler and the handler's movements.  The dog may be on either side of the handler and is not required to sit when the handler stops.  Evaluators usually use a pre-plotted course.  The course will consist of a right & left turn, an about turn, and at least on stop in between and one stop at the end.  The handler may give commands and ask the dog to sit at the stops if desired.

5) Walking through a crowd.
This test will demonstrate that the dog can move through pedestrian traffic and remains under control in public places.  The handler walks the dog past at least three people.  The dog may show a little interest in the strangers but must continue to walk with the handler.  The dog should not strain on the leash or jump on people.

6) Sit & down on command and Staying in place.
This test demonstrates that the dog has been trained and will respond to the handler's commands.  The dog must Sit and Down on command, then the owner may choose the position to leave the dog in the Stay (Sit-Stay or Down-Stay).  The dog must remain in place (but may change position) as the handler walks forward the length of the line, then returns to the dog.  The dog may be released from the side or the front.

7) Come when called.
This test demonstrates that the dog will come to the handler when called.  The handler will walk 10 feet away from the dog, turn to face the dog, then call the dog to Come.  Handlers may tell the dog to Stay, Wait, or simply walk away.

8) Reaction to another dog.
This demonstrates that the dog is behaved around other dogs.  The handler and dog approach another handler and dog from 20 feet, stop, shake hands, and continue walking for another 10 feet.  Neither dog should go to the other dog or handler.

9) Reaction to distraction.
The test demonstrates the dog is calm and confident at all times when faced with common distractions and situations.  Distraction examples include:  a jogger running by the front of the dog, dropping a crutch or cane, rolling a dolly past the dog, or dropping a chair.  The dog must not panic, show aggression, bark, or try to run away from the noise.  The dog may show curiosity or interest in the noise.

10) Supervised separation.
The test will demonstrate that the dog may be left with another person and still be able to maintain good manners and training.  The evaluator may use a line such as, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take the leash.  The handler will go out of sight for three minutes.  The dog is not required to stay in position but should not bark, whine, or pace.  The dog may not exhibit more than mild agitation or nervousness.  The evaluator may talk to the dog but must not offer excessive petting or talking.

Equipment:
All tests are performed on leash.  Collars should be basic buckle or slip collars made of fabric, leather, or chain.  Special training collars such as head halters, electronic, and pinch collars are not permitted.
A body harness may be used in the CGC test (as of November 4, 2010).

The handler will provide the brush for the test.  The evaluator will provide the long line leash.

Encouragement:
Owners or handlers may use encouragement and praise throughout the test.  The handler may pet the dog between exercises.  Use of treats, food, or toys is not permitted during the test.

Failure - Dismissal
Automatic fail will be given if a dog eliminates during the test.  Any dog that snaps, bites, growls, or attempts to attack will be dismissed from the test.

You may also visit Such Good Dog's previous post on the CGC test for more information.

AKC Canine Good Citizen

The American Kennel Club (AKC) developed the Canine Good Citizen award as an entry-level certification program.  The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) was developed to reward dogs who have good manners within the community, as well as at home.  Passing this 10-step test will gain you and your dog a certificate from the AKC.  Developed in 1989, the Canine Good Citizen test is often used as a screening process for therapy dogs, and is also used by animal control and police for dealing with problem dogs.  The CGC certification is made up of two main components:
1) Teaching responsible dog ownership
2) Certifying dogs that have been trained and are well-balanced, well-behaved members of their community.

Dogs of any breed or age are eligible for the test (provided they have all their vaccinations).  To participate, owners are required to sign the "Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge."  The CGC test is designed to evaluate the behavior of the dog in everyday situations, and is always held in a non-competitive, relaxed atmosphere.  Use of treats or training equipment and harsh corrections are not allowed during the CGC test.  To pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and receive your certificate, you must pass all 10 components.

Many local trainers or facilities offer the test at a small fee.
To find a place near you, visit the American Kennel Club.

10 Test Components:
Dogs may be tested by their owner or a handler.

1)  Accepting a Friendly Stranger.  The dog must allow a stranger to approach the owner and engage in friendly conversation.  The dog must not exhibit any sign shyness, nor break his position to greet the person.

2)  Sitting Politely for Petting.  The dog must allow a friendly stranger to touch him.  While sitting at the owner's side, the dog must allow a friendly stranger to touch him without showing shyness.



3)  Appearance & Grooming.  The dog must allow the evaluator (or helper) to groom and examine him.  The dog must appear to be in a healthy condition, and hold his position during the examination.  This component was added because dogs must be comfortable will all kinds of people touching them, such as:  veterinarians, groomers, boarding staff and friend's of the owner.

4)  Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Lead).  A path will be presented for the handler to walk with the dog.  The path will include:  at least one stop, a right and left turn, and an about turn.  The dog should be obviously paying attention and closely following the lead of the handler.


5)  Walking through a Crowd.  This part of the test will demonstrate that the dog is under control and capable of politely moving through a crowd.  The dog should not jump or pull on the leash to get to members of the crowd.  The dog must walk with the owner without showing over-interest in anything else.

6)  Sit & Down on Command/ Staying in Place.  This test will demonstrate that the dog has been trained, and will respond to the owner's commands.  The dog must first sit and down on command.  Next the owner will leave the dog in either position and have the dog stay while moving several feet away.  The dog must remain in position until released.

7)  Come when Called.  The owner will walk away from the dog 10 feet and stop, then turn to face the dog and call the dog.  The dog must go directly to the owner without detour.

8)  Reaction to another Dog.  This will demonstrate that the dog can behave and act politely around other dogs.  Starting from a distance of 20 feet apart, two handlers will walk towards each other, stop, shake hands, and then continue on.



9)  Reaction to Distraction.  This will demonstrate that the dog is confident when faced with every-day distractions.  The Evaluator will select and present two different distractions.  These can be things being dropped to make a loud noise, or people moving quickly by (biking or running).  They dog is allowed to appeared startled by must not panic, show aggression, bark, or try to get away.

10)  Supervised Separation.  The owner will go out of the dog's sight for three minutes.  During this time the dog must not wine, bark, pace, or show any kind of nervousness.  The dog must remain with the evaluator, but is not required to stay in any specific position during this time (sit, down, etc.).


Helpful Links:

Dog Stages of Learning
Leadership

American Kennel Club main page.
Using Positive Reinforcement and Rewards to Train your Dog