10/02/2024
Evaluating a Dog For Service: How to determine if a dog has potential for service
https://a.co/d/5wtGVKt
It’s widely known that very few dogs are capable of enjoying and succeeding at Service Dog work. Even in Service Dog and Guide Dog programs that have well established breeding programs, the rate of failure can be high. It truly takes a unique and special temperament to flourish as a partner to a person with a disability, and while temperament is most important, there are lots of other factors that matter, too.
When it comes to evaluating rescue dogs or dogs at a shelter for Service Dog work, you must first keep in mind what disqualifies a dog from becoming a Service Dog in Training. If a dog exhibits any fear, timidity, reactive, aggression or showcases any kind of health or structural flaw and/or behavioral concerns, then that dog is *not* a candidate, all other factors aside. Never select a dog for Service Dog work with the belief that you can “fix” an inherent temperament flaw or issue. Generally speaking, if you have to fix it, then it isn’t a Service Dog candidate. There are exceptions, of course, as with anything, but they’re few and far between.
Learn how to assess the personality, instincts and trainability of any dog with the games in this book.
There are hundreds of thousands of Service Dogs in the United States. Many of those dogs graduated from one of the larger programs or organizations that run on donations, some were owner-trained, and still others trained and placed by trainers who specialize in Service Dogs. For many, rescue dogs...