Upon passing hip X-rays, we begin the rigors of Service Dog training. training includes - Getting use to working around wheelchairs
- Opening and closing doors
- Retrieving specific objects
- Operating light switches
- Other various tasks specific to the needs of the client the dog has been matched with
During the Client classes, the dog's skills are fine tuned to better suit the needs of each individual Client and also to prepare the Team for public access by training in various places and settings. We use positive reinforcement at every stage of training our service dogs. utilizing various rewards such as treats, praise, attention, petting, and playtime when a dog performs a desired behavior or task. As a signal to let the dog know it's begun a task or command properly we will tell the dog, "Yes" or "That's it" upon proper completion of the task or command, we will praise the dog by saying "Good girl/boy (insert dog's name)" using an enthusiastic or happy tone in our voice. When it comes to treats, we start out by treating the dog every time a desired behavior is displayed by the dog, and as the dog becomes more confident and reliable in performing that task or command, we begin randomly giving treats so that the dog learns that there might be a treat and will perform the desired behavior or task without requiring a treat every time. This method of random treating is a variable schedule reinforcement. Eventually dogs learn to perform the desired behavior without the need for treats, and only expect a subtle praise compared to the initial "party/excited" style of verbal praise and petting. | 
