How Long Does It Take to Train a Service Dog? A Complete Guide

How long does it take to train a service dog? Have you ever wondered this? Continue reading to find out how long it takes.

The United States is home to a great 500,000 service dogs. Guide dogs, diabetic alert service dogs, and autism service dogs are a few examples of these service dogs.

People who require grants greatly benefit from service dogs, but how long does it take to train a service dog? Who owns the dogs and how much does the training cost?

We have the answers if you’re interested in these questions. Come along with us as we talk about the whole. Also, we will guide you on in detail how long does it take to train a service dog.

A Service Dog: What Is It?

A service dog is a canine that has been trained by handlers or trainers especially to help individuals with disabilities. Along with many other crucial duties, they keep an eye out for any signs of illness onset while they are working, including calming their handlers during panic attacks.

While few service training dog necessitates the handler’s involvement. Also, service dogs can be trained by trainers prior to being paired with a handler. To do this, the handler and dog must be paired when they are puppies. Further, learn every step from an expert dog train how long does it take to train a service dog.

Getting Service Dogs Along with People and Other Animals

Socialization with animals and other people occurs together with environmental socialization. A service dog that is aggressive or anxious around people is not possible because it poses a risk to the public and will make many situations almost impossible for both the handler and the dog. 

Also, it can cause serious issues in public places if service dogs get overstimulated by other dogs or want to chase a cat.

Even worse, if a mobility dog walking next to a handler who is unsteady on their feet were to tear off after a cat, they could injure and drag their handler down. The safety of these service dogs’ handlers depends on making sure they don’t get overstimulated by animals.

When to Start Training a Service Dog

Setting goals, teaching basic obedience commands, task training, public access training, temperament evaluation, and continuing skill support are all part of training service dogs.

The majority of experts advise starting training a service dog puppy between the ages of six months and one year because this is when they are mature enough to concentrate and comprehend training cues. 

However, you can start short, enjoyable sessions of basic socialization and basics as soon as you get your puppy. 

Evaluating a service dog’s temperament is an essential part of training them to make sure they possess the qualities needed for service work.

Further lot of dog owners ask a question such as how long does it take to train a service dog. Usually takes around 1 or 2 years to train a service dog. 

Setting specific goals is crucial after this is finished because it serves as a training road map.

What Standards Do Service Dogs Need to Fulfill?

Not all dogs are suitable for service dog training. They must fulfill certain requirements in order to qualify. Among the traits of service dogs that must be taken into account are the following:

1. The age

It is advised to start training a service dog between six months and a year. Socialization and potty training are very important at this age.

2. Breed

When choosing a service dog, breed is a major consideration. First of all, utilizing an existing trait is far simpler than creating one from scratch. Second, understanding the genetic characteristics of your breed will help you determine when and how they may affect a service dog’s dependability.

3. Training Proficiency and Level

Training level and aptitude are also crucial. In contrast to teaching a puppy, service training will be considerably easier if the dog is exceptionally adept at picking up new skills or has previously received obedience or agility training. Also, a lot of our clients ask questions such as can I train my dog to be a service dog. Yes, you can train your own dow. But you have to consider some factors.

4. Disorders of Behavior and Temperament

When it comes to determining whether a dog is appropriate for a given service or not, temperament is a major factor. To help someone with a disability, for instance, an aggressive dog is not suitable.

5. Measurement

The dog’s size once fully grown must be taken into account. If a mobility assistance service dog is required, this is particularly crucial. Breeds that are too big might also have problems with laws pertaining to public transportation, etc.

How Long Does it Take to Train a Service Dog?

Fully training service dogs typically takes two years. But this can vary depending on the dog and the training. Further, there are a lot of factors you will need to consider on how long does it take to train a service dog.

Also, training continues for the duration the dog’s life rather than ending when the dog graduates and passes all of the tests.

What Is the Goal of Training Service Dogs?

With the help of owner trainers, service dogs training aims to build the fundamental abilities needed for a dog to carry out particular service tasks.

From guide dogs helping the blind to autism service dogs helping people with autism spectrum disorders. These dogs learn to help people with a range of needs by taking part in board and training programs.

These dogs learn vital skills through organized training, such as realizing medical crises, assisting with mobility, or providing emotional support.

By raising freedom and feeding priceless friendships, these service dogs can greatly enhance the quality of life for their human mates when they train properly. 

What Kinds of Training Are There for Service Dogs?

There are many different kinds of service dog training, such as task training, specialized training for certain tasks, and public access training to ensure comfort in a range of settings.

Teaching service animals certain behaviors, such as leading people with blindness or warning people with hearing impairments, is known as task training. The goal of specialized training is to improve abilities for tasks specific to each person’s needs, like detecting seizures or assisting with mobility.

Below are the different kinds of service dogs:

1. Mobility Service Dogs

Assist with daily duties like finding objects, pressing buttons, or serving as a brace partner for people weighing more than 55 pounds. Even pushing wheelchairs might be within their reach.

2. Psychiatric Service Dogs 

For those who suffer from PTSD, depression, or anxiety, psychiatric service dogs are available. Also, these dogs can assist their owners in readjusting to life and placing when PTSD flashbacks or panic attacks ensue.

A fantastic program called Wounded Warrior Service Dogs offers service dogs to veterans of war at no cost to them. Service dogs for PTSD account for more than 19% of help dog teamwork worldwide.

3. Autism Service Dogs 

These dogs can prevent danger and track a child with autism if they run away. They are ideal confidence boosters for people with autism.

4. Diabetic/Seizure Alert Service Dogs

Service dogs trained to warn their owners to check their blood sugar levels are known as diabetic or seizure alert dogs. In the event that medical assistance is required, they can also activate alarms.

5. Hearing Service Dogs 

Are perfect for helping their owners become more independent by using cues to guide them to specific locations. This could be the doorbell or hearing their name.

6. Eye Seeing Dogs

Guide dogs, also called eye-seeing dogs. These dogs are train to help their blind owner navigate obstacles. Although many guide dogs can be given away for free, depending on the organization, or they may need an adoption fee, they usually cost between $50,000 and $60,000.

Check to See If Your Dog Qualifies for Training Service Dogs

If you want to train your dog for service, there are a few things you should think about because they will determine whether your dog is capable of the task.

The Age: Your dog should be older than six months and have undergone spaying or neutering. There are those who contend that a dog will be easier and more responsive to training if it is younger. But this isn’t always the case. So, you need to start basic training when they are puppies is a great idea.

Temperament: Even under pressure, a service dog’s temperament should remain composed and easygoing. Distraction should not be a problem for them.

Socialization: Your dog should know how to interact with people. This can be reduce by early exposure to people, various environments, and other animals.

How Much Does Training a Service Dog Cost?

Service dog training cost is an expensive investment, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on the type. However, it’s worthwhile if you lack the time to train a service dog yourself.

You can try using Paws With A Cause or other grants, among other funding sources, to get financial support. So, the task you are training the dog for, its breed, and other factors all affect dog training cost.

When feasible, it is more economical to train a service dog yourself. Also, plenty of Online courses and software are available to assist. 

Is a Certificate Require for My Service Dog?

It is a common untruth that a service dog must be certified, but this is not true. Certification is not necessary, according to the ADA. There are several certifications available online.

However, the government won’t accept them. Certification, however, can eventually be used as evidence if critical. Further, there are certain advice for self training a service dog. Hire a trainer as soon as you can, preferably one who specializes in service dogs.

For example, in the UK, service dogs must be certified in order to board a plane or take a taxi. A service dog can be certified at a number of training facilities; some may require that you pass an exam or train the dog yourself.  

Choose the Best Service Dog for Your Needs

It can take thousands of dollars and a lifetime to train a service dog. Many people, however, would be unable to function and would live in extreme disadvantage without them.

Service dogs, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, and autism service dogs, help people with physical, neurological, or mental disabilities manage their daily lives.

Requirements for Train a Service Dog

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are “individually train to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” This indicates that their training directly supports and is customize for their handler in a variety of tasks.

Along with specific training, a service dog also needs to be prepare in public access etiquette. They must, therefore, behave well in public and not always be rule by their handler.

In order to maintain their status, they must be able to obey voice commands or other signals, unless their handler’s disability prevents them from being tied or harnessed.