About Service Dog Training Tools

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a service dog is "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal specifically trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability." These dogs are trained to help people who are blind or deaf or who suffer from other conditions that cause disability, including autism, seizures and arthritis. Training begins at a young age, and a variety of tools are used in the process.

  1. Collars and Leads

    • A basic collar is used for most training, although a bell collar is useful for a blind owner's dog to wear around the house. A Martingale collar provides greater control over the dog for an owner with disability, without choking the dog.

      The lead is also an important training tool. The service dog is trained to accept the type of lead its handler will require. A seizure patient uses a wrap-around lead to help maintain his hold on the dog in the event of a seizure. An arthritis patient uses a double-handed lead as this gives better control with weakened arms and hands, making it possible to keep the dog close without reeling in the lead. The short lead is used to teach the dog to walk close to the handler.

    Working Vests

    • The service dog wears a vest for several reasons. Identification is necessary for full access in public places, and a vest displays the dog's registration patch or suitable wording. Most sellers of service dog equipment only sell vests to owners of registered dogs in order to avoid abuse of the identification. Vests may have pockets in which the handler can carry critical items so that they are easily accessible. Some vests are lightweight for everyday working, some have pockets or saddle bags, and others are padded to double as coats in cold weather. Backpacks are also available, in which the dog can carry up to 15 percent of its body weight, avoiding the need for the handler to carry a bag.

    Harnesses

    • Guide dogs for the blind and dogs that assist with limited mobility are trained to work in harness. A common harness comes equipped with a handle that the owner can hold on to be led or supported by the dog. Most harnesses are made of soft, fleece-lined leather that is comfortable for the dog, and have reflective striping for use in low visibility. They are equipped with loops to which different leads can be attached, so that the harnesses are interchangeable. A heavy duty pulling harness may be used with a strong lead in situations where the dog needs to pull a wheelchair. A heavy duty mobility harness, used with a stable bridging handle, can provide stability and assistance in walking to a handler with limited mobility.

    Other Tools

    • A pull trainer is used to teach a dog to pull open drawers for its owner. Use of a clicker followed by food treats, or a toy that is given for a short game, are tools commonly used to reward the dog when it has successfully completed a task.