Instructions
Select a dog with a good and even temperament. Live with this dog for about two weeks before you begin any kind of training. Keep a book with notes on the dog---for instance, how the dog reacts to strangers, how the dog responds to simple commands and how well the dog respects authority.
Take the dog to obedience classes or train the dog in obedience yourself. Review all obedience steps and commands, even if the dog is already fully trained---it is imperative for guide dogs to respond immediately and well to all commands. Keep a record of the dogs positive response rate to commands. Assistance Dogs International (ADI) guidelines dictate that dogs obey commands 90% of the time, whether in public or private.
Determine what tasks you are training the service dog to complete. Train the dog to meet this need. It could be something as simple as fetching something when the owner of the dog specifically says to. Review the ADA guidelines for the definition of service dogs. According to the website Service Dawgs.org, the ADA requires that a service dog be able to perform one task necessary for the disabled person in order to be considered a service dog.
Research the local Service Dog in Training (SDIT) laws---some states may not have one---to determine what is appropriate during service dog training in your area. Bring the dog to local SDIT approved places and to acclimate it to a public environment.
Test the dog in the public area. Command the dog to perform the service for which it was trained. Repeat this process until the dog can perform the desired task without any hesitation or resistance. Find a local agency that matches service dogs with disabled people and transition the dog you've trained into the agency's care.
How to Train Dogs to Help People With Disabilities
Training service dogs to help those with disabilities is an intriguing concept. If you love dogs, are skilled at training them and are looking for a way to help those with physical impairments, this may be a perfect way for you to volunteer your time. Training a service dog requires resources such as time and patience and the money to house and feed a dog while it is in your care. Careful alignment of your training techniques to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of a service dog is an important part of training.