A Step-by-Step Learning Path (Owner-Training Focus)
If you’re considering owner-training a service dog, start by understanding your needs. The right dog for one person may be completely unsuitable for another. This guide will help you identify your needs, understand what makes a suitable service dog candidate, and make informed decisions throughout the selection process.
Suggested Reading Path
- Identify your needs.
- Learn what makes a good service dog.
- Learn how genetics and breeder selection influence success.
- Understand early puppy development.
- Learn how to find and evaluate candidates.
- Match a candidate to your individual needs and goals.
1. Identifying What You Need (Start Here)
Before choosing a breed, breeder, puppy, or adult dog, take time to understand what you need from a service dog and whether a service dog is the right tool for the job.
- Identifying What You Need – Part 1
- Identifying What You Need – Part 2
- Identifying What You Need – Part 3
- Identifying What You Need – Part 4
- Identifying What You Need – Part 5
2. Understanding What Makes a Good Service Dog
Once you know what you need, the next step is understanding what traits make a dog suitable for service work.
- What makes a good service dog?
- Choosing a breed or mix for a service dog
- All dogs of the same breed are not equal
- Prices for puppies and dogs have increased
- Color matters for health of Labrador Retrievers
- Will a Goldendoodle be suitable for me?
3. Genetics & Where Your Dog Comes From Matters
A service dog’s future starts long before training begins. Genetics, health, temperament, and early puppy raising all contribute to the likelihood of success.
Finding a Quality Breeder
- Finding a Quality Breeder – Part 1
- Finding a Quality Breeder – Part 2
- Finding a Quality Breeder – Part 3
- Finding a Quality Breeder – Part 4
- Finding a Quality Breeder – Part 5
- Finding a Quality Breeder – Part 6
- Finding a Quality Breeder – Part 7
Additional Reading
4. Early Puppy Development
Understanding early development helps you evaluate puppies more effectively.
- Socializing the puppies while still with the litter
- Are puppy evaluation/temperament tests predictive of adult dog temperament?
5. Finding and Evaluating a Service Dog Candidate
Now it’s time to start looking at actual dogs. Whether you’re considering a puppy, adolescent, or adult dog, these articles will help you identify traits that support success and recognize potential concerns before making a commitment.
- Where to find a service dog candidate
- Finding a service dog candidate – general points
- What general characteristics to look for in a suitable adult service dog candidate
- Assessing a potential service dog candidate
- Choosing a small dog – Tips and Concerns
- Self-Assessment for Anyone Considering Owner-Training in BC (section about a current family dog)
6. Matching a Candidate to Your Needs
Now it’s time to bring everything together and apply what you’ve learned to your specific situation.
