Working With Assistance Dogs

Today I’m writing about an online article I found at assistancedogsinternational.org. The title of this article is “Working With Assistance Dogs” and was written and published by Assistance Dogs International.

The first paragraph explains that those interested in training service dogs also have to train the people to use them, which is the toughest part. To become a service dog trainer one must enroll in a program that usually last two to three years. To get a job as a service trainer is very tough. There are a ton of people that would love to have this specific job, and many of those who wish to become a trainer cannot do so. There are positions available at most places that include shoveling snow, picking up poop, and other services that are needed in the process of training a service dog. An individual that hopes to one day become a service dog trainer often starts at this low level position and works his or her way up. Many of the people who want to become service dog trainers do so because of their love for dogs. While this is a good reason to do this, the individual must also be good with people. The dogs are their to help people who need it and if the trainer is unable to teach or communicate with the individual in need, it won/t work out. Trainers have to deal with harsh and rude individuals, but also nice ones. Specific programs have qualities that they look for when trying to hire a service dog trainer. They look for people who are good with dogs, people who are enthusiastic about their work, and people who that want to help others.

This article taught me a lot about what it takes to become a service dog trainer. It is a long road to become a trainer. Starting with cleaning up and caring for the dogs, to the 3 year program one must graduate from shows that this is no short road. Those interested in becoming a service dog trainer must have patience and the drive to help others. There are a few concerns/questions that came up when I was reading this. How many different organizations are there like this in the country? What are the requirements for starting your own service dog organization? These questions may or may not help further my research, but they will give me a better understanding of the overall process of service dogs and the training needed. 


Link to Article