Assess a service dog candidate’s comfort, health, behavior and fit with your daily life. Learn when to simplify training, pause or consider another role.
Kea Grace
Published July 12, 2019
Talking to, touching, feeding or deliberately getting a working dog's attention can interrupt its task or distract its handler.
April Childers
Published June 22, 2019
These questions can help you compare a service dog with other assistance options.
Kea Grace
Published May 15, 2019
Assess focus, manners and comfort before public practice with a service dog in training. Plan a manageable outing and check permission separately.
Kea Grace
Published April 29, 2019
A useful goal improves daily life for you and your dog. Choose a few priorities that fit your needs and the dog's comfort instead of measuring the team against…
Lisa A Faulkner
Published December 28, 2018
Build behavior around your team’s tasks and everyday environments, rather than assuming every dog must use the same position.
Kea Grace
Published April 2, 2018
A tether can limit movement during a brief, actively supervised training session. It is one management tool, not proof of calmness or a shortcut to public access.
Kea Grace
Published February 4, 2018
Escalators and moving walkways can trap paws, fur or equipment. Familiarity and confidence do not remove the mechanical risk.
Kea Grace
Published September 28, 2017
Plan around your access needs, local hazards and your dog's care. Follow evacuation orders promptly; belongings are replaceable.
Kea Grace
Published September 8, 2017
A psychiatric admission can raise practical questions about your service dog at a time when you need care.
Kea Grace
Published May 9, 2017
