Answering Questions About Your Service Dog in Public

A short, practiced answer can make an access conversation easier. You do not have to disclose your diagnosis to use a qualifying service dog.

Kea Grace
Published October 1, 2021

How to Teach a Service Dog to Open or Close a Door

F or those with physical disabilities, training your Service Dog to open or close doors can be incredibly helpful.

Kea Grace
Published February 12, 2021

Teaching a Service Dog to Retrieve a Safe Beverage Container

A drink delivered to your hand begins with a few simple skills. Work through taking, holding, and carrying a safe container, then bring those steps together at your dog’s pace.

Kea Grace
Published July 20, 2020

A Practical Plan for House Training

House training works best with frequent opportunities, supervision and rewards.

Olivia Williams
Published April 23, 2019

Teaching a Comfortable Nose Target

Targeting means voluntarily touching a chosen point. A nose target can help teach positioning or an appropriate button task, but it does not make every pushing or…

Kea Grace
Published August 23, 2018

Train a Service Dog to Retrieve: Getting Started

Start a service dog retrieve with a safe object, a reward marker and small steps from targeting to voluntary mouth contact. Continue through AP’s series.

Kea Grace
Published September 7, 2015

Clicker Training and Comfortable Tricks

A clicker can mark a behavior before you give a reward. Pair the sound with rewards, teach in small steps, and allow breaks.

Kea Grace
Published May 31, 2014

Train a Service Dog to Retrieve: Picking Up and Introducing Objects

Teach a service dog to pick up safe objects, deliver them to an accessible location and gradually work with new items. Part Three of AP’s retrieve series.

Kea Grace
Published August 20, 2013

Train a Service Dog to Retrieve: A Comfortable Hold and Release

Build a comfortable hold and release with rewards, short steps and a delivery point that suits you. Part Two of AP’s service dog retrieve series.

Kea Grace
Published August 9, 2013