From Pup to Powerhouse: 100+ Skills for Your Service Dog

ABOVE A service dog provides deep pressure therapy after a PTSD nightmare.

Service dogs are more than furry companions; they’re lifesavers, offering independence and support to individuals with disabilities. But just like any professional, a service dog’s effectiveness relies on continuous training and skill refinement. This list explores 100+ potential areas to focus on, categorized by core service dog functions, to help you unlock your canine partner’s full potential.

Obedience and Focus

1. Solid “stay” with distractions: Train a reliable “stay” amidst increasing distractions, building impulse control.
2. “Leave it” on command: Ensure the dog disengages from tempting objects or situations.
3. Recall with variations: Practice recall from various distances and in distracting environments.
4. Heel with position changes: Maintain a consistent heel position while you stop, turn, or change pace.
5. “Wait” at doorways: Teach the dog to wait patiently before entering or exiting doorways.
6. Leash manners: Refine loose leash walking and prevent pulling on the leash.
7. Focus in crowded environments: Maintain focus amidst crowds, loud noises, and other stimuli.
8. Ignore distractions: Train the dog to ignore barking dogs, people approaching, or other distractions.
9. “Touch” command: Teach the dog to gently nudge your hand with its nose for communication.
10. “Target” command: Train the dog to touch a specific target with its nose to initiate commands.
11. Directional commands: Refine commands like “left,” “right,” “forward,” and “back.”
12. Duration commands: Extend the duration the dog holds commands like “sit” or “stay.”
13. Distraction proofing basic commands: Practice obedience commands with increasing distractions.
14. Door opening and closing: Train the dog to open or close doors with a gentle nudge.
15. Light switch activation: Teach the dog to turn lights on or off using a switch.
16. Object retrieval: Train the dog to retrieve specific objects on command.
17. Balance assistance: Refine balance support techniques, such as bracing against your leg.
18. Retrieving dropped items: Improve the dog’s ability to pick up and bring you dropped objects.
19. Obstacle course navigation: Practice navigating an obstacle course to enhance agility and focus.
20. “Go find” command: Train the dog to locate a specific person or object on cue.

Mobility and Balance Assistance

21. Bracing for transfers: Refine the dog’s technique for assisting with transfers from chairs, beds, or toilets.
22. Stair climbing assistance: Practice safe stair climbing with the dog’s support.
23. Pulling a wheelchair: Train the dog to safely pull a wheelchair on various terrains.
24. Counterbalance support: Improve the dog’s ability to provide counterbalance while standing.
25. Helping you stand up: Train the dog to assist you in rising from a seated position.
26. Door pushing and pulling: Teach the dog to push or pull open doors with minimal pressure.
27. Picking up dropped items: Refine the dog’s ability to pick up specific items from different heights.
28. Balance recovery assistance: Train the dog to help you regain balance if you start to lose it.
29. Retrieving medications: Teach the dog to retrieve specific medications on command.
30. Bodyweight support: Practice techniques for the dog to provide support with its body weight.
31. Bracing during falls: Train the dog to brace itself to minimize the impact of a fall.
32. Helping you undress: Teach the dog to gently pull off socks or light clothing items.
33. Carrying objects: Train the dog to carry lightweight objects in a backpack or pouch.
34. Alerting to obstacles: Train the dog to identify and alert you to obstacles in your path.
35. Helping you up curbs: Refine the dog’s technique for assisting you when stepping up curbs.
36. Body blocking in crowded spaces: Train the dog to create a buffer zone between you and others.
37. Helping you in and out of bed: Practice techniques for the dog to assist you with getting in and out of bed.
38. Helping you get dressed: Train the dog to gently pull on clothing items to assist you.
39. Nightmare relief: Train your dog to nudge you awake during PTSD nightmares, offering comfort for a calmer return to sleep.

The United States Service Dog Registry (USSDR) has been helping Service Dog handlers for over 10 years. Learn more >

Often, people who suffer from invisible disabilities have trouble advocating for themselves and their canine partners. Service Dog Standards is here to help. Learn more >

Alerting and Response

40. Blood sugar alert: Train the dog to detect changes in blood sugar levels and alert you.
41. Seizure alert: Refine the dog’s ability to recognize and alert you to impending seizures.
42. Panic attack alert: Train the dog to identify and alert you to the onset of panic attacks.
43. Fire alarm alert: Teach the dog to differentiate fire alarms from other sounds and alert you.
44. Fall detection and alert: Train the dog to detect falls and alert someone for assistance.
45. Medical equipment retrieval: Improve the dog’s ability to retrieve necessary medical equipment on command.
46. Medication reminder: Train the dog to alert you at specific times to take medication.
47. Environmental awareness: Refine the dog’s ability to detect changes in the environment and alert you.
48. Doorbell alert: Train the dog to alert you to someone approaching the door.
49. Intrusion alert: Refine the dog’s ability to identify potential intruders and alert you.
50. Guiding to exits: Train the dog to guide you to safe exits in emergencies.

Socialization and Public Access

51. Elevator etiquette: Practice proper elevator behavior, including entering, exiting, and waiting calmly.
52. Restaurant behavior: Refine calm behavior while dining at restaurants, ignoring distractions like food smells.
53. Public transportation manners: Practice proper behavior on buses, trains, or subways, focusing on maintaining personal space.
54. Greeting strangers politely: Train the dog to greet people calmly and appropriately without jumping.
55. Ignoring other dogs: Refine the dog’s ability to ignore distractions from other dogs while working.
56. Ignoring distractions in stores: Train the dog to focus on you and ignore distractions in shops or malls.
57. Riding in a car: Practice calm behavior while riding in a car, including staying seated and avoiding barking.
58. Doctor’s office visits: Refine the dog’s behavior during visits to doctor’s offices or hospitals.
59. Maintaining focus in crowds: Improve the dog’s ability to focus on you amidst large crowds of people.
60. Respecting boundaries: Train the dog to respect personal space boundaries of others.

Mental Stimulation and Advanced Skills

61. Problem-solving tasks: Introduce puzzle toys or activities that encourage problem-solving skills.
62. Scent discrimination: Train the dog to differentiate specific scents relevant to your needs.
63. Object recognition: Refine the dog’s ability to identify specific objects on command.
64. Light fetching: Train the dog to retrieve small, lightweight objects.
65. Page turning: Teach the dog to gently turn pages in a book or magazine.
66. Drawer or door opening: Train the dog to open drawers or light doors with a gentle nudge.
67. Picking up dropped money: Refine the dog’s ability to pick up and bring you dropped bills or coins.
68. Carrying a phone: Train the dog to carry your phone in a specialized pouch or backpack.
69. Pulling laundry basket: Teach the dog to gently pull a lightweight laundry basket.
70. Picking up dropped keys: Refine the dog’s ability to locate and retrieve your dropped keys.

Advanced Mobility and Support

71. Balance support on uneven terrain: Practice balance assistance techniques on uneven surfaces.
72. Stairs with changing heights: Refine stair climbing assistance with steps of varying heights.
73. Helping you up and down from a chair: Improve the dog’s technique for assisting you with rising from and sitting into a chair.
74. Helping you get on and off the toilet: Train the dog to assist you with safely transferring to and from the toilet.
75. Balance support while walking backwards: Refine the dog’s ability to provide balance support when you walk backwards.
76. Helping you take off shoes: Train the dog to gently pull off your shoes.
77. Helping you open a refrigerator door: Teach the dog to open a refrigerator door with a gentle nudge.
78. Helping you undress for bed: Refine the dog’s technique for assisting you with removing clothing while you’re in bed.
79. Helping you get into bed: Train the dog to assist you with safely maneuvering into bed.
80. Balance support on inclines: Practice balance techniques while walking on inclines.

Mental Stimulation and Advanced Skills

81. Problem-solving tasks: Introduce puzzle toys or activities that encourage problem-solving skills.
82. Scent discrimination: Train the dog to differentiate specific scents relevant to your needs.
83. Object recognition: Refine the dog’s ability to identify specific objects on command.
84. Light fetching: Train the dog to retrieve small, lightweight objects.
85. Page turning: Teach the dog to gently turn pages in a book or magazine.
86. Drawer or door opening: Train the dog to open drawers or light doors with a gentle nudge.
87. Picking up dropped money: Refine the dog’s ability to pick up and bring you dropped bills or coins.
88. Carrying a phone: Train the dog to carry your phone in a specialized pouch or backpack.
89. Pulling laundry basket: Teach the dog to gently pull a lightweight laundry basket.
90. Picking up dropped keys: Refine the dog’s ability to locate and retrieve your dropped keys.

Advanced Mobility and Support

91. Light Switch Toggle: Teach your dog to use a special harness attachment or mouth grip to toggle light switches that require a push-and-pull motion.
92. Drawer and Cabinet Opening: Train your dog to open drawers and cabinets with easy-to-grip handles using their nose or paws, allowing you to access needed items without assistance.
93. Picking Up Coins: Refine your dog’s ability to pick up dropped coins, a valuable skill for increased independence when making purchases.
94. Object Stacking and Unstacking: Train your dog to carefully stack or unstack lightweight objects, like laundry baskets or grocery bags, to help you organize or unload items.
95. Bracing for Transfers: Teach your dog to brace against a stable surface, like a countertop or chair, to provide extra support during transfers from standing to sitting or vice versa.
96. Picking Up Trash: Train your dog to pick up and deposit lightweight trash items in designated bins using a special harness attachment or mouth grip.
97. Retrieving Medication from Dispenser: Train your dog to retrieve specific medication from a pill dispenser, promoting medication adherence and independence.
98. Limb Support: Teach your dog to walk beside you and offer gentle support by leaning slightly against your affected leg or arm, providing additional stability.
99. Retrieving Items from Refrigerator: Train your dog to use a special harness attachment or mouth grip to open the refrigerator door slightly and retrieve lightweight items you can then reach.
100. Carrying Water Bottle: Train your dog to wear a specialized backpack or harness attachment that allows them to carry a water bottle for you, keeping you hydrated on the go.

Remember: This list is a starting point. Consult with a qualified service dog trainer to create a personalized training plan that addresses your specific needs and your dog’s unique strengths. With consistent training, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can refine your service dog’s skills and forge an even stronger bond with your incredible canine companion.