Can a Service Dog Compete in Dog Sports?

Yes, a service dog may also participate in dog sports when the dog and handler meet the event's rules.

Olivia Williams
Published August 15, 2023

Stationing: Teaching a Comfortable Place to Rest

Stationing, often called mat or place training, teaches a dog to go to a chosen area and remain there for an agreed period.

Kea Grace
Published February 7, 2020

3 Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Sphynx Downs

A compact down can help a dog settle within a limited space. Choose a position the individual dog can perform comfortably; it is not universally more ergonomic.

Kea Grace
Published January 30, 2020

Dog Training: You’re Doing It Wrong – Part 1

Many common dog training mistakes get in the way of your dog learning. Most people have no idea these common errors exist, though!

Kea Grace
Published September 20, 2019

What Training Do Service Dogs Need?

For many Service Dogs, training begins in puppyhood. Most of the puppy training for Service Dogs consists of the same type of skills all well-behaved dogs learn…

Kea Grace
Published September 16, 2019

Service Dog Quest: Practicing Position Cues in New Contexts

A dog may know a cue in one setting and need practice when the surroundings or handler's position change.

Kea Grace
Published March 19, 2014

Service Dog Quest: Teaching Comfortable Check-Ins

A voluntary check-in can help you communicate in distracting places.

Kea Grace
Published January 29, 2014

Service Dog Quest: Measuring Current Training

This exercise revisits Week Two of AP's 2014 challenge. Its purpose is to identify what the dog can comfortably do now and what needs more teaching.

Kea Grace
Published January 14, 2014