Service Dog Training

Service Dog Training Minimum Standards

These are intended to be minimum standards for all assistance dog programs that are members or provisional members with ADI for service dog training.

Service Dog Training for work above the minimums

All programs are encouraged to work at levels above the minimums.

1. The service dog training must respond to commands (basic obedience and skilled tasks) from the client 90% of the time on the first ask in all public and home environments.
2. The service dog training should demonstrate basic obedience skills by responding to voice and/or hand signals for sitting, staying in place, lying down, walking in a controlled position near the client and coming to the client when called.
3. The service dog training must meet all of the standards as laid out in the minimum standards for Assistance Dogs in Public and should be equally well behaved in the home.
4. The service dog training must be trained to perform at least 3 tasks to mitigate the client’s disability
5. The client must be provided with enough instruction to be able to meet the ADI Minimum Standards for Assistance Dogs in Public. The client must be able to demonstrate:
   • That their dog can perform at least 3 tasks.
   • Knowledge of acceptable training techniques.
   • An understanding of canine care and health.
   • The ability to maintain training, problem solve, and continue to train/add new skills (as required) with their service dog.
   • Knowledge of local access laws and appropriate public behavior.
6. The assistance dog program must document monthly follow ups with clients for the first 6 months following placement. Personal contact will be done by qualified staff or program volunteer within 12 months of graduation and annually thereafter.
7. Identification of the service dog training will be accomplished with the laminated ID card with a photo(s) and names of the dog and partner. In public the dog must wear a cape, harness, backpack, or other similar piece of equipment or clothing with a logo that is clear and easy to read and identifiable as assistance dogs.
8. The program staff must demonstrate knowledge of the client’s disabilities in relation to the services they provide. The program shall make available to staff and volunteers educational material on different disabilities.
9. The client must abide by the ADI Minimum Standards of Assistance Dog Partners.
10. Prior to placement every service dog must meet the ADI Standards and Ethics Regarding Dogs, be spayed/neutered and have current vaccination certificates as determined by their veterinarian and applicable laws. It is the program’s responsibility to inform the client of any special health or maintenance care requirements for each dog of service dog training.