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One Obedience Behavior NOT to Train a Service Dog

April 30, 2017 by sharon 1 Comment

Sharon walking a big, shaggy dog, walking at heel position on a loose leash on a suburban street. The dog is looking at Sharon as they walk.
Loose leash walking is an important skill for pets and service dogs alike

Are you a pet dog trainer who sometimes has service-dogs-in-training (SDiTs) in your classes? Or are you training your own service dog? This post is for you! It is about one simple change to make in basic manners training for SDiT teams.

I sometimes hear from clients and trainers, “Manners and obedience are the same for a service dog as for a pet dog, so the dog can take a class with any trainer.” To a certain extent, this is true. All SDiTs need to know basics like sit, down, come, walk on a loose leash, leave it, eye contact, hand targeting, etc. These can be trained well by any competent, positive trainer.

However, the focus of training and the skills that may be the most useful can vary a great deal. This is why I offer the Service Dog Foundations class (learn more or register) in manners and obedience for SDiTs. For most SDiTs, handler focus, leave it, and a relaxed down in any environment are a lot more useful and important than polite greetings and sit-stays.

In particular, for teams taking basic manners classes with pet dog trainers, there is one simple change to the curriculum that can help service dog owner-trainers. This little change may significantly reduce future training time and hassle for the average SDiT owner-trainer.

Obedience trainers usually work a lot on “loose leash walking” or “polite leash,” starting in the first basic manners class and continuing to CGC or advanced obedience classes. We start by training the dog to keep some slack in the leash, to walk on one side of the handler (usually the left), and to sit when the team comes to a stop. It is this last piece of the chain — referred to as an “auto sit” or a default sit — that creates the problem for SDiTs.

The purpose of the auto-sit is for the dog to clearly demonstrate that she realizes the team has stopped and is under control. The sit can be useful in preventing the dog from wandering or forging. It can help both members of the team to notice that they are at a stop and thereby foster better communication.

The trouble with auto-sits for service dogs

Service dog in a “sit”

When I trained my first service dog for myself, I trained an auto-sit because that’s what the books recommended for basic obedience. I later regretted training that auto-sit. With my next two service dogs, I trained a stand-stay at stops instead.

I was physically disabled. One of my training goals was to occasionally be able to go to the grocery store without human assistance. Because of my disabilities, my dog wore a backpack in which I stored water, medication, my wallet, etc., and into which I’d load some small grocery items.

The first problem was that most grocery stores have very slippery linoleum tile floors. When my dog sat in the store, to stay sitting, she had to use considerable energy not to slide into a down. Meanwhile every time she sat, too, the pack would slide down her back, rocking her momentum off-center and making it harder to stay sitting. So I ended up having to choose between allowing her sit to slide into a down, remembering to cue her to down when we stopped, or watching her struggle to maintain the sit. I eventually started cueing her to down if we’d be stopped for more than a few seconds, but it all would have been easier for us if she’d just stayed standing.

The second issue — a problem for some SDiT teams I work with — is that an auto-sit can interfere with one of the main reasons the handler needs a service dog. Many people want their service dog to assist in some way with balance or steadiness. For example, if you have vertigo, dizziness, migraines, poor proprioception, or even psychiatric issues involving panic, dissociation, anxeity, etc., you may want your dog to walk and stand next to you to help you feel steadier on your feet. For many people, simply resting their hand lightly on the dog’s shoulder helps them feel more centered. Those with balance issues may sometimes need to stop to get their bearings. If that dog has been trained to do an auto-sit, when the handler stops to cope with dizziness or other issues, and the dogs sits, their balance touch-stone has just moved away.

I am working with two teams right now where the dog was trained to auto-sit in basic manners classes and we are now trying to retrain the dog to stand at stops. Both dogs are making progress. However, it takes a lot of time and work. Further, because the “sit” was trained from puppyhood as the default behavior, the dogs tend revert to it in times of uncertainty.  (Indeed, for service dogs, sits have much less utility in general as compared to a relaxed “down,” which is a crucial skill for service dogs.)

Of course, for some SDiT teams, the auto-sit is perfectly fine and serves the purpose of keeping the dog under control. An auto-sit can be great for small dogs, for example. For other service dog teams, however, it is counterproductive.

When should you train an auto-sit?

Service dog in a stand by handler’s side

Dog trainers can save everyone time and hassle by asking, before the course begins, if a dog is being trained as a service dog. (I include this question in my class registration form.) Dogs being trained as pet can be trained an auto-sit.

You can also confidently train an auto-sit in any future service dog that clearly could never be used for any sort of balance work or carrying gear in a pack, such as toy and small-breed dogs.

For medium-sized dogs, the handler’s size and the dog’s future job is part of the equation: if the handler is petite and/or wants to have the dog wear a small pack, proceed as if with a large dog (below). If the handler is tall and therefore could not use the dog as a touch-stone for balance and doesn’t need the dog to carry gear in a pack, you can train the auto-sit.

For large breed dogs, if the owner/handler thinks they may want to use the dog for balance at all or to wear a pack, I recommend training an auto-stand. In fact, because I’ve worked with clients who originally did not plan to have the dog do balance work and then changed their minds months or years into the training, if the handler reveals that they have balance issues or conditions that can affect steadiness on the feet (migraines, dizziness, or even sometimes panic attacks), I would encourage them to train an auto-stand regardless.

What about you? Are there other common manners and obedience behaviors for pets that you do differently for service dogs? Post in the comments!

Are you training a service dog that has already completed one or more basic manners and obedience classes? Get your dog to the next level with our upcoming Northampton Service Dog Foundations class.

Filed Under: Group dog training classes, Loose Leash Walking (Heel), Service Dog Training, Service Dogs, Training

Gentle Leader Workshop

February 9, 2017 by sharon Leave a Comment

Head and shoulders of a Golden Retriever wearing a sky blue Gentle Leader -- thin nylon webbing over muzzle and under chin -- with a tennis ball in its mouth

  • Are you afraid to walk your dog on leash — especially on snow or ice?
  • Do you have a big, strong dog?
  • Are you petite, elderly, or disabled?
  • Have you trained your dog to walk nicely on leash, but they still sometimes pull or lunge unpredictably?
  • Are you training your dog as a service dog who must be under control at all times?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, this workshop is for you.

Tuesday, March 21

7:15 – 8:30 PM

Orange Innovation Center (131 West Main St., Orange, MA 01364)

This one-time workshop is an introduction to the Gentle Leader, a head halter that allows you to have greater control on leash  — without inflicting pain or being punitive. You might have heard of or tried the Gentle Leader or a similar head halter, but if you didn’t introduce it properly — very slowly and positively — your dog may have hated it and refused to walk with it on! Unlike many other pieces of training equipment that you can just put on your dog and go, the Gentle Leader requires careful introduction and proper fitting. However, for many people, it is very well worth doing since it may mean the difference between being able to safely walk their dog or not!

This one-hour workshop will cover

  • Benefits of the Gentle Leader
  • How to teach your dog to wear it happily
  • Fitting tips
  • How to train loose leash walking using the Gentle Leader
  • Written training tips to take home on conditioning your dog to a Gentle Leader

There are two ways to sign up…

You may attend without your dog. You do not have to register, but I’d love to know you’re coming. Drop me a line with the form below, and I’ll send you a reminder a couple of days before the workshop. If you can’t get in touch, that’s OK — just show up!

If you’d like to attend with your dog. We have two working slots available for people who want to practice conditioning their dog to the Gentle Leader with professional assistance. Dogs should be comfortable and friendly with people and other dogs and have been in a group training situation before. You must register in advance for the working slots.

Cost: $10 without a dog; $15 for working spots

Questions? Get in touch!

Yes, I’d like to learn how to use the Gentle Leader with my dog. Please send me a reminder notice.

Filed Under: Desensitization and Counterconditioning, Dog gear, Events, Loose Leash Walking (Heel), or equipment, products, Training Tagged With: harness, head halter, workshop

Family Dog Manners & Obedience – Class starts in January

November 30, 2016 by sharon Leave a Comment

Psst, Mom, jot this down! I need training. (Photo copyright Barbara Handelman. Used with permission.)
Psst, Mom, jot this down! I need training. (Photo copyright Barbara Handelman. Used with permission.)

Do you have a newly adopted dog who needs to learn how to behave in your home?

An adolescent pup who has forgotten how to listen?

An older dog you just never had time to train?

Now is the time to get better behavior: Take your pet to class! School is in session for your dog starting next week.

Enroll your dog in Family Dog Manners & Obedience class.  Classes meet Thursdays at 5:30 PM at Orange Innovation Center (the former mattress factory) at 131 West Main Street, Orange, MA. Class is scheduled to begin January 5, but will run once it fills. Register now to hold your dog’s place.

This six-week course gets your dog started on all the basics for good manners. Here’s a peek at what we cover:

Week 1: People-only Orientation

What is good training? How associative learning and learning by consequences combine. SMART (See, Mark, And Reward Training). Games to practice timing and mechanics. Practice on the guest Demo Dog.

Week 2

Concept: Consequences matter more than words

Behaviors: Mannerly mat (settle on a mat), Sit, Attention (respond to name), Down, Loose leash (polite leash walking), Wait at the door, drop it!

Week 3

Concept: High rate of reinforcement

Behaviors: Settle on mat, Sit, Polite greetings, Down, Attention, Loose leash walking, Touch (nose targeting), Wait

Week 4

Concept: The 3 Ds of Difficulty — Distraction, Duration, and Distance

Behaviors: Settle, Attention, Touch, Polite greeting, Down, Loose leash walking with side-sit, Leave it

Red and white short-coated Border Collie running across a field.
Coming when called is a critical skill in an emergency.

Week 5

Concept: Build Powerful Cues!

Behaviors: Settle, Touch to build Recall, Polite greetings, Recall (coming when called), Loose leash walking with distraction, Stay, Leave it

Week 6

Concept: Bringing training into real life

Behaviors: Stay — Sit-stay, Down-stay, Recall — counterconditioning collar grabs, Recall past distractions, Loose leash walking with distractions, Leave it, Training Fun and Games, Raffle drawing

Orange Innovation Center sign with orange, blue, green sign in front of large industrial cement building

Classes are fun, informative, helpful, and local! See what previous students have said:

“We’re very happy to have found you & are really enjoying the class.” -Deb & Jake Smith

“It’s a great class! We are loving it. The best part of class for me is… Working around other dogs. Seeing his confidence build.” -S.L. of Greenfield

“I’m so happy with all we are learning. The best part of class for me is… Just learning all the steps to teaching my dog correctly. A great class I have learned a lot and will continue to work with my dog.” -T.E. of Shutesbury

Read more testimonials.

Your six-week class, including homework and access to our library of helpful training handouts, is just $128.

Ready for better behavior? Register your dog for class today!

Filed Under: Dog training, Group dog training classes, Loose Leash Walking (Heel), Pet dog training, Recall (Train Your Dog to Come when Called)

Update: Upcoming Classes – Manners & Obedience and Service Dog Foundations

September 16, 2016 by sharon Leave a Comment

You don't have to tie yourself in knots to find a training class! (Photo copyright Barbara Handelman. Used with permission.)
You don’t have to tie yourself in knots to find a training class! (Photo copyright Barbara Handelman. Used with permission.)

At Your Service is offering three classes this month in Orange. Each class is six-weeks long. Spaces is limited, so register right away to reserve your dog’s place. NOTE: If you’re looking for a class, and there’s no time that works for you, get in touch and let us know what you need.

Our Current Roster of Classes

Family Dog Manners & Obedience: Saturday, September 17 at 11:30 AM.

UPDATE: This class is FULL. Please register for one of our next classes. Learn the basics of sit, down, come, polite leash walking, polite greetings, wait, settle, and more. ONE SPACE LEFT. One of the teams has had to drop out due to illness. If you would like to join us, contact us right away to get your dog registered.

Service Dog Foundations: Saturday, September 24 at 10 AM

For dogs being trained to assist their disabled handler. Dogs must already have taken Family Dog Manners & Obedience or equivalent. Training on settle, handler focus, working dog walking, and foundations for working in public. 1 SPACE LEFT. Register or learn more about service dog training.

Family Dog Manners & Obedience: Tuesday, September 27 at 6 PM

Learn the basics of sit, down, come, polite leash walking, polite greetings, wait, settle, and more. 3 SPACES LEFT. Learn more about our classes. Register your dog for class.

Looking for a class that’s not offered here? Drop us a line. We may be able to add it.

Looking for helpful training tips or want to be first to sign up for a class in the future? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our blog for the latest information on pet and service dog training.

Filed Under: Group dog training classes, Loose Leash Walking (Heel), Pet dog training, Recall (Train Your Dog to Come when Called), Service Dog Training, Training

Positive Pet and Service Dog Group Classes come to Orange

May 18, 2016 by sharon Leave a Comment

UPDATE: Family Dog Manners & Obedience will begin Sunday, June 26 at 1 PM. See our Group Classes page for details.

We’re excited to announce that positive reinforcement dog training classes have come to the North Quabbin! We have secured space for our first set of classes in Orange:

Photo of an orange

No, we mean Orange, Mass., of course! Classes will be held in June, at the Orange Innovation Center, 131 West Main St., Orange, MA 01364.

We’ll be running the following classes:

  • Family Dog Manners & Obedience
  • Service Dog Foundations I
  • Puppy Kindergarten
  • Service Dog Foundations II

Find out more about each class below.

Instructor

portrait_house_smClasses are taught with enthusiasm and humor by Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Sharon Wachsler. Sharon is experienced with pet, puppy, and service dog training, uses positive methods (with dogs and people!), and has taught classes for Dakin Humane Society. All classes are kept small for lots of individual attention for you and your dog. Dogs, like people, have good days and bad days. Sharon will help your dog get to the next level, no matter which kind of day you’re having. After all, every dog has its day!

LocationOrange Innovation Center sign with orange, blue, green sign in front of large industrial cement building

Classes are indoors at OIC, held rain or shine. OIC is conveniently located right off of Route 2 and accessible by Orange-Athol community transit and FRTA. The location is wheelchair accessible.

Family Dog Manners & Obedience

Want a mannerly mutt? A polite Papillon? An obedient Old English Sheepdog?

Do you want a dog who pays attention, does what you ask, greets politely, and comes when called? This is the class for you!

This beginner family dog training class teaches your dog basic skills to make your dog a pleasure to live with. It is appropriate for dogs of any age, from elderly to adolescent. Your dog will learn…

  • SitBrown and white short-haired dog lying on a welcome mat holding a leather leash in his mouth.
  • Down
  • Attention
  • Leave it
  • Polite greetings
  • Coming when called
  • Polite leash walking
  • Wait

Family Dog Manners & Obedience is perfect for…

  • Newly adopted dogs who need some help understanding the new rules
  • Young and adolescent dogs that have hit that “difficult” phase
  • Older dogs who could use some reminders about good manners
  • Any age dog or owner who enjoys training and wants to take their teamwork to the next level

Requirements, Fees, and Schedule:

  • Health: Dog must be vaccinated and generally healthy
  • Behavior: Dog must be able to work around other dogs and people
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Course length: 6 weeks
  • Fee: $128
  • Starting date: Sunday, June 12 at 1 PM. (Can’t make this time? Contact us to request days and times that work for you. We’ll do our best to accommodate you in future class cycles.)
  • Register: HERE

Service Dog Foundations I

Are you taking your dog to the next level and beyond? Service Dog Foundations is for dogs that have graduated from basic manners and are ready to focus on the foundation behaviors needed for an assistance dog career. Service Dog Foundations is built around handler focus — your service-dog-in-training (SDiT) focusing on you and offering eye contact, relaxed behavior, and eager working attention.

Are you training your dog as a mobility, psychiatric, medical alert, or other assistance dog? This is the class for you!

This class is designed with the needs of the owner-training service dog handler in mind. Your service-dog-in-training (SDiT) will learn to alternate between active working and active relaxation. As the course progresses, dogs will learn to maintain focus, working around increasing distractions. During “settle” periods, students will participate in discussions about common SDiT handler issues, such as how to handler questions from strangers, gear and equipment questions, and more. This class is appropriate for dogs of any age, from elderly to adolescent. Your dog will learn…

  • Eye contact and handler focusBlack Bouvier wearing black service dog harness with white and red patches
  • Conditioned relaxation (chill out in any environment)
  • Working Dog Walk (advanced/focused leash walking)
  • Leave it
  • Touch (nose targeting)
  • Stay
  • Around (avoiding obstacles and increasing team communication)
  • Public access training foundations
  • BONUS: Q&A on service dog joys and challenges

Service Dog Foundations I is perfect for…

  • SDiTs that can perform cued behaviors reliably at home but not as well in other spaces
  • SDiTs that have some, but not all, the foundation behaviors they need
  • SDiT teams that want to build their confidence and teamwork together
  • SDiT handlers that want the information and support of a service dog group class

Requirements, Fees, and Schedule:

  • Health: Dog must be vaccinated and generally healthy
  • Behavior: Dog must be able to work around other dogs and people
  • Prerequisites: Family Dog Manners & Obedience or equivalent*.
  • Course length: 6 weeks
  • Fee: $128**
  • Starting date: Date and time to be determined. Contact us to request days and times that work for you. We’ll do our best to accommodate those we hear from first.
  • Register: HERE

*Equivalent means that your dog can reliably perform most of the behaviors taught in Family Dog Manners & Obedience in a group class environment. If your dog has had previous private or group lessons, please contact us to discuss which class is most appropriate for your dog. We may ask to speak with your previous trainer, send us video, or do a consultation.

**We offer discounts to service-dog handlers who are low income and disabled. Please contact us for information.

Stay Tuned….

We will eventually also be offering

  • Puppy Kindergarten (for pups 8-16 weeks old)
  • Service Dog Foundations II
  • Canine Good Citizen class

Interested in one of these courses, or another course you don’t see listed? Contact us!

Filed Under: Choosing a Dog Trainer, Events, Group dog training classes, Loose Leash Walking (Heel), Pet dog training, Puppy Socialization, Puppy training, Recall (Train Your Dog to Come when Called), Service Dog Training

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Public Access Classes

For dogs that have completed at least intermediate manners training and are ready for advanced public access training, including stand-stay, curl up under chairs and tables, etc. Our next class starts soon. Space is limited.

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