What is puppy socialization? How should future service dogs be socialized? Find out what it is (and isn’t!), why it’s important to do it right, and get some helpful tips.
I was faced with a disheartening reality when I compiled statistics after my first three years of coaching owners to train their own service dogs. Over 85% of the dogs
Are you looking for a service dog? Learn how to find the right service-dog-in-training (SDiT) or trained service dog in our upcoming online, 2-session workshop — presented by owner-training service
You’ve heard about service dogs helping children or young adults with disabilities. Is a service dog the right intervention for your child? Whether your child is struggling with health problems,
Training your own service dog is a unique and potentially life-changing journey. It is different for every dog and handler. Deciding which training services to use is equally unique. Considerations
By Sharon Wachsler CPDT-KA KPA-CTP When seeking out a product or service, most of us start with a search engine. To find an oil change, pet food store, or the
What is Shaping? Shaping is a form of service dog training using successive approximation. When shaping, we reinforce tiny steps towards a goal behavior. We mark and reward (e.g., click,
As a service dog trainer, I have the privilege of working with a lot of wonderful people and dogs. I grow very fond of all the service dog teams I
Should you only use positive reinforcement to train your service dog? Or will combining rewards and corrections provide greater reliability? By Sharon Wachsler CPDT-KA KPA-CTP If you are training your
Did you know that the costs associated with a service animal are tax-deductible if you are itemizing your medical expenses? And that service animal expenses may also be counted when
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