Training a Service Dog: How Long Does It Take?

Training a service dog may seem daunting. Anyone can manage it if they use patience, dedication, and the right guidance. In this post, we’ll discuss how long it typically takes to train a service dog. You will walk away with lots of tips to keep in mind while training. Disabilities make life feel impossible at times. And anxiety can completely disrupt your plans.

All who suffer from one or more disabling conditions, such as an anxiety disorder, know the difficulty of navigating everyday life. A service dog trained to help with your specific condition makes it easier to complete acts of daily life. A trained service dog provides a comforting presence for anxiety sufferers, and make it easier to complete routine tasks.

Understanding Service Dog Types

Before we talk about training a service dog, first things first: It’s essential to understand the different types of service dogs. There are three main types: guide dogs, hearing dogs, and “service dogs”. Guide dogs help those with visual impairments or blindness navigate their surroundings. And hearing dogs provide assistance to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. But service dogs, on the other hand, are trained to help individuals with a range of other disabilities, including anxiety, PTSD, diabetes, and autism.

How long does training a service dog take?

Training is technical – it can take a while. The length of service dog training can vary depending on the type of service dog and the needs of the individual. Anxiety-trained service dogs typically require around 18 to 24 months. The dog learns to perform tasks such as interrupting panic attacks, providing deep pressure therapy, and retrieving medication or a phone.

The training process begins with basic obedience skills, then progresses through a continuum of advanced task training protocols. This is fun and difficult. Prepare for the experience we all have when learning new skills – sometimes you are on a roll of huge gains, and other times – you backslide. But it is okay to retrace your steps: That’s all part of the process.

Staying consistent WHILE TRAINING A SERVICE DOG

Consistency is crucial for successful service dog training. You will work with your dog daily in sessions lasting approximately 30 – 60 minutes. Consistent daily training is key. It helps the dog develop the skills and behaviors to be a success. If setting aside that much time is challenging, try modifying the daily schedule to a routine that works for you.

Consistency is founded upon good decision-making and forming habits that work. Some handlers like to break up their period into two or more shorter sessions. A different, well-known technique for building a desired behavior into a routine is “habit stacking.” This is a productivity tactic where you build on a habit you already have.

First, you form an intention to implement the new habit: “I’m going to do ____.” Next, pair the new behavior with a current, pleasurable habit. But linking new activities with existing habits makes it easier to remember to take consistent action, and maintain the new behavior. This method was popularized by James Clear, a writer in human behavioral psychology. To learn more about habit stacking and other ways of building consistency in your training, you may enjoy reading James Clear’s simplified newsletter on habit building.

The Patience Factor WHEN TRAINING A SERVICE DOG

The timeline for training a service dog may vary depending on your dog’s breed, temperament, and individual learning abilities. Each dog has unique capabilities and challenges, and some may learn faster than others. So it’s important to be patient and not rush the process. It helps if you can keep in mind that service dogs in training are still dogs. Remember, domestic animals require lots of love, attention, and care throughout the day.

Train a service Dog: The Psychiatric Service Dog Factor

The process of training a service dog is a long one. And it requires a tremendous amount of patience from both the dog and its handler. Psychiatric service dogs are trained to perform tasks that may be more complex than those of other service dogs, such as providing comfort during moments of panic. The dog must be highly attuned to its handler’s emotional state and needs. Thus, the timeline can be longer than to develop simpler tasks. (1) 

The Role of Professional Service Dog Trainers

While it’s possible to train your service dog on your own, using a professional trainer is a great idea. Professionals provide many forms of support and expertise. They guide you in determining the skills necessary for your individualized condition, and bring wisdom from years of experience. Additionally, trainers can spot mistakes and suggest corrections to improve your training process. Together, you ensure your dog is trained to its fullest potential. (2) Cost is a factor in hiring a professional to train a service dog. Wondering how to afford a service dog, or training? Look into grant programs and personal loans.

Conclusion

Teaching a service dog all it needs is challenging. The time to train a service dog is influenced by the skills you will need. For instance, if you want to train a service dog for anxiety, it takes around 18 to 24 months. The Public Access Test (PAT) is a key milestone for all dogs. We outlined a PAT Pass! plan of action for you. So, it should give you a sense of what your own timeline may be like.

Remember to be consistent. Take advantage of the wisdom and expertise of a professional trainer. Have patience throughout the process. With dedication and love, you’ll have a loyal and helpful companion for years to come. It’s well worth it in the end.

Citations:

(1) Complexity of psychiatric service dog behaviors. https://healing-companions.org/the-program/

(2) Skills a dog may need are individualized to the dog-handler pair. https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-train-a-psychiatric-service-dog/