The life of a service dog
Service animals may look no different than the four-legged companion in your home, only these angels wear wings in the form of a vest. The service vest that only trained canine guardians can get their paws on is a symbol of protection for those in need.
Even in the dog realm, heroes aren’t born they’re made. We talked to dog trainer who told us all about what it takes to raise, train, and own service dogs.
What breeds of dogs are best to become service dogs?
In addition to goldens, we also work with German shepherds and golden doodles. These breeds can learn, adapt, and apply concepts quickly. They also possess a faster-maturing process both socially as well as physically when it comes to joints and bone structure.
How long does it take for a puppy to be trained before going to an owner?
A dog is not placed with an owner until they are about 1–1/2 to 2 years old. In addition to thorough training, the dogs must be physically and emotionally ready for placement.
What is the first command they learn?
Sit, stay, down, shake and all the basics begin as early as three weeks old.
How are service dogs treated?
With love and only positive reinforcement, meaning lots of belly rubs for a job well done.
Can you get your dog certified as a service dog?
It is not likely. Our service dogs have been specifically bred to guarantee the highest quality of health. Additionally, training begins as early as three weeks with more than 20 commands learned by eight weeks.
What types of tasks can a service dog be trained to do?
Just about anything. We can even teach our dogs how to read!
What types of disabilities can service dogs be trained to help?
Our service dogs are trained to help with autism, cerebral palsy, and hearing and can act as a wheelchair guide and seizure alert service. Our dogs are trained in more than 50,000 commands and are capable of handling a variety of situations and environments.
What is the hardest skill you have to train them in?
How to relax! These dogs are hard workers and forget they need to take a break now and then.
How long is the waitlist to get a dog?
I typically say it takes two years to get a dog, at the most. Not only do we have to make sure our service dogs are fully trained, but we also assess the needs, lifestyles, and personalities of each client to ensure a proper partnership.
How much do they cost and what kind of assistance is given to those who can’t afford one?
It varies depending on each client’s needs but on average, it can cost between $17,000 and $18,000. In addition to annual payment plans, we provide clients with guidance on fundraisers and offer suggestions on the best ways to run them.
Is it hard to give up a puppy after training them?
It is always hard to give up a puppy. Seeing the difference they make in someone’s life makes it all worthwhile.
When do service dogs retire and where do go?
When a service dog cannot work anymore due to health issues, the dog can remain as a pet dog of the client. If the client cannot afford or physically care for the retired service dog, we have caring volunteers who will take over.
These amazing animals are bred to better the lives of those in need. Trained dogs are fully capable of assisting with a variety of health-related disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, and blindness among others.
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[Opening Scene]
- [Soft, uplifting background music plays.]
- [Footage of service dogs in action, helping people, followed by a close-up shot of a service dog wearing a vest.]
Narrator:
“Service animals may look no different than the four-legged companions in your home, but these angels wear wings in the form of a vest. This special vest is a symbol of protection for those in need, worn only by the most dedicated and well-trained canine guardians.”
[Transition to Interview with Brian Daugherty]
- [Cut to an interview set up with Brian Daugherty, a service dog trainer.]
Brian Daugherty:
“Even in the dog realm, heroes aren’t born — they’re made. Raising, training, and owning a service dog is a journey filled with dedication and love.”
[On-Screen Text: “What breeds of dogs are best to become service dogs?”]
- [Cut to footage of different breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Goldendoodles.]
Brian Daugherty:
“We primarily work with Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Goldendoodles. These breeds learn quickly, adapt well, and mature both socially and physically faster, making them ideal candidates.”
[On-Screen Text: “How long does it take for a puppy to be trained before going to an owner?”]
- [Cut to footage of puppies being trained.]
Brian Daugherty:
“A dog isn’t placed with an owner until they are about 1½ to 2 years old. We ensure they are thoroughly trained and both physically and emotionally ready for placement.”
[On-Screen Text: “What is the first command they learn?”]
- [Footage of a puppy learning basic commands like sit, stay, and shake.]
Brian Daugherty:
“Training starts as early as three weeks old with basic commands like sit, stay, down, and shake.”
[On-Screen Text: “How are service dogs treated?”]
- [Footage of trainers giving belly rubs and positive reinforcement to dogs.]
Brian Daugherty:
“We treat our service dogs with love and only positive reinforcement, which means lots of belly rubs for a job well done.”
[On-Screen Text: “Can you get your dog certified as a service dog?”]
- [Footage of service dogs in various training environments.]
Brian Daugherty:
“It’s unlikely. Our service dogs are specifically bred for health and start training at three weeks old, learning over 20 commands by eight weeks.”
[On-Screen Text: “What types of tasks can a service dog be trained to do?”]
- [Footage of service dogs performing various tasks.]
Brian Daugherty:
“They can do just about anything, including learning to read!”
[On-Screen Text: “What types of disabilities can service dogs be trained to help?”]
- [Footage of service dogs assisting individuals with different disabilities.]
Brian Daugherty:
“Our service dogs assist with autism, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, and can act as wheelchair guides and seizure alert services. They know over 50,000 commands to handle various situations.”
[On-Screen Text: “What is the hardest skill you have to train them in?”]
- [Footage of a service dog relaxing.]
Brian Daugherty:
“Teaching them to relax! These hardworking dogs often forget they need breaks.”
[On-Screen Text: “How long is the waitlist to get a dog?”]
- [Footage of trainers working with dogs and interacting with clients.]
Brian Daugherty:
“It can take up to two years to get a dog. We match the dog’s training with the client’s needs, lifestyle, and personality to ensure a proper partnership.”
[On-Screen Text: “How much do they cost and what kind of assistance is given to those who can’t afford one?”]
- [Footage of a fundraising event and people interacting with service dogs.]
Brian Daugherty:
“Costs range from $17,000 to $18,000. We offer payment plans, fundraising guidance, and tips for successful fundraisers.”
[On-Screen Text: “Is it hard to give up a puppy after training them?”]
- [Footage of trainers saying goodbye to their dogs and the dogs meeting their new owners.]
Brian Daugherty:
“Yes, it’s always hard. But seeing the difference they make in someone’s life makes it all worthwhile.”
[On-Screen Text: “When do service dogs retire and where do they go?”]
- [Footage of retired service dogs in loving homes.]
Brian Daugherty:
“When a service dog can no longer work due to health issues, they remain with the client as a pet. If the client can’t care for them, we have volunteers ready to help.”
[Closing Scene]
- [Montage of service dogs helping people and enjoying playtime, ending with a heartwarming close-up of a dog looking into the camera.]
Narrator:
“These amazing animals are bred to better the lives of those in need, assisting with a variety of health-related disabilities like cerebral palsy, autism, and blindness. Service dogs are truly heroes in every sense of the word.”
[Fade Out]
- [Display text: “Subscribe for more inspiring stories about service dogs and their incredible journeys.”]
- [Soft music fades out.]
