Confirm the dog has the right temperament, health, age, and focus for service work
Consult a veterinarian to verify physical health and fitness for training
Learn the service dog laws and requirements in your area
Identify the specific disability-related tasks the dog will need to perform
Start with basic obedience commands
Teach reliable house manners and impulse control
Socialize the dog to many environments, people, sounds, and distractions
Train loose-leash walking and calm public behavior
Teach task-specific skills tied directly to the disability
Practice tasks in progressively more distracting settings
Reinforce consistency, accuracy, and calm responses
Work on public access skills such as ignoring food, people, and other animals
Train the dog to settle quietly for extended periods
Use positive reinforcement and short, frequent training sessions
Generalize each behavior across different locations and situations
Proof all commands until the dog responds reliably every time
Keep training records and track progress
Evaluate whether the dog remains suitable for service work
Seek help from a professional service dog trainer if needed
Continue maintenance training throughout the dog’s working life