The best Assistance Dog Training programs train dogs to aid individuals with disabilities and support them as they carry out tasks. There is a high demand for service dogs, and attending an Assistance Dog Training program can lead to various career opportunities. You could work for an assistance dog organization, help train service dogs for veterans with PTSD, train mobility and medical-alert service dogs, work with hearing dogs, and more. This is not just a job, but a chance to make a real difference in the lives of people and animals, a truly rewarding career.
The demand for service dogs has significantly increased in recent years, as they have proven to be effective in assisting children and adults with a wider range of disabilities. With 61 million people living with disabilities in the U.S. and only about 500,000 active service dogs, your potential contribution is crucial. There is a pressing need for more trained service dogs, creating a significant opportunity for those considering a career in service dog training.
Contents:
- 1. UNC Wilmington
- 2. Cape Fear Community College
- 3. Bergin College of Canine Studies
- 4. SUNY Cobleskill
- 5. Unity Environmental University
- 6. Animal Behavior College
- What is an Assistance Dog?
- Assistance Dog Training Programs
- What are the Types of Assistance Dogs and Service Dogs?
- What Is a Service Dog Trainer?
- How to Become a Service Dog Trainer
- How Much Can You Make as a Service or Assistance Dog Trainer?
- Other Assistance Dog Training Resources and Organizations
- Your Career in Assistance Dog Training
1. UNC Wilmington
- Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
- Program: Assistance Dog Training Program (ADTP) Assistance Dog Training Minor
- Delivery: online
- Partner: paws4people
The UNCW paws4people Assistance Dog Training Program (ADTP) is a first-of-its-kind, university-based, certificate program consisting of a four-course progression. This program provides academic credit and focuses on the integration of service dogs into clinical and educational practice in mitigating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and behavior disorders primarily in children and veterans, as well as people with physical disabilities.
2. Cape Fear Community College
- Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
- Program: course in Assistance Dog Training
- Delivery: online coursework with 5 in-person meetings
- Partner: paws4people
Cape Fear Community College also partners with paws4people. This course provides the educational component for training assistance dogs. Assistance dogs support an individual’s physical rehabilitation, emotional healing, and provide companion support for a client rediscovering their independence.
This course is about three months long and takes place mostly online, with 5 in-person meetings facilitated by Paws4People staff. There are no prerequisites to becoming an assistance dog trainer, but completion of the program requires hands-on volunteer hours at the dog training facility, coordinated by Paws4People.
3. Bergin College of Canine Studies
- Location: Penngrove, CA
- Program: AS in Assistance Dog Education
- Delivery: hybrid online
The Associate of Science (AS) degree program at Bergin College of Canine Studies is a hybrid program that combines remote learning with on-campus sessions. Each semester lasts 16 weeks and concludes with a two-week client training. The program starts once a year, at the beginning of the fall semester. Students must attend in-person classes at Bergin College during the fall and spring semesters. Online courses are accessible via Google’s G Suite for Education. Google Classroom is used for assignments, readings, quizzes, and tests.
Applicants must have completed 24 credits of general education courses from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates can earn a Bachelor of Science in Canine Studies and a Master of Science in Human-Canine Life Sciences. Bergin College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees.
4. SUNY Cobleskill
- Location: Cobleskill, NY
- Program: Bachelor of Technology (BT) Canine Training and Management
- Delivery: online
The SUNY Cobleskill Bachelor of Technology (BT) program is 4-years and requires 120 credit hours. It prepares students for careers in canine care, management, and training. The coursework covers a unique blend of animal science and psychology and includes classes like Canine Training, Therapy Dog Teams, Detector Dog Teams, and Sporting Dogs. Throughout the program, students work with both pets and working dogs. Using hands-on applications of behavioral theory, they design effective training programs for dogs, interpret program results, and make necessary adjustments based on theory and practice.
An internship is a mandatory part of the program, allowing students to apply their knowledge practically. Additionally, there are opportunities for collaboration with academic programs and departments, including animal science, so students can earn certifications to enhance their professional credentials during their undergraduate studies. Students will be prepared for various professional opportunities in the animal industry and K9 security nationwide after completing the program.
5. Unity Environmental University
- Location: New Gloucester, ME
- Program: BS in Animal Science with a specialization in Companion Animal Care and Training
- Delivery: 100% online
The Unity Environmental University Bachelor of Science (BS) in Animal Science offers multiple tracks for you to specialize in different types of animal care, including Companion Animal Care and Training. This program provides students with practical skills in animal biology, chemistry, nutrition, and physiology. Students can apply these skills to the study of animal breeding and genetics, growth, behavior, or management. This preparation is valuable for those seeking immediate employment upon graduation and for those planning to pursue advanced degrees in graduate or veterinary schools.
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, with at least 30 credits at the 300 level or above and 30 credits of general electives. The Companion Animal Care and Training Track includes classes in Animal Training and Care and Understanding the Role of Emotional Support and Service Animals.
6. Animal Behavior College
- Location: Valencia, CA
- Program: Service Dog Trainer Certificate Online
- Delivery: online
The online Service Dog Trainer certificate program from the Animal Behavior College consists of 9 in-depth stages packed with information plus a final exam. The course contains vital information to prepare you for a career as a service dog trainer or start you on your path to even further service dog trainer education.
What is a Service Dog or Assistance Dog?
A Service Dog or Assistance Dog is specially trained to aid individuals with disabilities, providing them with assistance and support to carry out tasks they might find challenging due to their disability. These dogs undergo extensive training to perform specific tasks tailored to the needs of their handlers.
Assistance service dogs can serve various roles, including guiding individuals who are visually impaired, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to important sounds, providing stability and support for individuals with mobility impairments, and even detecting seizures or other medical conditions. They play a crucial role in enhancing the independence, safety, and quality of life of people with disabilities.
Service Dogs
Dogs trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Therapy Dogs
Animals trained to provide emotional support for people with disabilities.
Working Dogs
A purpose-trained dog that assists its human companions. Examples are drug detection, search and rescue, and military dogs.
Assistance Dog Training Programs
Assistance dog education and training involves teaching a dog to perform tasks to help someone with a disability, and then training the person to work with the dog. Some service dogs are purchased fully trained, but others are selected and trained from a young age. Training a dog from the start is best, especially for dogs with specialized needs.
Purpose:
- Assistance dog training programs aim to train dogs to perform specific tasks that aid individuals with disabilities in their daily lives.
- These tasks can include guiding visually impaired individuals, alerting deaf individuals to sounds, pulling a wheelchair, retrieving items, or providing emotional support.
Animals Involved:
- Primarily dogs are involved, specifically breeds known for their temperament, intelligence, and trainability (e.g., Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds).
Settings:
- Training is conducted in specialized facilities and real-world environments where the dogs will need to perform tasks.
- Once trained, assistance dogs work in a variety of settings depending on their handler’s needs.
Trainers:
- Professional trainers with expertise in dog behavior and training methods work with the dogs.
- The training process is extensive, often taking 18-24 months from puppyhood to certification.
Goals of Assistance Dog Training Programs:
- The main goal is to enhance the independence and quality of life of individuals with disabilities.
- Specific tasks are tailored to the needs of the individual handler.
Assistance Dog Training Certification:
- Assistance dogs must meet rigorous training standards and pass certification tests to ensure they can perform their tasks reliably.
- Organizations like Assistance Dogs International (ADI) set standards and offer accreditation for programs training assistance dogs.
What are the Types of Assistance Service Dogs?
Assistance service dogs, undergo specific training to perform three or more tasks that help mitigate the effects of an individual’s disability. It’s important to note that having a dog for protection, personal defense, or comfort does not qualify that dog as an assistance dog.
Service dogs are trained to perform various tasks beyond aiding individuals who are blind or deaf. Having an assistance or service dog can provide handlers with increased independence, confidence, and the ability to participate in various activities. These tasks include pulling wheelchairs, bracing, retrieving items, and alerting to medical crises. These dogs also assist individuals with physical, psychiatric, sensory, and developmental disabilities by performing specific tasks.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other regulations protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to bring their service dogs to most public places. It’s important to note that service dogs are not required to have formal training, certification, or identification. Still, they should be individually trained in essential tasks and exhibit good behavior in the community. Below are some common types of assistance or service dogs.
1. Guide Dogs
Purpose: Assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Tasks: Navigating around obstacles. Stopping at curbs and steps. Leading their handler across streets.
2. Hearing Dogs
Purpose: Assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Tasks: Alerting their handler to sounds such as doorbells, alarms, and phones. Alerting to sounds in the environment like approaching vehicles or people.
3. Mobility Assistance Dogs
Purpose: Assist individuals with physical disabilities that affect their mobility.
Tasks: Retrieving items. Opening and closing doors. Assisting with balance and stability. Pulling wheelchairs.
4. Medical Alert Dogs
Purpose: Alert individuals to specific medical conditions or symptoms.
Subtypes:
- Diabetes Alert Dogs: Alert to changes in blood sugar levels.
- Seizure Alert Dogs: Alert to impending seizures or provide assistance during and after seizures.
- Allergy Detection Dogs: Detect allergens in the environment.
5. Diabetes Alert Dogs
Purpose: Assist individuals with diabetes by monitoring blood sugar levels.
Tasks: Detecting high or low blood sugar levels through scent. Alerting the handler or a designated person to take action.
6. Seizure Response Dogs
Purpose: Assist individuals during and after a seizure.
Tasks: Getting help from another person. Providing physical support during a seizure. Retrieving medication or a phone.
7. Allergy Detection Dogs
Purpose: Detect specific allergens in the environment, assisting individuals with severe allergies.
Tasks: Alerting to the presence of allergens such as peanuts, gluten, or other specific substances.
8. Psychiatric Service Dogs
Purpose: Assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Tasks: Providing tactile stimulation during anxiety attacks. Interrupting self-harm behaviors. Providing deep pressure therapy. Reminding to take medication.
9. Autism Service Dogs
Purpose: Assist individuals with autism, often children.
Tasks: Preventing bolting or wandering off. Providing calming pressure during sensory overload. Helping with social interactions and transitions.
10. PTSD Service Dogs
Purpose: Assist individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, often military veterans.
Tasks: Providing a physical barrier in crowded places. Waking the handler from nightmares. Providing grounding during flashbacks or panic attacks.
11. FASD Service Dogs
Purpose: Assist individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Tasks: Providing emotional support. Helping with routine and transitions. Interrupting repetitive behaviors.
Each type of service dog undergoes specialized training to perform tasks tailored to the specific needs of their handler. The training process is rigorous and ensures that the service dog can reliably perform its duties in various situations.
What Is a Service Dog Trainer?
A service dog assists people who have disabilities, and service dog trainers teach dogs how to help people. As a service dog trainer, you teach dogs how to perform behaviors that assist those with auditory or visual impairments. Service dog trainers must be good with dogs and people, have strong teaching skills, and be attentive, patient, and adaptable.
You may have a background in animal care or dog training. Your job may include matching service dogs with people and helping to build their relationships.
How to Become a Service Dog Trainer
A service dog trainer teaches dogs how to assist people with disabilities. You need your high school diploma or GED, and can complete an apprenticeship or training program. The IACP offers a service dog trainer certification. For the certification, you need to be a member and also have an IACP dog training certification.
In addition, you are required to have five years of experience in training and placing service dogs. Service dog trainers must be concerned with humane animal care and meeting the needs of clients.
How Much Can You Make as a Service or Assistance Dog Trainer?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of animal care and service workers will grow by sixteen percent (16%) over the next decade. And this rate much faster than the average for all occupations. This rapid employment growth, which will result in approximately 79,000 job openings, presents a unique and promising opportunity for individuals with service dog training experience.
The majority of Service and Assistance Dog Trainers earn between $14.42 to $20.43 per hour. The average pay range for a Dog Trainers varies greatly based on skill level, location and years of experience.
| Job Title | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Dog Handler Trainer | $79,399 |
| Dog Training Instructor | $68,677 |
| Service Dog Trainer | $40,348 |
| Dog Trainer Apprentice | $56,233 |
Other Assistance Dog Training Resources and Organizations
Below are additional resources for individuals interested in or with assistance dogs:
- American’s with Disabilities Act Service Dog Information
- American Veteran’s Affairs Guide and Service Dog Information
- European Disability Forum
- European Guide Dog Federation
- International Association of Assistance Dogs Partners
- International Guide Dog Federation
- Canadian Guide Dog & Assistance Dog Schools
Resources for animal assisted interventions and therapy dogs:
- Animal Assisted Intervention International
- International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations
- Pet Partners – Therapy Pets and Animal Assisted Activities
ADI member organizations and individuals interested in dogs working in the legal system.
Resources for assistance dog programs:
Resources to find a professional private dog trainer:
- UK Association of Pet Dog Trainers
- US Association of Pet Dog Trainers
- International Association of Canine Professionals
Your Career in Service Dog Training
The demand for service dogs has exploded in recent years as dogs have proved adept at helping children and adults with an increasing range of disabilities. With 61 million people living with disabilities in the US and only approximately 500,000 active service dogs, the field is wide-open for growth. A career in assistance dog training can be highly rewarding, both personally and professionally!
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