Service Dogs
What You Need to Know About Service Dogs
Service Dog Standards
4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Standards include the following:
- no aggression (including biting/snapping/growling and predatory aggression).
- no inappropriate barking or whining
- no inappropriate soliciting of attention, sniffing, or jumping on strangers
- no begging for human food
- quiet, steady behavior with the canine maintaining focus on handler
- ready response to task commands
- performance of tasks as directed
- ready return of concentration to handler when distracted by stimulants such as an animal or food
- appropriate behavior around canines and other animals
- unobtrusive behavior in all public situations, including restaurants and public transportation;
- acceptance of handling during things such as routine grooming and veterinary examinations
- ability to relieve on command
Canines/Teams that do not comply with these standards will not be certified or re-certified until they meet the standards. Remedial and follow-up training is available to all graduated teams during our Grad class.
Evaluation After Completion
To maintain the quality of service dogs teams trained through the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Program, every certified team must recertify to keep their status current. Recertification occurs at the 6-month mark , 1-year mark and then every 3-years after graduation. This re-certification must occur within 30 days before the expiration date and no later than 30 days after the expiration date on their ID and Certification Documentation.
If for some reason the handler is unable to re-certify within that time period they are required to request an extension in writing. The trainers will decide whether to accept the request based on evidence provided by the student. Students who do not recertify or are not granted an extension will be required to return their 4 Paws 2 Freedom service dog patch & ID.
The team will be tested on the Certification Benchmarks as well as the ADI Public Access Test. If the Certification Benchmarks or requirements are changed, teams are required to meet the new standards. 4 Paws 2 Freedom will give the new requirements to teams prior to the re-certification, and teams can practice of learn them during the weekly Graduate class or through auditing classes.
The canines must also have an examination by their veterinarian no more than 3 months prior to the re-certification. The veterinarian must sign off that the canine is healthy enough to work as a service dog.
Requirements
4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Program Agreement
At 4 Paws 2 Freedom, we offer a comprehensive course designed to help students train their canines to become service dogs. The course covers everything from basic obedience to certification and beyond, ensuring that the team develops the skills necessary for life both at home and in public.
Respect and Dignity
We are committed to treating all clients with the utmost respect and dignity throughout their time with 4 Paws 2 Freedom. Our team is dedicated to providing professional, supportive instruction in a positive and inclusive environment.
Responsibilities and Expectations
- Training Scope: The course covers a range of skills necessary for service dogs, including basic obedience and advanced public access tasks. Students are expected to engage fully in all aspects of training and complete weekly homework assignments.
- Behavior Standards: We do not train behaviors related to guarding, protection, or searching for threats. Canines showing aggression or reactivity will be removed from the program.
- Health and Well-Being: Canines must meet high standards of health, including regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and a healthy weight. The canine must also be spayed or neutered before graduation.
Students must also maintain a stable and secure environment for their canine, provide emergency contacts, and commit to continued training and recertification.
Additional Client Requirements
- Clients must provide emergency care arrangements for their dog and submit an emergency care plan to 4 Paws 2 Freedom.
- Clients are encouraged to maintain a regular therapy or counseling regimen with a registered mental health provider.
- Clients must maintain a clean and sober environment during training sessions.
By enrolling in the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Course, students agree to adhere to all policies outlined in the Student Handbook and uphold the standards and expectations set forth for both their canine and themselves. This includes compliance with all health, behavioral, and training requirements, as well as the 4 Paws 2 Freedom code of conduct and program standards.
If at any time during or after the program, the team fails to meet these standards, 4 Paws 2 Freedom reserves the right to discontinue training, remove the canine from the program, or take any necessary action to protect the well-being of the canine or the public.
