Can I Train My Service Dog Myself?

         Life is a tough path to tread for everyone. Many individuals find it hard to overcome challenges that the external world imposed on them. These challenges are even more difficult to overcome for people that are struggling with certain disabilities whether it be physical or psychological. This is because such individuals have to tackle both external and internal challenges simultaneously. In such situations, service dogs can provide the support that such individuals require to overcome their hurdles. Thus, service dogs become an indispensable part of the lives of such individuals.

Only realesaletter.com understands that training a service dog can be a daunting task. Our team of licensed therapists can guide you through the process of training your service dog and provide you with the resources and support you need to succeed. We believe that the bond between a service animal and their owner is one of the most important relationships in the world, and we are committed to helping you and your furry friend build a lasting connection. Let us help you create a healthy and supportive environment for you and your service animal.

There are different types of service dogs that help their handlers overcome specific physical challenges. For example, guide dogs help individuals that are struggling with visual impairments. Such dogs are trained to lead their handlers into specific places, such as work, and home. These dogs are trained to respond to specific speech cues. For example, by saying “go the market,” these dogs would lead their handlers to the usual marketplace and help them avoid various hurdles and obstacles along the way. These dogs are also trained to avoid different distractions along the way, such as other dogs and people, and to safely lead their handlers to their destination. Thus, guide dogs become an indispensable part of the lives of their handlers.

Emotional support animals are required to be licensed through ESA letters – that showcase that you have a mental health condition that requires the companionship of an emotional support animal. ESA letters are to be obtained from licensed mental health providers working within your state. First and foremost, you have to decide the type of ESA letter that you wish to attain. For instance, an ESA Letter for housing lets you obtain residence in places that usually do not allow the animal in their buildings. According to the Fair Housing Act, every individual, despite their race, ethnicity, religion, and mental or physical disability has the right to a fair accommodation. On this basis, the landlord or the residence provider cannot discriminate against you just because you have an emotional support animal.

Dogs can also be trained to help individuals struggling with hearing disabilities. Such dogs are trained to respond to various auditory cues, such as the doorbell ringing, fire alarm buzzing, and other similar sounds. These dogs then lead their handlers to the source of the sound. For example, when these dogs hear a sound alarm, they will wake up their handlers and point toward the alarm clock to inform the handlers that it is time to wake up. Thus, service dogs also help individuals with hearing difficulties.

If you wish to proceed after that, the ESA letter providers would link you with a mental health provider through a video conference or a phone call. The mental health provider would interview you for some time, and based on the interview, decide whether or not to provide you with an ESA letter. If the decision is positive, you will receive the electronic realesaletter right away. The physical copy of the ESA letter would also arrive through mail within a few days.

Now, the question becomes whether or not it is possible to train service animals by oneself, and if not, should the services of a professional dog trainer be attained. There is no restriction on the person who is to train a service dog. Many handlers train their dogs themselves. But it is to be noted that training a dog, especially a service dog, requires a considerable amount of patience. And if patience is not displayed, it can interfere with the training of the dog, which can cause problems later on.

The first part of training any dog is to train it to defecate. This can be done by keeping a strict feeding schedule, which would lead to a defecating schedule. When it is time to defecate, you need to take your dog to their designated defecating place. It is imperative that one keeps the same defecating place so that it can become easier for the dog to develop the habit. In a similar fashion, the dog is to be trained to perform other basic tasks, such as sitting, standing, and fetching on cue.

A point that is to be kept in consideration during the entire training period is that habits are to be introduced in dogs through positive reinforcement, that is rewarding them on some positive behavior, and not through negative reinforcement, punishing them on undesired behaviors. The habits that are developed through positive reinforcement tend to last a long time. On the other hand, habits developed through negative reinforcement are maintained as long as the reinforcement is applied. The dogs have to be trained for at least 120 hours, after which they have to practice their habits in a public area. If the dogs pass this criterion, it means that it is ready to be service dog.

While service dogs help individuals help deal with their physical disabilities, emotional support animals help their handlers in dealing with psychological disabilities. Many people find It difficult to deal with their mental health issues. ESA animals, such as ESA dogs, provide the love and support that such individuals require to overcome their problems.

There are online ESA services that can link you with a mental health provider to help you attain an ESA letter. These services first require you to complete a questionnaire to determine the likelihood of you attaining an ESA letter.

Useful Resources 

5 House Modification Tips If You Are Planning to Get an ESA Dog

8 Unusual ESA Animals - Characteristics and Benefits

What Type of Professionals Can Sign an ESA Letter for Me?

Amazing tips to keep your ESA cat happy in your absence

8 famous animals that people keep as ESAs