American Poodles At Work

This is the continuation of Service Dogs: The Inside Scoop by Jillian Gartner. Due to the length of Part 1, we have decided to break Part 2 into multiple sections. This is Part 2b – a focus on some of the commands taught to many Service Dogs.

SERVICE DOG VERSION OF COMMON COMMANDS

HEEL – For a Service Dog, heel position is further back than what is seen in the obedience ring. The dog’s nose should not pass the handler’s knee, whether walking or wheeling. This allows for easier turning but, more importantly, it helps the dog focus with fewer distractions as their line of sight on one side is blocked by a leg. This is especially helpful while training young dogs that are naturally curious. The dog also needs to learn the same position on the handler’s right side in case that is a better location for the future client. “Heel” is for left position and “Side” is for right position.

FINISH/HEEL POSITION – Service dogs are never allowed to cross behind their trainer’s back, as most clients will not be able to manage the leash. Dogs are taught a flip-finish (from a position in front of the handler, the dog flips around to the handler’s side), but because service dogs generally have calm temperaments, it is more of a circle that places them back at the handler’s side.

DOWN – Service Dogs frequently need to hold long down-stays so they should be comfortable while in this position. Most dogs will naturally roll onto a hip after a few minutes, but the trainer can also let the dog know they will be there for awhile. My program teaches a separate command to relax onto a side.

LEAVE IT – This command is crucial for a dog who has access to public locations. Not only is it unacceptable for the dog to sniff at food in a restaurant, they must never touch anything off the ground. Whether it is rotting food, animal feces, toxic substances, or another animal, service dogs may not eat, sniff, roll in, jump on, or otherwise be distracted from their job.

STAY – This command is rarely used for short periods, so it tends to be given for a “Down” position and means the dog should settle in for a rest. Ten to sixty-plus minutes isn’t uncommon (while their partner works, eats, etc.), but unlike in the show ring, it’s okay for the handler to praise and reinforce the dog . . . and the dog should not treat the attention as a time to get up.

COME – Formal command meaning run to handler and sit until given the next instruction. This is mainly used when exiting the car or in other situations of potential danger. The command “Here” is used as the informal recall and, if the dog is already nearby, the act of pointing a finger/hand tells the dog where to position his head, allowing for access to his backpack or moving out of the way.

STAND – Should be solid, long enough for the dog’s backpack to be looked through. Dogs also learn to “Brace” to provide stability for their handler.

RELEASE – In general, a service dog is given a follow-up command rather than being told “Okay.”  When he has finished working and is free to do whatever he wants, he is told “Release,” and he may run off to find a toy, come back and ask for attention, or he may choose to continue a nap – but, the choice is his, and he should have at least a full few minutes to enjoy it before starting to work again.

Some service dogs are now being taught to read flash cards.  These cards have either a text word or a stick figure drawing which the dog responds to as cues.

SOME ADDITIONAL TASKS

ALERT – Dog pushes entry button with nose to open door, or nudges person’s hand to get their attention.  The latter is followed-up with “What?” which instructs the dog to indicate whether he needs to go out, is thirsty, that someone’s at the door, etc.

BEHIND – The dog slows down and ducks behind the wheelchair.  Mainly used for going through narrow doors: the dog then returns to the same side he was originally on.

BETTER HURRY – Tells the dog that now is the time to potty.  Always used before going in any public location to make sure dog is not uncomfortable while there.

CLOSER – Dog should move closer to handler.

DRESS – Dog puts his head though collar or cape.

FIX – Used when the leash is under the dog’s leg, tells dog to untangle himself.

GET IT, BRING IT HERE, GIVE – The series of commands used when having the dog retrieve an item.

GO THROUGH – Dog moves in front of person, turns to face them, and walks backwards until there is enough space to move to the side again.  Used when going through a skinny passage or doorway when “Behind” isn’t suitable . . . either an automatic door that may hit the dog, or another reason to want the dog in sight.

LAP – Dog puts front legs on his partner’s lap to deliver an item, allow access to backpack, or to show affection.  The dog should come from the side and rest his legs across the lap to distribute the pressure, rather than all of his weight pressed down through the paws.

LIGHT/SWITCH – Commands for the dog to flick a light on with his nose, and to switch it off with his teeth.

LOOK – Tells dog to survey his surroundings for the item he should retrieve.

PUSH – Dog should use his front paws to push a door/object.

SNUGGLE – From the “Lap” position, the dog leans across his handler’s body and rests his head on the opposite shoulder.  This command has two purposes.  The first is as a hug – people who spend most of their time in a wheelchair rarely receive contact along their torso (try getting hugged when you’re sitting down), but a service dog can fit into the available space almost perfectly.  The second purpose is potentially life saving, though not many applicants will have a need.  If someone falls forward in their chair and either doesn’t have the mobility, strength, or energy to push themselves up again, their circulation can be cut off from the rest of their body.  Using the “Snuggle” command, a dog can learn to get under the person’s chest and push up and back until the handler is upright again.

SPEAK – This command instructs the dog to call for help if, for example, the wheelchair’s power dies, the keys fell out of the dog’s reach, etc.  There are two additional cues for eliciting the dog to bark in other conditions – if the handler feels threatened by a stranger, he can tell the dog to “Guard,” allowing the stranger to think the dog is protection trained.  If the handler doesn’t want the stranger to realize he feels threatened, he can make a little click sound with his tongue . . . this sends the message that the dog is suspicious and taking matters into his own hands.

THANK YOU – Showing appreciation for a job well done.  This is especially nice to use in public, because it displays that the dog and handler have a close relationship and that neither takes the other for granted.

THAT’S IT – This encourages the dog to keep working at it – that he is on the right track.

TUG – Tells the dog to tug on a rope that is attached to a door, or to pull off socks, pants, etc.

UP – The dog puts his front feet on the wall (to reach a light switch), or on a counter to retrieve or deliver an item.

VISIT – Dog rests his chin on his partner’s lap, either to deliver an item or to show affection.

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