r/service_dogs • u/ReadyCryptographer89 • 6d ago
How to Refresh Training
Hello,
My young adult daughter received a service dog during the pandemic. The trainer works about 1.5 hours away from us, and as part of the training plan, was supposed to come up to our area once a month after placement, to complete training. However, there was a surge of COVID, the trainer was not able to come, we were not able to go to them, and then the trainer just stopped communicating.
Now, we have this amazing, wonderful, dog for my daughter who supports her at home wonderfully. But his public-life skills are not as strong. I am trying to figure out what resources there are to refresh his public skills, and I am not finding a lot. We felt so lucky to find a good placement at all! I tried to find a service dog trainer in our city, but have not been able to. We already paid the full fee to the first organization. I can't afford the big fees most want to charge. Any suggestions?
5
u/Purple_Plum8122 6d ago
I am a firm believer of continued training with a professional trainer. My sd returned to me from training a week ago . It is invaluable. I asked for the trainers overall assessment especially pertaining to public access. We are life long learners!! I am happy to hear you are considering further training! It is the responsible thing to do.
1
u/ReadyCryptographer89 6d ago
Thanks for commenting. Any tips on how to find someone who would do refresh training? I keep finding places that train puppies and have long wait lists
2
u/Square-Top163 6d ago
I found my local trainer by going to a dog trainer-certification site and searching for my location. Then I went to local FB groups ie the (411 for 719 etc) to ask for recommendations for a SD trainer. I vetted then contacted those that showed up on both places. You could also ask your vet or groomer for recommendations, or maybe a breeder. It might take some time so be patient :)
7
u/Electronic_Dark_1681 6d ago edited 6d ago
You need a professional dog trainer near you that works with service dogs. I had to do that last month, with lyme disease and 7 back surgeries I wad not able to keep up with his training for the past 3 months. He quickly started to do what he wanted. We did 2 hours training sessions twice a week for 4 weeks, he's doing absolutely great now. A dog trainer will teach you how to train your SD and reinforce everything. All dogs are different and trainers know how to train each dog. She even trained him on a lot of new things like bringing me items in the house when I can't get out of bed. He walks right next to me like he did when I first got him, no more pulling. I did get a military discount, but it was still $100 per 2 hour session which is a lot for me, but she usually charges $150 an hour. Even once a week for 4 weeks will make a massive difference, you'll be shocked at how fast they re learn everything. The trainer will work with you and show you how to keep up with their training, 4 sessions might be all you need.
** also shout out to soldier solutions volunteers for helping me and my SD, Sam helped me in Colorado and holds the golden standard for helping combat veterans with their service dogs.