Description
Train dogs to assist people with disabilities by teaching task-specific behaviors, public access manners, and reliable obedience. Socialize dogs to varied environments, condition responses to verbal and hand cues, and prepare teams for certification or placement. Monitor health and behavior and collaborate with clients to ensure successful service dog partnerships.
- • Observe dogs' physical conditions to detect illness, stress, or injury requiring veterinary care.
- • Administer prescribed medications as directed by veterinarians.
- • Evaluate dogs for temperament, trainability, and suitability for service work.
- • Develop and implement individualized training plans using positive reinforcement.
- • Teach task-specific behaviors such as mobility assistance, medical alerting, retrieval, and interruption.
- • Train public access skills, including heeling, ignoring distractions, and appropriate behavior in stores and transit.
- • Socialize dogs to diverse people, animals, sounds, and environments.
- • Condition responses to voice, clicker, and hand signals.
- • Conduct training sessions to generalize and proof behaviors in real-world settings.
- • Keep detailed records of health, diet, training progress, and behavior.
- • Educate and coach clients and handlers in dog handling, care, and maintenance training.
- • Match trained dogs with clients, advise on suitability, and support team integration and follow-up.
- • Maintain and sanitize training areas, kennels, and equipment; feed and exercise dogs.
- • Coordinate with veterinarians, behaviorists, and agencies on care plans and placements.
- • Prepare dogs and teams for public access tests and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
