Archieved Articles

Is your service dog too sexy for its uniform?

Many service dog teams are excellent examples of proper etiquette, great handling ability and not too much pizzazz. Some teams excel at learning and using new commands with very little effort. They are the perfect match a glowing example of what service dogs and handlers can accomplish, together. There is however, another side to the service dog team and that is where the rubber does not always meet the road. A place were insecurity or over confidence allows the handler or service dog to become lax or inattentive. This is a relationship with a problem that must be solved pronto!

The handler has allowed the service dog to become “too sexy for the uniform”. Your dog no longer listens to commands like it use to. In fact some commands seem new too them. They yawn when you ask or sometimes beg for their assistance in grabbing the remote control. In your mind you see them asking you, “are you talking to me?” They sometimes grab a little snack from the dinner table, just to hold them over till 10:00 PM when you treat them too a scoop of doggy ice cream. They have become too sexy for the service dog industry. It is time to re-evaluate your relationship with your service dog!

• Do not compromise your independence. If the reason you have a service dog is to be independent then it is up to you to make it happen.
• Pull in the reigns. It is time to put the breaks on your lackadaisical dog handling skills. Commit to following through with corrections when commands are not obeyed. Notice. I said commands not questions or request. If your commands are mere suggestions to the dog than it is you that must be corrected. Realize when you are at fault.
• Go back to basics. Sometimes it helps to start at the beginning. Set up daily training exercise where you and your dog can “get re-acquainted” with commands and proper follow through on corrections.
• Seek professional help. If you are still having difficulties bring in the Pros. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. There may be strategies that a trainer can give you that no one else can.
• Play with your pup. Take time to interact and play with your dog but not during working hours. Make a distinction between work and play it is important to a successful working relationship.
• Be a pack leader. Dogs are pack animals and they feel secure knowing that the leader of the pack (handler) will command respect. If the handler falters in their duty as pack leader then the dog will become the leader.
• Praise your companion. Reward your dog with praise and encouragement for a job well done. Do not use food! (unless directed to by a trainer).

Sexy is cute on a non-working dog. It is impermissible for a working dog to come to the conclusion that they are in charge of the team relationship. Rest assured that if this is occurring the situation will not get better with time. The situation you may be in is very likely attributable to you relaxing the rules. Remember when a service dog team goes out in public you are not only representing yourself, you represent every team.