Service Dog Certification Training

Service Dog Training Level II

Note: Service dog training is now being offered through Heeling Assistants Canada.

The training style and trainers are the same. The organization is a non-profit founded by trainer Carol Millman.

Click To See Heeling AssistantsHeelingAssistants.org

In order to qualify...

your DOG must be able to:

Walk off-leash in "heel" position in low to medium distraction settings.
Be relaxed in stores and public places.
Enjoy being touched and patted by strangers including children.
Glance frequently at you without being prompted.
Come joyfully to you when called at a park.
Be free of physical illness or disability themselves (allergies are usually ok).

In order to qualify...

YOU must be able to:

Demonstrate safe leash handling.
Direct your dog without using the leash to steer or puppeteer.
Show good ability to read dog body language.
Communicate clearly and lovingly with your dog.
Demonstrate that your dog has a secure attachment.
Be able to show evidence of your disability (see below).

*This is a general guideline to help you determine which program is the best fit. Some personal cases might be an exception. Check out the FAQ at the bottom of the page for more information.

Don't qualify for Heeling Assistants?

See our Puppy Prodigy program, online Service Dog Level 1, or our Bonding And Behaviour Program

Get an in person assessment of your potential service dogCLICK HERE

Secure

The dog confidently explores new places with their caregiver, checks their reaction to startling events for reassurance, and communicates needs clearly. They look for their caregiver if left with a stranger, bark or whine but don't panic, and quickly relax when the caregiver returns.

Associated behavior problems:

None

Anxious

The dog clings to the caregiver and remains anxious, seeking physical contact when startled but staying stressed. They panic if left with a stranger, remain distressed after reunion, and may not communicate needs clearly or engage in persistent attention-seeking.

Associated behavior problems:

Aggression or fear toward strangers, separation anxiety disorder, negative

attention-seeking, destructiveness, reactivity.

Avoidant

The dog avoids eye contact with the caregiver, may dodge away when reached for, and doesn't seek closeness when startled or confused. They respond minimally to their caregiver's return, don't differentiate between strangers and the caregiver, and try to meet their own needs directly.

Associated behavior problems:

Aggression toward caregivers, ignoring caregiver, "stubbornness", avoids being leashed, rebellious behaviour, reactivity.

Take the Service Dog Training Knowledge QuizClick Here

Think your dog is ready to certify?Take the Quiz!

Want to know more?

Frequently Answered Questions:

Can You Certify My Dog For My Strata/So I Can Take My Dog On A Plane?

Our graduates are certified by the provincial government through an independent certification test administered. We help people with recognized disability who want to train their own dog to assist them medically, physically, or psychiatrically. This training takes months to years. Your Strata may not be willing to wait that long. We encourage people to move into pet friendly housing before embarking on their service dog journey, or find a family member the animal can live with during training.

If you do not have a service dog but want to fly with your dog, please look into dog-friendly air lines like Bark Air and Retrieve Air (and soon, Pet Airways!). Supporting these pet-friendly airlines benefits all pet owners!

Why Don't You Train Service Dogs Anymore?

We still do! But we are very proud to have helped found Heeling Assistants, which will help make service dog training more accessible to low income people with disabilities and hopefully eventually a member of Assistance Dogs International.

When Does A Dog Legally Qualify As A Service Dog?

In a nutshell...

1. You have a disability.

2. The dog has been taught to assist with your impairment.

3. Your dog is taught to behave like a person in public... Except they don't have to wear pants.

However, you will find the world far more accessible if your dog has been certified by the government through provincial testing or through a non-profit organization like Heeling Assistants.

I Already Have Dog Training Experience. Do I Need Your Level I Course?

You can take our quiz below to see if you need to take the Level 1 Online Course!

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