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Service Dog Training

Expert training for greater independence

Service Dogs can be life-changing assets for individuals with disabilities. While there is no national certification to become a service dog, the Americans with Disabilities Act states that service dogs are required to behave appropriately in public and must perform a task directly related to their person's disability. 

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Rockem's Service Dog Program prioritizes a high behavioral standard, the health and well-being of the dog, and the quality of the task training in order to set handlers and their dogs up for long term success while adhering to excellence and ease in public.

Our comprehensive approach focuses on three key areas:

Obedience tailored to
Service Dogs
 

  • Commands that will help handlers navigate public spaces

  • Capacity to focus on both the human and the environment

  • Positioning that takes up minimal space in public

  • Competence to perform obedience under high levels of distractions

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Task Training
 

  • Finished tasks that are usable regardless of reward potential

  • Non-weight bearing mobility assistance: retrieves, tugs, pushes, speak alerts

  • Psychiatric assistance: deep pressure therapy, behavior interruption, blocking

  • Hearing assistance: alerting handler to sounds in the environment

*Rockem does not train dogs to assist with guide work or medical alerts*

Public Access Training
 

  • Impulse control

  • Ignoring all distractions

  • Ability to execute all commands and tasks in any environment

  • Safely entering and exiting all doorways

Bowie, a service dog trained by Rockem Dog Training

Requirements to enter and complete our Service Dog Training program:

  • In person temperament evaluation prior to enrollment

  • Maintain a consistent working relationship throughout duration of training programs

  • Public access test upon completion of training programs

  • Pass echocardiogram and an eye exam

  • Pass hip and elbow evaluations through OFA or PennHip at 2 years+ of age

Service dog performing a nudge task, trained by Rockem Dog Training

The investment into owner-training a service dog is a lengthy process that requires time and dedication without guaranteed outcomes. It is important to note that at any time in a future service dog's journey, a dog can be deemed behaviorally or medically unsuitable to continue training as a service dog, which is why our standards include health and temperament evaluations.

Service dogs are distinguished from therapy dogs, which are volunteer teams who provide support to the public and do not have public access privileges. They are also distinguished from emotional support animals which require a prescription from a Medical Doctor, do not perform tasks for their person and only have housing and travel privileges.

Rockem also trains Facility Dogs for professionals who work with populations who are disabled and/or at risk. These handlers may include speech, occupational or physical therapists, social workers, police departments, and first responders. Facility dogs have Public Access at their handler’s place of work, and are trained in tasks to help the population they serve. Facility Dogs have the same program requirements as Service Dogs. 

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