D.O.G.G.E.D.L.Y.

Our D.O.G.G.E.D.L.Y. formula captures the essence of the word “doggedly,” including persistence, determination, and dedication – essential qualities for successful service dog training.  Remember to keep training fun!  If it feels frustrating, take a break. A fun environment enhances learning and creates cherished memories for you and your dog.

D

Determine

Identify the overall task or goal that the service dog needs to accomplish, focusing on the end result.

Examples:

  • Determine Task = (Payment) Handing a wallet, credit card or phone to a store attendant for payment

  • Determine Task = (Stopping) Automatically stopping at every curb while walking

  • Determine Task = (Socks) Retrieving socks from a drawer and bringing them to handler

O

Organize

Analyze the overall task and break it down into individual skills or smaller tasks that need to be trained.

Examples:

  • Organize necessary skills = (Payment) Picking up the wallet, holding the wallet, taking the wallet to the store attendant, waiting for wallet to be returned, taking the wallet back to handler, giving the wallet back to handler or putting it back where it belongs.

  • Organize necessary skills = (Stopping) Walking next to or in front of handler in correct position, approach curb, stop at curb, wait calmly for cue from handler to continue

  • Organize necessary skills = (Socks) Approaching the drawer, targeting / touching the drawer handle / or rope pull attached to it, pulling the drawer open, picking up a pair of socks, holding the socks, delivering the socks to the handler

G

Gradual

Introduce each skill gradually, building on previous knowledge and ensuring the dog can perform each skill consistently and reliably.

Examples:

  • Gradually train each skill = (Payment) Target wallet with nose, take wallet in mouth, hold wallet for increasing amounts of time, carry wallet, target person’s hand or counter, release wallet into hand or onto counter, wait calmly for wallet to be placed back on counter or given back to dog, return wallet to owner or place it belongs

     

  • Gradually train each skill = (Stopping) Walk in correct position, walk without being distracted, walk in straight line, slow down on approach to curb, target curb with paw, stop at curb, wait patiently for increasing amounts of time, continue only when given cue to continue

  • Gradually train each skill = (Socks) Move away from handler, go in direction pointed, approach the drawer, target the drawer handle, target a rope, pull the drawer open, target socks, pick up socks, hold socks, retrieve socks, deliver socks to the handler, drop socks into handler’s hand or where handler indicates.

G

Generalize

Introduce each skill gradually, building on previous knowledge and ensuring the dog can perform each skill consistently and reliably.

Examples:

  • Gradually train each skill = (Payment) Target wallet with nose, take wallet in mouth, hold wallet for increasing amounts of time, carry wallet, target person’s hand or counter, release wallet into hand or onto counter, wait calmly for wallet to be placed back on counter or given back to dog, return wallet to owner or place it belongs

     

  • Gradually train each skill = (Stopping) Walk in correct position, walk without being distracted, walk in straight line, slow down on approach to curb, target curb with paw, stop at curb, wait patiently for increasing amounts of time, continue only when given cue to continue

  • Gradually train each skill = (Socks) Move away from handler, go in direction pointed, approach the drawer, target the drawer handle, target a rope, pull the drawer open, target socks, pick up socks, hold socks, retrieve socks, deliver socks to the handler, drop socks into handler’s hand or where handler indicates.