What are the characteristics of a service dog’s personality? These qualities vary from one dog to the next. We must not expect too much of a Dog Aggression Training Sacramento CA, or any working dog. All animals are sentient and should be treated as such.
Aside from the obvious characteristics and traits that make up a dog that serves, there are additional personalities, temperaments, and demeanors required for a dog that is a service animal.
These are the qualities that make a great service dog:
• A way to be detached from external stimuli, but remain focused and attentive when you are working.
• Reliable, confident, cool, collected, and calm in all situations and around all stimuli
• Gentle who is open to strangers coming into contact with your dog and you. Accepts being petted by children and other people, receiving attention, etc. Fear, anxiety, or stress (FAS) is not acceptable behavior. Service dogs should not be interested in other people or animals.
• Does not consider other people or animals.
• The husbandry and gentling procedures are positive and easy. Grooming, bathing, and Home Dog Training in Sacramento CA are fun and easy. You can touch and handle your dog anywhere you are.
A Service Dog Can NOT Be Or Display:
• Too friendly. Your dog should be attentive to you and not pull on your leash to approach other dogs or people.
• Reactive/Impulsive To Anything and/or Anyone (from food on the floor to squirrels, dogs, or children running by)
• Aggressive towards anyone or anything (dog, cat, or squirrel)
• Territorial aggression
• Fear aggression
• Dominance aggresssion
• Too old or too young – This will vary depending on the breed of dog, but generally speaking, 2-7 years is the longest time a service dog can be trained.
Service dogs less than two years of age are considered too young, and service dogs over seven (depending on the breed) are considered too old or nearing the end of their useful life. Service dogs must retire as humans.
• Fear, anxiety, or stress towards someone or something
• Anxious – Working dogs cannot have anxiety, separation anxiety, or generalized anxiety. Dog anxiety can be a problem with obedience training, service dog training, and general anxiety.
• Prey drive- Your dog can’t chase, lunge or bark at squirrels, cats, and kids.
• Resource guarding
• Protection/guard dogs
• Inquiring for attention (barking and jumping, pawing, muzzle punting, temper tantrums or whining, crying, wheezing or howling, etc. )
• Attracting attention – Looking at dogs or people and asking them questions.
A dog with behavioral and/or Service Dog Training Sacramento CA problems will not likely be a service dog unless it is trained and modified. An experienced trainer can train for hundreds of hours to help a dog with temperament and behavior issues.
