Following traditional obedience training methods don't always work when there are special needs involved. Stewart Nordensson knew this, and that is why he wrote 'Teamwork' and 'Teamwork II'. He founded the Top Dog training program for people to train their own service dogs, and the program is available to the public.
What Mr. Nordensson didn't use is the training tool, the CLICKER. The clicker is an event marker, and when using it, or a well-timed word etc, with a primary reward such as a treat, training is quicker and the dog happier and a more active learner than with traditional methods.
If you are interested in training your own service dog, or looking to train a dog for a family member, I can help you with training techniques unique to your needs and abilities. By incorporating the practical problem solving methods of the Top Dog program with the positive operant conditioning techniques of clicker training, you can have the satisfaction of working with your own dog and building upon the bond you already have, while developing skills that will enable you to train new tasks as needed throughout your life.
Even if your dog doesn't have the social aptitude to work in a public setting, he may still be able to assist you or a family member at home.
This could also be helpful if you have difficulties that are not severe enough to qualify as disabled by ADA standards, and would like some help around the house, yard or on a walk.
If you need a service dog, but do not have one, I will work with you in selecting a puppy or dog either from a breeder or shelter. There is no guarantee that the animal selected will be able to serve in public! Nor can it be guaranteed that the dog will be able to perform reliably even in a home setting! There is a high drop-out rate among dogs used by even the large training organizations, both rescues and dogs bred by the organization. That is why the wait for a dog may be as long as 2 years from a 'train for you' group. Should you be selecting a dog to train, you must consider what you will do if the dog is not able to fulfill your needs. Is there family or friends that would want the dog? Would you rehome the dog with a stranger? Would you keep the dog as a pet? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before deciding on acquiring a dog for training.
If you are interested in starting, or need help with a dog in training, please contact me at Help U Train or 748-4143