The self-training of assistance dogs:

In the first part of this series, we gained an insight into the life of an assistance dog that is trained by a professional trainer. But not all assistance dog teams take this route. Some choose to train their dog themselves, an alternative that offers both challenges and opportunities. Self-training an assistance dog means that the dog owner takes on the training of their four-legged friend themselves. It is crucial that the dog owner has a good mix of patience, expertise and motivation. This is because training an assistance dog is an intensive and long-term process that not only challenges the dog, but also the owner. Legislation stipulates that the self-training of a (prospective assistance dog) in Germany must always be accompanied by a licensed trainer.

The start of self-training

The path to self-training usually begins with choosing the right dog. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the suitability of the dog breed and the individual characteristics of the dog. Not every dog is suitable for this demanding task. As a rule, calm, well-focused dogs have the potential to work as assistance dogs. In self-training, the dog owner is faced with the challenge of training all the basic skills and the specific tasks required for the team. This often involves basic training measures such as following commands, walking on a lead and maintaining contact with the dog, always accompanied by a trainer, of course.

The specific tasks

There are various specialized tasks for an assistance dog that vary depending on the needs of the person. These tasks also have to be learned during self-training. A dog that later works as a mobility assistance dog, for example, must undergo completely different training than a dog that is used as a warning or alert dog for people with epilepsy. Learning the specific tasks can be a challenge and always requires intensive and consistent work. Owners are required to choose the right timing and the appropriate method to motivate and encourage the dog. Training is often supported by additional aids such as clicker training or positive reinforcement.

Challenges and benefits of self-training

Self-training an assistance dog brings both advantages and challenges. One advantage is that the dog owner builds up a close bond with their dog and can progress the training at their own pace. In addition, self-training allows for greater flexibility and independence. However, self-training also brings with it some challenges. It requires not only a high level of willingness to learn and patience on the part of the owner, but also a consistent and structured approach. A dog owner must be able to properly motivate and encourage the dog and also make corrections when necessary. Another important aspect is that the puppy or young dog is stressed too early, living in its “work situation” from day one. The balance between work and leisure, between encouragement and excessive demands is an issue that causes many self-training programs to fail. The last risk is usually underestimated: if the young dog cannot start training, in most cases he should not stay with the family he has been living with. You ask yourself why? A young dog does not simply fail the suitability test. It is not suitable for training as an assistance dog, for example, if it has severe joint problems or other health problems that would cause the dog to suffer as an assistance dog. Some dogs are mentally unable to perform the task because they are afraid or show aggressive behavior in everyday situations, for example. This situation does not change just because the dog is not an assistance dog. A dog that reacts with stress, gastrointestinal complaints or insecurity up to (natural) aggression will also show this if it continues to live as a “family dog” in the stressful situation.

A successful conclusion

Once the training is complete and the dog has learned the necessary skills, it is ready to enter the owner’s everyday life as an assistance dog. Most people who have trained their dog themselves report a deep bond with their dog and a fulfillment that goes beyond just assistance dog training. Self-training is certainly not an easy path, but it offers the opportunity to form an assistance dog team in a very special way. For many dog owners, it is an experience that enriches not only the dog’s life, but also their own.