Many people are expressing a growing concern about the assistance dog movement—are we being fair to the dogs we ask to take on this demanding role? Veterinarians and dog trainers are reporting physical and behavioral problems associated with stress in some assistance dogs. Digestive problems, skin disorders, lameness, obsessive-compulsive disorders and severe separation anxiety are just a few of the problems seen.

There is no question that assistance dogs are expected to function at an extremely high level of reliability in surroundings that are very abnormal from a canine perspective. We ask them to disregard their genetic and evolutionary wiring: don’t touch food within easy reach; don’t run away from new or scary things; ignore enticing smells; don’t chase birds or squirrels; don’t bark or growl at someone who appears threatening. We place them in stressful environments foreign to the average dog—crowded shopping malls, noisy restaurants or concert halls, medical facilities filled with odors that must be overwhelming to sensitive canine noses. Yet I truly believe that some dogs can live a happy and fulfilling life in the role of assistance animal. Wouldn’t most of our dogs love to be with us 24 hours a day, rather than home alone in the backyard? No one who has seen the joy with which a retriever proudly delivers a toy to his owner or who has watched an agility dog on course can doubt that many dogs revel in working with their human partners. The big question is: How can we nurture this enjoyment of the job and minimize the stress we place on assistance dogs?

I believe there are three major components that need to be addressed in maintaining a healthy, happy working dog. These are careful selection of assistance dog candidates, proper training for their future role, and appropriate education and training of the assistance dog partner.

Assistance Dog Selection

Selecting an assistance dog candidate, whether as a puppy or a mature dog, is more art than science. There are several factors that need to be considered. The first is whether the dog has a suitable temperament for public access work. Any obvious issues, such as aggression (to people or animals), timidity or noise shyness, should immediately eliminate the dog from further consideration. While a skilled handler may be able to manage these issues, neither the dog nor the handler will ever really be able to relax in public.

Another factor to look for is resiliency, often called “bounce-back.” When the dog is startled, frightened or experiences a mild hurt, how does he deal with it? Is there a moment of alarm and then he gets over it or does the dog shut down and act fearful for an extended period of time? There will always be surprises and unexpected occurrences when working in public. A dog who recovers easily and quickly from these moments will be much happier than one who is less forgiving. The cumulative effects of stress will also likely be much less in dogs with good bounce-back.

It is also important to consider the tasks the dog will be asked to perform. Does he have the physical characteristics to be able to do the job? To ask a Dachshund to do balance/support work would be ludicrous. In less obvious situations, we must be brutally honest with ourselves—is this task in the dog’s best interest? For example, asking any dog to regularly pull a wheelchair can be extremely hard on the dog’s body. Typical assistance dog harnesses do not provide the same pulling mechanics that a sled dog harness provides. In some cases, there might be other ways to accomplish the same objectives (e.g., buy a power wheelchair). In other cases, it might be time to look for a different dog. For example, due to the structure of the nose and jaw, a Pug might not be the best choice for someone who requires a lot of retrieval work. If there is any doubt about a dog’s ability to perform a specific function, seek out a veterinarian, canine physiologist, or working dog trainer for an assessment.

A thorough veterinary assessment should be a standard part of the procedure for selecting an assistance dog. Dogs who already have skin or digestive disorders, or obsessive-compulsive problems, are poor assistance dog candidates. It is quite likely that the demands of the job will exacerbate the problems. It is also unfair to ask a dog with itchy skin to refrain from scratching in public. Proper health screening requires more than just a visual inspection. Any dog expected to do support work or occasionally pull a wheelchair should have both hips and elbows X-rayed to ensure that the dog is structurally sound for the job. Even if the assistance dog will not be doing physically demanding work, X-rays can be a wise investment, since joint problems and arthritis pain can force the early retirement of any dog.

Assistance Dog Training

By seriously evaluating temperament, structure and health, we have reduced the pool of possible assistance dog candidates dramatically. Once we have a dog who has cleared all of these hurdles, it is time to focus on how our training methods can set the dog up for a lifetime of success. Many assistance dog trainers have switched to positive reinforcement techniques, such as clicker training and lure-reward, to train specific tasks. In these techniques, the focus is on rewarding desired behavior rather than punishing incorrect behavior. Criteria for correct responses are raised very slowly, so the dog always has a high probability of success and can be rewarded. The dog learns to enjoy working because working brings the good things in life—treats, toys, praise and affection. If the dog’s success rate drops, it is a failing on the part of the trainer—not the dog. It is up to the trainer to figure out why the dog is no longer able to respond correctly. Did the trainer go too fast, skip a step or add too many distractions?

The best, most reliable assistance dogs will often go a step beyond working for rewards, once they are placed with their partner. There seems to be a point at which the assistance dog transitions from being in training to being part of a team. It is as if a light bulb turns on and the dog understands why he has been asked to do all those silly things. The dog seems to understand that there is a reason to walk at an unnaturally slow speed, or respond to a ringing phone, or roll an unconscious person over. The behaviors become self-rewarding. These are the dogs who can be counted on to respond reliably even when the person is unconscious or otherwise unable to reward the dog for a job well done. Rewards always have a place in reinforcing desired behavior, but they are no longer the sole reason for the dog to do the task.

Punishment and correction-based training can be very effective when done by an experienced trainer, but it is inherently stressful for the dog. Also, timing is critical when administering corrections. Most assistance dog partners don’t have the coordination or dog training expertise to be able to effectively administer corrections. The results of poorly applied corrections can include refusal to work, increased stress, fear, and behavior problems such as aggression. (Timing is also very important in positive reinforcement techniques, but poor timing does not tend to be as damaging to the dog or the relationship. Slow learning, frustration, and learning unexpected behaviors are common results of poor timing with reward-based training.) While occasional corrections are not unreasonable, the vast majority of interactions with the dog should be positive. This will result in a dog who responds eagerly, knowing that he is fulfilling his role in the partnership.

To be comfortable working in public, there are certain basic skills that all assistance dogs must master, regardless of their partner’s disability. While it is tempting to focus training on the amazingly complex tasks assistance dogs are often taught, a primary focus of training should be the more mundane foundation skills. Is the dog really comfortable doing a one-hour down-stay? Is walking quietly by his partner’s side a well-entrenched habit? Has “leave it” been so thoroughly trained that the dog doesn’t give a second thought to that French fry on the ground? Can the dog pass by another dog or a cat without becoming aroused? A thorough grounding in these skills enables a dog to relax in public. Lack of attention to these skills will produce a dog who may be able to do impressive things, but who will always be somewhat on edge and tense in public.

Assistance dogs must also be taught to accept a wide variety of situations and circumstances. Dogs do not generalize well. Just because a dog seems unflappable in the mall does not mean he will be comfortable at the airport. The dog should be systematically acclimatized to many different settings, including malls, grocery stores, medical facilities, airports, stadiums, restaurants, and any other place their future partner might decide to go. Initial exposure should be to relatively calm, quiet places. As the dog gains confidence, he can be taken to noisier, more crowded locations. It is important to recognize and prepare for new situations that might be stressful to the dog. Be ready with plenty of treats to reward the dog for remaining calm and accepting new situations. As the dog gains experience in a variety of settings, his confidence and comfort level with new situations will increase.

An area that is frequently overlooked when training assistance dogs is preparing the dog to be separated from his partner. While assistance dogs are often with their partner 24 hours a day, occasional separations are inevitable. For many assistance dogs, separation provokes some of the most severe stress the dog will ever experience. It doesn’t have to be this way. Dogs can learn to be comfortable and even happy when left alone or in someone else’s care. This is easiest to teach when the dog is young, preferably still a puppy. By pairing separation with pleasurable experiences, such as scrumptious treats, play time or the opportunity to socialize with another dog, the dog learns that if the partner leaves, it is not the end of the world.

Stress can be physical as well as emotional. We must always keep this in mind when we decide what tasks we are going to train the dog to do. The question is not, “Can we teach the dog to do this?” but, “Should we teach the dog to do this?” Some tasks, such as bracing, pulling a wheelchair or carrying heavy packs, place physical strains on the dog. Some otherwise safe tasks can be dangerous under certain circumstances (e.g., asking the dog to turn on a light switch when he is standing on a slippery floor). Other tasks, such as alerting to a seizure, can be emotionally stressful for the dog. We must not sacrifice the welfare of the dog for the welfare of the person with a disability.

Throughout the training period, we should be constantly reassessing the dog’s suitability for service work. Does the dog adapt well to all the different environments he has been exposed to? Does he seem happy performing the tasks expected of him? Does he frequently show significant signs of stress? After investing several months in a dog’s training, it can be tempting to overlook warning signs. This is not fair to the dog or the dog’s partner. Dogs who are not assistance dog material might be able to work very happily in other roles. If constantly being out in public is too stressful, the dog may be a perfect candidate for someone who only needs an in-home assistance dog. Other dogs may make wonderful therapy animals, visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Many dogs who are too intense or hyperactive for assistance dog work have gone on to successful careers as drug or arson detection dogs. We must always consider what role in life will be the best choice for this particular dog.

Selection and Education of Assistance Dog Partners

The final, and in many aspects the most important factor in minimizing stress on an assistance dog is proper selection and education of the assistance dog partner. While an assistance dog candidate might be in training 1 to 2 years, the assistance dog partner will hopefully be working with the dog for 10 to 12 years. For everyone’s sake, it is critical to match the dog and person with great care. An assistance dog training program develops partner selection criteria and education plans as part of its placement services. People who choose to train their own assistance dogs must be brutally honest with themselves in assessing their suitability as assistance dog partners. They must then find ways to get the critical knowledge and education they need on their own. Whether the dog comes from a program or is trained by an individual, the same factors must be addressed.

There are several questions to consider when deciding whether someone will be a good candidate as an assistance dog partner. Can the person benefit from the use of an assistance dog? Do they have realistic expectations of what an assistance dog can do for them? Does the person truly understand the amount of time, money and effort required to care for a dog? Are there adequate financial resources to provide for the physical needs of the dog? Some people will be able to answer “Yes” to these questions with just a little bit of education and expectation setting. Other people will need guidance to realize that an assistance dog might not be the best option for them (or the dog!).

If a person is a suitable candidate for an assistance dog, it is then necessary to select the right dog for the person. Will their temperaments work well together? Placing a strong-willed, high-energy dog with a soft-spoken person whose major activity is going to doctor appointments once or twice a month would be disastrous. Yet this same dog might be an ideal candidate for an on-the-go business executive. Do the person’s assistance needs and the dog’s task skills match? Most assistance dogs are taught a wide variety of skills, but each dog will have strengths and weaknesses—tasks they love performing and others they just accept. Whenever possible, the primary task a person requires should be the task that really lights up the dog’s eyes, whether it is retrieving everything in sight, racing along pulling a wheelchair, or curling up for another long nap under a table. A dog who truly enjoys his duties will tend to be a happy dog.

Once the person decides to become an assistance dog partner, the major education effort can begin. Most assistance dog partners are not experienced dog trainers. Many have never even owned a dog before. As a result, topics such as learning theory, canine psychology, training techniques and nutrition are brand new to them. If the team hopes to have a healthy, long-term relationship, there is a lot to learn!

The importance of proper nutrition and exercise for the dog is easily understood, although often extremely difficult to put into practice. The assistance dog partner needs to not only understand what is appropriate, but also why it is important. An overweight dog is putting a lot of unnecessary physical stress on his joints and organs. Overweight animals tend to be less able to adapt to changing environments and the demands of service work. This leads to additional emotional stress for the animal. The same is true for dogs who are out of shape. Assistance dogs tend to have long periods of idleness, followed by short spurts of exertion. The dog may be sleeping under a desk for a couple of hours, and then need to get up and pull a wheelchair. This would be like asking a human athlete to run a 50-yard dash when they first wake up in the morning. It is even harder if the athlete is out of shape to begin with. Assistance dog partners can be taught ways to help the dog with stretching and warm-up exercises before asking for exertion. Since many assistance dog partners are physically incapable of large amounts of exercise, it can be a real challenge to find ways to provide this for their dog. The use of treats as rewards can also further complicate issues related to weight control and proper nutrition. Proper education and planning is the best way to convince assistance dog partners to keep their dogs lean and fit.

We have already mentioned the importance of only asking dogs to perform tasks that are safe for them. Assistance dog partners need to be educated on what types of situations are unsafe for their dogs. What things should they look out for? For example, if a dog is being used for brace work, the person needs to be taught the importance of putting the weight over the strongest part of the dog’s structure and the damage that can result from putting weight on the dog’s back, neck or head; guidelines for determining how much weight the dog should be expected to support; how to maneuver from chair to bed; the effect different floor surfaces can have on the dog’s ability to brace; and so on. Even such a seemingly simple activity as getting on an elevator can be hazardous if the dog is caught on one side with the handler on the other. The importance of proper and complete task training cannot be over-emphasized.

Along with task safety, the assistance dog partner must learn to assess situational safety from a canine perspective. What might be an enjoyable musical experience for us could be a noisy nightmare to a dog unused to loud noises and crowds. A sporting event with raucous crowds stomping their feet could be terrifying to a dog when the floor starts shaking under his feet. This does not mean assistance dog partners should not go to concerts or ball games, but they must be aware that what they experience is different from what their partner experiences. They must consider the dog’s temperament, prior experiences and training level to decide whether it is appropriate to take the dog along, or whether the dog deserves a night off. Learning how to see the world from a dogs-eye view can help partners avoid putting their dog in a stressful situation due to ignorance.

Assistance dog partners must also understand canine psychology. Dogs are not little people in furry coats. They are pack animals and they expect one animal in the pack to be the leader. The pack leader is responsible for assessing new situations and determining the response to perceived threats (fight or flight). All packs must have a leader—even if it is a pack of two. In the absence of a confident, dominant leader, a timid or submissive dog may assume the leadership role. This will be an extremely stressful role for a dog who is temperamentally unsuited to the task, but the pack must have a leader!

Let's now take this knowledge and look at what can happen in an assistance dog partnership. The very nature of the assistance dog role mandates that the person has some degree of dependence on the dog. In some cases, such as with medical alert dogs, we are even asking the dog to watch out for potential dangers that the human partner may be confronted with. This combination of circumstances makes it all too easy for the dog to perceive that he is the leader of the team. If the dog is basically a submissive animal, being placed in the leadership role can create anything from mild to severe stress. Even with a confident, dominant dog, being the leader in an assistance dog partnership can produce unhealthy stress. Most of what we regularly encounter when we are out and about could legitimately be considered a threat to a dog. A dog has two normal reactions to perceived danger—fight or flight. With our assistance dogs, we ask them to suppress both of these reactions. The dog is on leash, so flight is not an option. We frown on assistance dogs growling, barking or otherwise showing aggressive behavior, so fight is also ruled out. From the canine view, what is left? Even a confident dog who is normally quite comfortable in a pack leader role can justifiably feel stressed out. Over time, this constant stress level can cause many of the emotional and physical symptoms mentioned at the beginning of this article.

The solution is that all assistance dogs should clearly perceive their human partner as the leader of the pack. This does not imply the use of force, or doing alpha rolls or other aggressive means of dominating dogs. Rather, it is the development of a relationship of trust and confidence in which the human is looked to for guidance in all issues of importance or decisions about safety and danger. Even with guide, hearing and other alert dogs, the dogs should be trained to respond to certain environmental cues and take specific action, such as alerting the owner. They should not be deciding on their own which environmental cues are important or how they should respond. With confidence in his leader, the assistance dog is free to relax and let the human partner make the decisions about how to respond to events. Conversely, a confident human leader can trust that the assistance dog understands his role and will be there when needed. There are many leadership training programs in use today. Whatever tool is used, the assistance dog partner should understand how to earn the leadership role with their assistance dog.

The final area in which the assistance dog partner needs to be educated is how to prevent, recognize and respond to stress in their dog. Everyone would agree that it is best to prevent stress when possible. There are several ways to accomplish this. Ensuring that the dog is healthy and fit helps prevent stress. Maintaining the dog’s training through regular practice sessions helps the dog be confident in responding to commands and situations. It is also a great way to reinforce the leadership role of the assistance dog partner. Providing regular “vacations” for the dog enables him to unwind, similar to the way we do on a vacation or over the weekend. Vacations can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days. Activities such as agility, swimming and fetch can be great stress relievers. Sending the dog off with a friend (and a dog friend!) for a couple of days can provide a great vacation. Many assistance dogs are “on duty” whenever they are with the handler. Even if they are not in heel position or in harness, they must still be vigilant in case their partner needs them. The only way for them to truly relax is to get away. In order for them to enjoy this time, however, they must be comfortable being separated from their partner. This is a great way to practice those separation skills!

Prevention is great, but it is not always possible. What happens when the dog is faced with something scary and gets frightened? A natural reaction for most of us when we see an animal in acute stress is to reassure and comfort him. Generally this has the opposite effect in dogs. It is as if we have confirmed for them that there is something to fear. If we can’t reassure the dog, how can we react to stress? The assistance dog partner needs to learn a variety of tools to help the fearful dog. Desensitization, redirecting the dog’s focus, rewarding lack of fear response, and removing the dog from the situation are all possibilities. Part of team training should provide opportunities for the team to practice as many tools as possible.

The partner should also be on the lookout for symptoms of chronic stress—lack of enthusiasm, physical or behavioral problems and refusal to obey are just some warning signs. The first step in dealing with chronic stress is to recognize that it exists. Once it is recognized, a plan can be put in place to deal with it.

Canine Care Plan

There is so much to learn that a new assistance dog partner will probably be overwhelmed with information. It will take time to assimilate everything and learn how to apply it. Before bringing a dog home, each partner should have a documented care plan tailored for their dog and personal situation. This would include at least the following:

• A diet and weight management program.
• Ideas and recommendations for a fitness and conditioning program.
• A health care program, including regular grooming activities and medical care.
• A plan for providing doggie “vacations” and play time.
• A program for maintaining separation skills.
• A training maintenance plan.
• An emergency plan for the dog’s care in case the assistance dog partner becomes incapacitated.
• An emergency plan in case medical or behavioral conditions require temporary or permanent retirement of the dog.
• A retirement plan, including signs of need to retire and issues to be addressed upon retirement.

This plan should be updated at least annually. Dog trainers, veterinarians and assistance dog specialists can help provide information for the different sections. With proper selection, training and care, there is no reason why assistance dogs should be victims of stress and burnout. We ask a lot of these dogs. It is our responsibility to make sure it is not too much.

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