When considering acquiring a service dog, potential owners face a significant decision: should they obtain a service dog through an agency or train one themselves? Both routes have unique advantages and challenges. This blog post will explore the pros and cons of each method to help you make an informed choice based on your personal circumstances, capabilities, and needs.

I have a little bit of experience in owner-training or “self-training” my Golden Retriever, Alton, to be a service dog for my husband and me. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out. I will write in more detail about our experience in that section of this post. But first, let’s define what a service dog is, and more importantly, what a service dog is not.

What is a Service Dog?

Before diving into the pros and cons, it's important to define what a service dog is. A service dog is trained to perform specific tasks to aid a disabled person. These tasks can range from guiding individuals who are blind, alerting individuals who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, and more. Service dogs are legally recognized and are granted specific public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A service dog is not a pet. Let me repeat that. A service dog is not a pet. It is a working dog who needs to be afforded the respect and understanding of the title of working service dog—both by its owners, and the general public. Now, this is not to say a service dog and its owners can’t or shouldn’t develop a bond that is very much like anyone would with a pet. Additionally, many service dogs can assume a very domestic life with its owner. As it should! After all, it needs to feel comfortable and safe in the home he/she is performing service tasks in. With these distinctions made, there are unique and specific boundaries that even an owner/handler needs to establish with their service dog. Boundaries that don’t exist with a domesticated dog/pet relationship.

Option 1: Acquiring a Service Dog through an Agency

Pros:

1. Professional Training

Service dogs provided by agencies are trained by professionals who have extensive experience and knowledge in training dogs for specific tasks. These dogs undergo rigorous training sessions to ensure they meet the needs of their future handlers. Training a service dog typically requires an approximate amount of 120 to 600 professional training hours. The specific number of hours can vary based on the individual dog's temperament, breed, and the tasks it needs to perform. These hours are crucial for service dogs to master commands, tasks, and skills necessary to assist their handlers effectively. Professional trainers work closely with service dogs to ensure they can navigate various environments, respond to cues promptly, and provide support in a range of situations. The extensive training hours invested contribute to the reliability and competence of service dogs in fulfilling their important roles in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

2. Time-Saving

Acquiring a service dog through an agency can be a significant time-saving effort for individuals with disabilities. These agencies are well-versed in the process of matching service dogs with their future owners based on specific needs and lifestyles. By utilizing their expertise, individuals can bypass the lengthy and often arduous task of searching for a compatible service dog on their own. Additionally, these agencies handle the training and certification requirements, saving precious time and energy for the individual. Overall, the streamlined process of acquiring a service dog through an agency can provide a quicker path to gaining a valuable companion and essential support for daily living.

3. Reliability and Guarantee

When obtaining a service dog through an agency, individuals can expect a certain level of reliability and guarantees. Agencies typically provide well-trained dogs that have undergone thorough assessments and specialized training to meet specific needs. These dogs are trained to perform tasks that assist their handlers in various aspects of daily living. Additionally, agencies often offer ongoing support, follow-up training, and guidance to ensure the success of the partnership. While each agency may have its own policies and procedures, the overarching goal is to match individuals with appropriate service dogs that will enhance their independence and quality of life. Additionally, many agencies either have close relationships with well-known breeders, or they breed their own dogs in house. Knowing the lineage of a dog is very important to be able to screen for potential health problems that may not be known with a dog is still a puppy.

4. Legal Compliance

When obtaining a service dog from an agency, it is crucial to consider the legal compliance assurance provided. Reputable agencies ensure that they are compliant with all relevant laws and regulations governing service animals. This includes adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, which grants individuals with disabilities the right to have a service dog accompany them in public places. By obtaining a service dog through a compliant agency, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that their rights are being upheld and that their canine companion meets the necessary legal requirements to assist them effectively. While reinforcement training should continue once a service dog leaves the agency and is placed with their disabled handler, the agency should be able to provide a strong assurance that a dog who has graduated from training can safely and effectively provide the service tasks required of it in all public spaces and situations.

Cons:

1. Cost

The high cost of obtaining a service dog through an agency can present a significant financial challenge for many disabled people. The expenses associated with acquiring a trained service dog include the cost of purchasing or training the dog, veterinary care, equipment, and ongoing maintenance. Prices can be steep, often ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. While some agencies offer financial aid or payment plans, the initial cost can be prohibitive for many.

2. Waiting Lists

Due to the high demand and the time it takes to train each dog, there can be lengthy waiting lists, sometimes several years long. One reason for this is the high percentage of dogs who “wash out” in the training programs. While it can depend on the on the organization and the criteria used for selection, it is estimated that about 50-70 percent of dogs do not successfully complete the rigorous training to become certified service dogs. Factors contributing to a dog washing out can include health concerns, behavioral issues, or a lack of suitability for the specific tasks required. While it can be disheartening when a dog is unable to complete training, it is crucial for the well-being of both the dog and the recipient that only the most capable and well-suited dogs graduate as service animals. This contributing factor adds to the number of dogs available to the large population of disabled people who need one.

3. Less Personal Bonding During Training

While obtaining a service dog through an agency can undoubtedly provide valuable assistance and support, there is a potential downside when it comes to bonding. Since these dogs are often trained for specific tasks by professionals before being placed with an individual, there may be less opportunity for the natural bonding process that occurs when raising and training a dog from a young age. The established training and routines may create a sense of distance initially, which could affect the development of a deep, personal connection between the person and their service dog. However, with time, patience, and consistent quality time spent together, it is very possible for meaningful bonds to form even in agency-placed service dog relationships.

4. The Legal Fine Print Regarding Rights of Ownership

When obtaining a service dog through an agency, the legal fine print surrounding the ownership and rights can vary depending on the agency's policies and the specific circumstances of the partnership. In general, the agency often retains ownership of the service dog, considering it a trained working animal rather than a pet. This means that while the individual using the service dog has the right to work with and benefit from the dog's services, the agency may still have legal ownership over the animal. It's essential for both parties to clearly outline these details in a contract to ensure responsibilities, rights, and terms of the partnership are understood from the outset.

Option 2: Training a Service Dog Yourself

As I stated above, when my husband and I got Alton, we hired a professional to help us determine if he could be our service dog. The trainer was certified in this type of training, and they agreed upon an initial assessment that Alton had the potential to be a good service dog for us. After many hours of training, we determined it was not going to work out. He was never able to successfully accomplish the public access requirements he needed to. Additionally, he had some minor health problems that made his training more challenging. We ultimately decided it was in Alton’s best interest, and ours, that he not be our service dog. This was fine with us because we first and foremost took him into our home as our pet. I actually refer to him as my “fur son.” I was excited at the thought of him being our service dog because some tasks he gleefully and proudly had a strong aptitude for. The tasks and role of a disability service dog, however, have to be comprehensive. Just because Alton likes to help pick up my laundry doesn’t make him qualified to be a service dog. I write about this journey in Alton’s puppyhood in detail in this blog post if you are interested in learning more.

Pros:

1. Cost-Effective

Owner-training your service dog can lead to significant cost-savings compared to obtaining a pre-trained service dog. You may still incur costs for professional training courses and possibly for a trainer's consultations, in addition to specialized training materials. But these are generally less than purchasing a fully trained service dog. By taking on the responsibility of training the dog yourself, you can avoid the high price tags associated with purchasing a fully trained service dog. Owner-training also allows for a more personalized training approach, tailored specifically to your needs and lifestyle. While it requires dedication, time, and effort, the financial savings and the deep bond formed with your canine companion make owner-training an appealing option for many individuals seeking a service dog.

2. Bonding

As alluded to above, owner-training your service dog has been found to significantly enhance the bonding process between the handler and the canine companion. By taking on the responsibility of training your own service dog, you are immersed in a journey that involves dedication, patience, and mutual learning. This hands-on approach allows for a deeper understanding of your dog's abilities, personality, and unique needs, fostering a stronger connection built on trust and communication. Through the process of training together, both owner and dog develop a strong bond that goes beyond the roles of handler and service animal, evolving into a partnership based on teamwork and companionship. This collaborative effort not only results in a well-trained service dog but also cultivates a profound and meaningful relationship that can positively impact the overall well-being of both partners.

3. Customized Training

Customized task training for your service dog offers a range of benefits that can enhance the bond and effectiveness of the partnership between you and your furry friend. By embarking on owner training, you have the opportunity to tailor the tasks specifically to your individual needs and lifestyle. This personalized approach can address your unique disability-related challenges in a way that professional training may not fully capture. Additionally, the hands-on experience of training your service dog can deepen your understanding of their behavior, strengths, and weaknesses, leading to a stronger and more intuitive connection. Owner training also fosters a sense of empowerment and independence as you master the skills needed to help your service dog assist you in various tasks efficiently.

Cons:

1. Time and Effort Required

Owner training a service dog can be a highly rewarding but challenging journey for individuals with disabilities. The process demands a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication to train a canine partner to perform specific tasks that mitigate disabilities. It can take up to two years to fully train a service dog, depending on the tasks it needs to perform. From basic obedience to complex assistance tasks, the owner must invest in consistent training sessions, socialization efforts, and ongoing maintenance of skills. Balancing this demanding training regimen with daily responsibilities can be overwhelming at times. Additionally, the emotional and physical energy required to navigate setbacks and reinforce positive behavior can take a toll.

We tried with Alton for about six months. I can attest, at times, it was very stressful for me. I don’t have much patience, and sometimes my energy was lacking. Our trainer was mostly understanding, but honestly, at times, I felt like I was the one being trained. In some aspects, I can understand why I need to be trained, too. After all, I’m not an expert in service dog training. But this lack of knowledge and experience can make the whole training journey require more effort, of not just the dog, but the owner as well. I don’t think I was as mentally and emotionally prepared for this aspect of training as I should have been.

2. Lack of Guarantees

When you train a service dog yourself, there are no guarantees regarding the dog’s performance or ability to function as a service dog. You also face the risk of the dog not passing public access tests, which are necessary for it to be legally recognized as a service dog. While this is a somewhat controversial opinion, some trainers believe there is a notable difference in the end result between training by an owner and by a professional agency. While professional agencies have established training programs and experienced trainers, there are no guarantees that a service dog trained by their owner will reach the same level of proficiency. Owners might not have access to the same resources or knowledge as professional agencies, which could result in varying levels of success in the training process.

3. Legal and Compliance Challenges

In order for owner-trained service dogs to be legally recognized and granted public access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they must demonstrate specific training and behavior standards. These standards ensure that the service dog is capable of assisting their handler effectively in managing their disability-related tasks. To certify compliance with these standards, owners must thoroughly train their service dog to perform tasks directly related to their disability. While there is no formal certification or registration process required by law for owner-trained service dogs, it is crucial for handlers to maintain documentation of their dog's training and behavior in case they are ever questioned about the dog's status as a service animal.

In closing, I will just say that our journey of attempting to owner-train Alton to be our service dog was one that I have no regrets about. Even though it didn’t work out for us, there are many successful owner-trained service dogs who bring immeasurable independence and companionship for disabled people. Our process taught me a lot about generalized dog training, and how to raise Alton to be a good doggie citizen, which was and remains a very important value for us in our family. Our bond was strengthened because of our training experience, and I have no doubt he is the amazing senior-aged dog he is now, in part, because of the service dog training we did with him early in his life.

Do you have a service dog comment you want to share? Please leave it in the comments below and we can keep the conversation going. Also, my next blog post will explore some of the best breeds for service dogs. You can read that post by clicking HERE.