From Shelter to Service Dog

Book excerpt: From Shelter To Service Dog is a practical guide for creating a calm, stable state of mind in your dog that allows access to rehabilitation and advanced training. The information presented here is the culmination of years of experience working with hundreds of families for various issues. This method is also the foundation of our Service Dog training programs for a wide range of disabilities, including PTSD, epilepsy, diabetes, mobility needs, autism and others. Understanding how to regulate behavior and attitudes in a dog is a fundamental part of a healthy relationship, whether adopting a new pet, training a Service Dog or working to resolve a severe behavioral issue that has been with a family for years. Shaping behavior is about understanding that dogs have needs that have to be filled for them to give stable behavior back. Once their needs are addressed, excitement, stress and anxiety can be resolved to provide access to new behaviors.