Service & Therapy Dog Training Flashcards

A service dog team is denied entry to a restaurant. Under the ADA, the handler's first recommended action is to:

Answer: Calmly inform the manager of ADA rights and, if denied, file a complaint with the DOJ

Educating the manager is the first step; if access is still denied, the handler can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice's ADA complaint process.

Which term describes the phenomenon where a highly trained service dog begins performing tasks less reliably due to lack of consistent real-world practice?

Answer: Skill deterioration / maintenance deficit

Without ongoing practice in real-world contexts, trained behaviors can degrade over time — a maintenance deficit — requiring refresher training to restore reliability.

A hearing alert dog trained to signal a doorbell should perform the alert by:

Answer: Physically touching the handler and then moving toward or looking at the sound source

Hearing alert dogs are trained to make physical contact with the handler (touch) and then lead or orient toward the sound source to communicate its location.

What is the primary welfare concern when a service dog is worked more than 8 hours per day on a regular basis?

Answer: Chronic physical and mental fatigue can lead to stress, task refusal, and shortened working lifespan

Sustained overwork causes cumulative stress and physical strain, leading to behavioral degradation and potentially ending a dog's working career prematurely.

A trainer is preparing a service dog for work with a handler who uses a power wheelchair. Which environmental element should be introduced EARLIEST in the training process?

Answer: The sound and movement of the wheelchair

The dog's future primary environment is the wheelchair itself, so early desensitization to its sound, movement, and proximity builds the essential foundation for all other training.

Which element distinguishes a 'forward momentum' brace from a 'static brace' in mobility assistance dog training?

Answer: Forward momentum brace supports the handler while walking, while static brace assists with standing from a stationary position

A static brace stabilizes the handler while rising from a seated position, while a forward momentum brace provides support and counterbalance during walking.

In a school-based reading assistance therapy dog program, which outcome is the program PRIMARILY designed to achieve?

Answer: Reduce reading anxiety and increase motivation to read aloud by providing a non-judgmental audience

Reading to a therapy dog reduces performance anxiety because dogs provide a calm, non-critical presence that encourages reluctant readers to practice without fear of judgment.