Service Dog Training Guide: A Step-by-Step Training Program for You and Your Dog by Jennifer Hack

Author:Jennifer Hack [Hack, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Rockridge Press
Published: 2020-06-03T00:00:00+00:00

MOBILITY

TASK 4: OPENING AND CLOSING A DOOR

What Does My Dog Need to Learn? This task combines the “pull” and “touch a target” tasks. These commands are chained together to teach a dog to assist a handler by opening and closing a door, sliding door, cabinet door, or kitchen drawers. This behavior can also be applied to laundry (washer or dryer doors) with a special modified handle.

TRY THIS

1 . Choose a door that is not too heavy. Check it out yourself, opening and closing the door to make sure there is enough room for your dog to practice. Take extra care that the door does not swing too far or hit the wall when pulled open. Anything that startles or scares your dog can really set back the training process. If necessary, use your hands, your foot, or prop up pillows to control how fast the door can swing.

2 . Attach a pull handle to a door handle. Allow your dog to see you doing this. If your dog is smaller or shorter, use a longer handle or a leash.

3 . Show them the handle and cue them to “take it” and “pull.” Mark and reward each time the dog moves the door.

4 . During the training process, between sessions, remove the handle from the door or cabinets when you’re not using it. Once your dog understands and can perform the task reliably, handles can be left on anything the dog will need to open.

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