Editing Assistance dog (section)

== Training process ==
[[File:Service dog in training resting.jpg|thumb|Assistance dog in training in its vest]]

Assistance dogs have traditionally been trained by organizations. In a few countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, assistance dogs can also be trained by their handlers<ref>{{Cite web |title=ADA service animals FAQ |url=https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/#:~:text=Does%20the%20ADA%20require%20service%20animals%20to%20be%20professionally%20trained|access-date=2024-08-26 |website=ADA FAQ |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Assistance dogs UK |url=https://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/information-hub/training-an-assistance-dog/#:~:text=In%20the%20UK,%20assistance%20dogs%20can%20be%20owner%20trained|access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Assistancedogs.org.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=healthdirect AU |url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/assistance-dogs#:~:text=While%20many%20dogs%20are%20trained,Australian%20Government's%20Disability%20Gateway%20website. |website=Healthdirect.gov.au| date=3 September 2024 |language=en}}</ref> but in most countries, only dogs trained and certified by an officially recognized organization can be recognized as assistance dogs and enjoy the associated legal protections.

A prospective assistance dog candidate will go through socialization and desensitization training, where the dog is exposed to unfamiliar locations, sounds, scents, and other stimuli. This training sets the foundations for the assistance dog to remain focused while working. An assistance dog prospect will also go through obedience training to ensure they remain under control of the handler.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AKC |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/service-dog-training-101/|website=AKC.ORG|language=en}}</ref>

After completing [[Dog training|obedience training]], an assistance dog commences specialized task training. During this training, the assistance dog will learn to perform tasks that will aid their disabled handler. The tasks that an assistance dog is trained to perform will differ based on the handler's disabilities and needs.

Examples of tasks include alerting to a fire alarm or doorbell, retrieving a medication during a medical episode, pulling a wheelchair, retrieving an item that has been dropped by the handler, and turning on lights. Some tasks may require a larger dog with healthy joints, while others (e.g. alerting to a sound) can be performed by a dog of any size.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Froling |first1=Joan |title=Assistance Dog Tasks |url=http://www.iaadp.org/tasks.html |website=IAADP |access-date=25 August 2018}}</ref>

 [[Image:BoltonPriory AssistanceDogs.jpg|275px|thumb|right|"Assistance Dogs welcome" sign in [[Bolton Priory]]]]