Help dogs come with an assortment of skills: guiding dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs just to name a few. The basic premise of their training are all similar: condition a dog to help people that cannot do their day-to-day chores on their own because of certain impairment. These dogs will serve the people that have these impairments in the specific ways that are needed based on their skill, personality and each dog’s specialized training.

There are two types of dog training that these animals have to pass: Self-training and program training.

Self-training is done by the owner of the dog and consists of the general skills most owners naturally teach their dogs. The dog gets to know the person that will be their owner and master and to learn what that person’s handicaps and limitations are. The dog will develop a natural bond with their owner and take pride in helping them to accomplish the tasks that they need help with. Program dog training is also done with the owner, but with the aid of a trained dog helper expert that is know legible in the steps and skills that are essential to their important work. We know that having time between the dog and the owner will encourage or increase their relationship – but the training is also essential for the dog to be useful.

You can train young and old dogs, some prefer to train dogs that are aging in particular instances where an older dog might be more suitable – in other instances a younger dog might be more appropriate. There is no one size fits all.

As an owner you can train a dog in your own techniques that suit your family. By spending time together to increase your good relationship, you dog will be able to adapt to almost any situation. You can easily teach the dog commands such as: come, sit, no and stay. As time goes by you can train them to do things such as turn on and off lights and close and open a door.

One thing we do know is that our pet is one of our best friends, an effective companion and will go wherever we want them to go. They also provide emotional and mental support when we need someone to talk to – dogs really are man’s best friend.