Service Dogs America

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Qualify My Dog

Step One: Public Access Test for Qualification

Purpose: The purpose of this Public Access Test is to ensure that dogs that have public access are stable, well-behaved and unobtrusive to the public; that you have control over the dog; and that, as a team, you do not pose a public hazard.

Dismissal: Any dog that displays aggressive behavior (growling, biting, raising hackles, showing teeth, etc.) or exhibits uncontrollable behavior will not qualify as a Service Dog.

Bottom Line: Your dog demonstrates that he/she is safe to be in public, and you demonstrate that you have control of your dog at all times.

Commands: Commands may be given to the dog verbally, via hand signals, or a combination of the two.

  1. Controlled unload out of vehicle: The dog must wait until released before coming out of the vehicle. Once outside, it must wait quietly unless otherwise instructed. The dog may not run around, be off lead or ignore commands. In short, the dog must be unloaded in the safest and most unobtrusive manner possible.
  2. Approaching the building: The dog must stay in a relative heel position and may not forge ahead or lag behind. The dog must display relaxed attitude and exhibit no fear of cars or traffic noises. When you stop for any reason, the dog must also stop.
  3. CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY: Upon entering the building, the dog may not wander off or solicit public attention. The dog should wait quietly until both of you are fully inside, then should walk calmly beside you. The dog must not pull or strain against the lead or try to push its way past you, but must wait patiently while entry is completed.
  4. HEELING THROUGH A BUILDING: Once inside the building, you and your dog must walk through the area in a controlled manner. The dog should always be within touching distance where applicable, or no greater than a foot away from you. The dog should not solicit public attention or strain against the lead. The dog must readily adjust to speed changes, turn corners promptly, and travel through crowded areas without interacting with the public. In tight quarters, the dog must be able to avoid obstacles and not knock over or play with merchandise.
  5. SIX-FOOT RECALL ON LEAD: You will sit the dog, leave it, travel six feet, then turn and call the dog to you. The dog should respond promptly to the command and not stop to solicit public attention. The dog should come close enough to you to be easily touched. The command should be obeyed smoothly and deliberately, without trudging or taking detours.
  6. SITS ON COMMAND: You should be able to have the dog sit. The dog must respond promptly each time, with no more than two commands, and no extraordinary gestures.
  7. DOWNS ON COMMAND: The first down will be at a table where food will be dropped on the floor. Your dog should not break the down to go for the food or sniff at it. You may give verbal and/or physical corrections to maintain the down, but no extraordinary gestures. The second down will involve an adult and child approaching your dog. The dog should maintain the down and not solicit attention. If the child pets the dog, the dog must behave appropriately and not break the down. If the dog begins to break the down, you may give verbal and/or physical corrections.
  8. NOISE DISTRACTION: Your dog may acknowledge the noise, but may not in any way show aggression or fear. A normal startle reaction is acceptable. The dog may jump or turn, but should quickly recover and continue along on the heel. The should not become aggressive, begin shaking, etc.
  9. RESTAURANT: While you are seated at a table in a restaurant, your dog should go under the table or, if size prevents this, stay close by. The dog must sit or lie down and may move a bit for comfort from time to time, but should not be up and down frequently or require frequent correction or reminding.
  10. OFF LEAD: If you drop the leash while moving so that it is apparent to the dog, you must show the ability to maintain control of the dog while retrieving the leash.

I verify that my dog complies with the above guidelines

By checking this box, you personally assure Service Dogs America that your dog can fulfill most of the above criteria.