Service dogs are more than just pets—they're life-changing partners for individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate everyday tasks and regain independence. Whether a dog is professionally trained or trained by its owner, the bond between a handler and their service dog is powerful. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between professionally trained and self-trained service dogs, using insights from the study Professionally- and Self-Trained Service Dogs: Benefits and Challenges for Partners With Disabilities (Hart, L. 2019).
Key Takeaways from the Study
The study explored the lived experiences of service dog handlers, comparing those with professionally trained dogs and those who trained their own. Both paths offer unique benefits and challenges:
1. Professional Training: The Reliable Path
Professionally trained service dogs undergo extensive training to help with specific tasks, such as medical alerts, mobility support, and more. These dogs are typically well-prepared, and handlers often feel confident knowing their dog can reliably assist in complex situations.
However, the cost of professional training can be a major barrier. Many people find the expense of acquiring a fully trained service dog prohibitive.
2. Self-Training: A Personal Connection
Self-training allows individuals to train their own dogs, often at a lower cost. The process can foster a deep connection between handler and dog, and it allows for more personalized training.
But self-training isn't always easy. Handlers often face steep learning curves, requiring significant time and effort. Some report challenges with their dog’s behavior in public or with consistency in task performance, which can limit the dog’s effectiveness as a service dog.
Common Challenges for All Service Dog Handlers
Regardless of whether a dog is professionally or self-trained, service dog teams face certain shared challenges. One of the biggest is the need for ongoing training. Dogs require continuous reinforcement to stay sharp, and handlers of both professionally and self-trained dogs report difficulties maintaining training over time.
Additionally, caring for a service dog comes with emotional and logistical demands. Handlers need solid support networks and resources to help with everything from training to general care.
How Medical Mutts Can Help
While the study offers valuable insights, it also highlights the need for accessible, high-quality training options. Medical Mutts Service Dogs is committed to addressing these needs through a variety of services.
Professional Training: Medical Mutts offers a comprehensive Board & Train program, where dogs receive training for a variety of service tasks. Their commitment to using rescue dogs ensures that each dog has a second chance at life while becoming a reliable service dog.
Support for Self-Trainers: For those who choose to train their own dogs, Medical Mutts offers both online and in-person coaching. These programs guide handlers every step of the way, ensuring they feel confident in training their dogs.
Affordable Options: Understanding the financial challenges of acquiring a service dog, Medical Mutts offers owner-training options and works tirelessly to secure grants and donations to make service dogs more affordable for those in need.
A Testimonial from a Medical Mutts Client
One of our clients, Tate, shared her experience with us:"Medical Mutts provided a solution when other options had failed. I received two diagnoses that changed the very way I had to live my life. I had a foster pup who was part kangaroo and part Einstein, and it took me exactly 8 days to inform the Brown County Humane Society that she was our forever dog. I built her an agility course to get some of that energy out. That's when I found Medical Mutts. I did not really believe we would make it through the program, but I was willing to try anything to stay off the hamster wheel of medications that weren't helping. Tate was a rock star, and the more I worked with her, the more I realized I didn’t give my little fur-genius enough credit. We worked hard, rode out the ups and downs, and made it through all the classes with amazing support from our Medical Mutts trainers and all the resources they provided us. I now have a fully trained service dog who is my medical ally. I am deeply indebted to Medical Mutts for believing my shelter dog could become my helper dog and for giving me my independence back."
Conclusion: The Path to a Life-Changing Partnership
The study reinforces the transformative impact of service dogs, no matter how they’re trained. Professionally trained dogs provide reliability and ease, while self-trained dogs offer a personalized, deep connection. However, both paths come with challenges that require ongoing support and resources.
Organizations like Medical Mutts are here to help. By offering professional training, coaching for self-trainers, and affordable options, Medical Mutts is empowering people to build successful and lasting partnerships with their service dogs.
For more information on how Medical Mutts can support your journey, visit medicalmutts.org.