Helping Howls Training

Why do Service Dog Trainers HATE Off-Breeds?

Well...they don't (or at least I don't)

As a handler who had a successful off-breed & rescue as a service dog for about 7 years, I know first hand off-breeds can be service dogs.

However, just because it CAN be done, doesn't mean it's the good/ideal option for every handler. This is why trainers often recommend the Terrific Two which tend to be a good fit for majority of disabilities & lifestyles.

At the end of the day, it's about weighing all options, pros, cons, etc. I personally went from an off-breed & rescue to a well-bred labrador after weighing everything out.

Why did you choose your breed?

Consider this: Can your dog do what you're asking?

This may seem silly or nonsensical, but it's an important question when a dog isn't listening. Let me use an example:

I asked Obsidian to sit, and he wouldn't. Before this he was disengaged, sniffing, and overall not acting like himself in public. So, I asked if he had to go the bathroom which he replied he did. Immediately going outside in grass he had liquid diarrhea. He felt he COULD NOT sit without potentially pottying in the store.

Now, imagine if I instead simply collar corrected or used some other aversive method (which I would do none of)...that could potentially harm both our relationship & the items in public.

Listen to your dog & give both you and your dog grace!

Has your dog ever "been bad" when it was actually a health issue? Let me know in the comments.

Smoky Quartz Training Update! He's mastered some tasks & public access settings!
..right?

He actually hasn't worked on tasks at all! But if this was posted on social media, someone may have easily believed this from another handler.

Social media is a great place to learn, but that doesn't mean everything posted is fact or reality. Rather, it may actually be hyperbole or not true at all...especially when it comes to training & progress.

In reality for Smoky, he has only worked on foundation behaviors & skills. We are taking his training slow & making everything he learns a game! I'm in no rush.

If social media becomes a burden on your team, it may be time to take a break. Taking a break is OK, and it may save your team's relationship depending on how much it affects you.

Has social media impacted your team?