Have you ever wondered… 

what it would be like to have your own service dog but didn’t have tens of thousands of dollars to pay someone else to train your dog? 

Let us come alongside you and guide you and your future service companion.

Welcome to SoCal K-9 Search & Rescue, where it is our mission to find the lost and help those in trouble. While we do search for lost people in the wilderness, alzeimer’s patients that have wandered off or missing children with the assistance of our two border collies, the other part of what we do is help those in trouble. Over the coming months together, we will guide you and your dog to achieve the highest standard of professional training in order for you to have your very own service dog to best assist you with your own set of needs. In our 100% customized programs, we use classical, operant and positive reinforcement training to take your relationship deeper with your best friend and learn to train your dog right from your very own home for an affordable price. Everyone deserves to know the love that is possible between a dog and and their handler. It would be our privilege to share the information we’ve learned over the last 30 years with you so you can experience a type of love so profound you never knew it existed.

Did you know…

There is no registration or certification for a service or therapy dog in the USA outside of your local, general dog licensing laws. You do not need to pass any test to be legally recognized as a service dog under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990). That said, there are high, standardized, industry recognized tests that we can train our dogs to in order to ensure that your pup is measuring up to industry standards for public access and behavior in public.

Basic Industry Standard Checklist for Bringing Your Best Friend into Non Pet Friendly Stores:

• Getting Started with your Custom Program
  • PSI Good Manners Evaluation
    • AKC Canine Good Citizen Title
      • AKC Canine Good Citizen Advanced (Community Good Citizen)
        • AKC Canine Good Citizen Urban Evaluation
          • PSI Public Access Test
            • Advanced and General Task Training for Service/Working Dog Specific Needs     

*With each phase of training you will be building relationship, confidence, and gaining public access step by step along this journey. While it does take commitment to train a service dog, please know this is an option for you if you need it. Don’t be intimidated by the long list of criteria; at SoCal we keep the training fun and we keep you moving forward every week we are together. We look forward to helping you accomplish your goals with your dog. Please reach out for more information!

SoCal K-9 Search & Rescue Service Dog Training

What’s included:

– custom obedience program 

– custom behavioral program (7 day detailed training instructions based on your schedule, goals, available opportunities, etc)

– holistic care including nutrition, exercise, first aid and grooming tips

– weekly meetings and updates to your training program in addition to any support you need throughout the week to make sure all of your questions are answered

How it Works:

Contact us for an initial consultation where you will meet your trainers, learn more about service dog laws, the training process, public access and other frequently asked questions. Once we have this information, we will get you started with a 100% customized program for you, your family, and your pup including your holistic care and training. Your training is very specific: what to train, when, notes, etc.

We update your program every week to avoid any plateau, also keeping everything super interesting, challenging and totally specific to your schedule, progress, etc! 

We are at your disposal for endless questions throughout our time together too. We are here to teach you a new way to connect with your dog that is easy and maintainable once we are finished, and also to be your biggest cheerleader and motivator along this journey.

 Psychiatric Service Dog Partners (PSI) Service Dog In Training Manners Evaluation

Dog’s name: _____________ Handler’s name:_____________________ 

Date of test: ________  Tester’s name: __________________________

Purpose

This evaluation is intended as a tool to help mark progress along a service dog training journey. This journey has many gray areas in the transition from pet-friendly environments to no-pet places. Accordingly, this guide alone should not be misinterpreted as a black-or-white stamp of approval or disapproval. However, a dog’s ability to fairly pro ficiently execute these behaviors is a good indicator that the dog is ready to start training in no-pet places, as local laws or permissions allow.

Scoring and organization

This evaluation is divided between guidelines and activities. Guidelines apply throughout the evaluation, while activities are separate events for individual evaluation.

Scores on guidelines are yes or no because these represent a necessary backdrop, but this scoring does not mean that teams cannot (or should not) improve beyond the minimum needed to earn a yes. The tester may score each guideline either during activities or at the end. Teams must score a yes on each guideline to pass, but the tester’s notes on these items can be more important in helping teams understand how to make training progress.

Teams are scored on a 1 to 5 proficiency scale for the activities, with 1 described as “not at all proficient” and 5 as “completely proficient”. A score of 1 on an item means roughly that the dog shows no understanding of what’s expected. A score of 5 means the dog has a full understanding of what’s expected, reliably performs the behavior with practically no flaws, and the team has excellent communication as is relevant to the behavior. A team must score at least a 3 on each activity to pass the evaluation.

Result: Pass    No Pass Tester signature:

In continuing their training development, teams should be mindful not only of improving any shortfalls, but also of incorporating the detailed feedback given on each item. When administered by a knowledgeable tester, this evaluation is both a snapshot of progress and a valuable resource for future training.

Guidelines

Guidelines apply throughout the evaluation. After or throughout the testing, the tester should note below whether and how the team meets each of the guidelines. The emphasis should be on providing feedback that is useful for the future.

G1. It is important that throughout their experience in these types of environments, the dog is generally comfortable with the situation. The dog should not have a baseline nervousness or high stress level, as the dog might indicate by showing ongoing stress signs. It is okay to show moderate stress where it is normal for the situation, but a quick recovery is key. A dog that is either generally uncomfortable or particularly stressed in situations described in this document may need to be desensitized through further training before passing this evaluation.

Dog is not overly stressed or uncomfortable: Yes No 

Notes:

G2. Any dog going out to no-pet places should be fully housetrained. Even so, it may be advisable to carry clean-up supplies, just in case the dog has an accident.

Dog is housetrained: Yes No 

Notes:

G3. The public places its trust in service dogs not to be dangerous. It is fundamental that the dog not exhibit aggression, such as growling, nipping/biting, showing/baring teeth, or lunging in an attacking manner. The dog also should not cause significant disturbances, such as through inappropriate, excessive barking, or by quickly lunging or moving in ways that are unpredictable and possibly frightening or dangerous to others.

Dog’s behavior does not present a danger or cause a significant disturbance: Yes No 

Notes:

G4. A dog’s needs for basic care must be met if it is to work as a service dog. For example, the dog should be sufficiently bathed and groomed so that it does not produce offensive smells or excessive shedding (to an extreme degree that would be noticeable and similarly inappropriate in humans). Perfuming the dog is not advised. The dog should also not have or exhibit an obvious medical problem that requires treatment, such as a painful limp, emaciation, or uncontrolled parasites, that may interfere with the ability to comfortably work or safely be around others.

Dog is cared for so as to work comfortably while not presenting a danger or causing a significant disturbance: Yes No

Notes:

G5. Handlers should not need to lure a dog through a behavior for this evaluation. “Luring” a dog through a behavior is when the dog appears to execute the desired behavior, but only does so by closely following a treat, a leading hand (different from small hand signals), etc. Luring may assist in teaching a behavior, but does not show a dog understands the behavior and cue, so luring does not demonstrate proficiency.

Completed activities without blatant luring: Yes No

Notes:

G6. Once a dog entirely completes an individual behavior in this evaluation without luring (according to the tester), the test-taker is welcome to offer treats, a toy, or other rewards as appropriate. Reward timing exceptions are noted in activity descriptions. The frequency, variety, and types of rewards should match the individual dog’s likes, needs, and progress. Advancing in training should correspond with using fewer rewards or fading them out completely, as long as the dog’s performance is reliable without them.

Reward use (type, frequency, timing) is acceptable for training level:

Yes No 

Notes:

G7. Aversive training methods (such as strong leash corrections) should not be used. Especially before a dog graduates as a service dog, the dog should be rewarded in a way that fosters the dog’s desire to work as part of a team.

Avoided aversive training during activities: Yes No 

Notes:

G8. With a service dog in training, it is key that the handler pay attention to the dog to catch desired and undesired behaviors and train appropriately. Early on in training, it is not a time to concentrate on shopping, reading labels, or even purchasing anything. The handler should be engaged with the dog, such as by providing feedback/rewards to motivate the dog, rather than ignoring the dog and letting the dog wander.

Handler showed acceptable focus on working with the dog as a team:

Yes No

Notes:

Activities

Except for A1., the tester may vary the order of activities. Activities may not be combined when it alters the nature of either activity; for example, the startle recovery (A3.) should not be tested while waiting calmly (A1.). Unless otherwise explicitly noted, the dog must be on the ground for each evaluation activity, not held.

A1. Waiting calmly

The team should sit calmly while waiting to begin, filling out test paperwork and then either having a conversation, remaining silent, or going over guidelines and activities as the handler or tester prefers. The dog must wait quietly for 5 minutes. The dog is allowed to change positions and move, so long as it is not disruptive, struggling to leave, or trying to closely investigate or visit another person, object, or dog. Lap position is okay if the dog is not impinging on others’ space or spilling over into an adjacent chair/area. It is acceptable to give a few calm rewards during this time (no more than five seconds of rewarding per minute—not constantly or as the only means to maintain control). It is also acceptable to give cues such as “leave-it” or “stay”, as long as the cues are not constant or excessive. A bystander should jog or move quickly past the team. The dog is allowed to notice and move, but should not lunge or act aggressively. The dog should return attention to the handler when cued.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A2. Attention cue

The dog should be able to respond to the handler with attention on cue. This could be a “watch” or “look” cue, a “touch” cue, or even the dog’s name, if trained to focus on the handler when their name is said.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A3. Startle recovery

The tester should drop a metal bowl, car keys, clipboard, or some other noisy object on the ground approximately 5–10 feet from the dog. The dog can startle and safely, non- aggressively break position when this happens, as long as the recovery is fairly quick and the dog is able to pay attention to the handler.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A4. Working position

The tester will instruct the team on a short path to walk (at least 50 feet) to demonstrate the team’s default working position in public. The dog should be able to walk around generally in heel position or in another working position the team uses, which can vary based on what the team needs or prefers. No strong leash corrections are allowed. If a leash is used, it should generally be loose (with a “J” in the leash); there should be little or no straining against a leash or harness unless it is reasonably needed for disability- related work at the time. It is acceptable to brie fly give one or two treats as rewards during this activity, but not as lures to stay in working position (see G5.).

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A5. Basic obedience

A dog does not have to be an expert in an encyclopedia of obedience-competition cues to be an effective service dog. However, the dog’s training should aim for the dog to understand and be able to perform some basic obedience cues that are relevant to being a service dog. Exactly which cues are needed can vary based on how the dog will work, team preference, etc., and may change over time. The cues below are a starter set for this evaluation.

The dog should be able to either sit or lie down on cue.

The dog should be able to come on cue from a wait or stay from a short distance, such as from the end of a six-foot leash.

The dog should be able to walk past a low-to-mid-value food item on the floor without eating it. The dog should walk within approximately five feet of the food item. The leash should not be needed to stop the dog from getting the food item. Instead, the handler should use praise, attention cues, leave-it cues, or similar cues as needed to get the dog to walk past the food item and not strain or eat it.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A6. Supervised separation

Even for the most attached service dog teams, unpredictable emergencies happen and teams may have to be separated for a time. To begin preparing for such unusual or other everyday occurrences, the dog should be able to be left with another person while the handler exits the room and remains out of contact. The dog should stay with the alternate handler for approximately 30 seconds. The dog can reposition, move, and make some quiet noise, but the dog should neither bark at full volume nor completely lose control due to the distance of the handler. The alternate handler is not required to be an inanimate post; casually talking to or petting the dog a little is okay. Actively trying to keep the dog distracted is not okay, as this would not be an appropriate simulation.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A7. Working around other dogs

The dog should be able to focus on the handler while walking around a room for approximately one minute with other dog/handler pairs also randomly walking around. Multiple dog/handler pairs are preferred for this activity, but one other pair is acceptable if more are unavailable. The dogs should not be walked within three feet of one another. One or two treat rewards for good behavior are fine during this activity, but toy rewards are not and luring with treats is not (see G5.). Praise and cues are also acceptable. Mild interest in other dogs is fine, but the dog should remain under the handler’s control and not greet, play with, or exhibit aggression toward the other dogs or people.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A8. Walking through doorway

The team should be able to walk through typical doors that they might encounter when out and about. Evaluating this activity with automatic doors is preferred, but not required if unavailable. The dog should go through the door as it has been trained to and in a safe manner for the handler and others. This might include the dog stopping at the doorway and allowing the handler to go first, or it could include the team walking through together at the same time without pulling or startling at the door. Which method is safe may vary for more advanced doors, such as revolving, elevator, and train doors.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A9. Controlled vehicle entry and egress

The team should demonstrate the ability to get in and out of a car safely in a parking lot. The handler should load the dog in the vehicle in a regular and safe fashion, with the handler entering the vehicle as well in the handler’s normal fashion. The dog should stay in the car until cued to exit (or until the handler lifts the dog out of the car), safely staying within approximately three feet of the car door when exiting the car.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A10. Friendly stranger

A person the dog doesn’t know should be enlisted to interact with and pet the dog in a friendly way. An adult is recommended as the stranger for this portion of the evaluation, since children are usually much more distracting. The dog neither needs to stay completely still nor ignore the petting. The dog can interact with the person as cued, but must not be aggressive, present a danger, or provide excessive unwanted attention (mouthing a hand, excessive licking, etc.). The dog should avoid jumping up on people during a greeting. Normally, “four on the floor” is best during interactions (all paws on the ground). However, it can be okay for smaller dogs to stand or rise up some on their back legs if they are in no significant danger of frightening or putting their front paws on a person. The dog should redirect focus to the handler on cue, either during or right after the interaction.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

A11. Comfort with stores

The team should remain outside a store for three minutes, within five feet of the door (as appropriate for the particular setting). There should be shopping carts and other distractions going by. The dog should not closely sniff items or approach a person without a cue or without the person being willing. It is acceptable to use treats during this to reward good behavior (not to distract or lure), for no more than five seconds per minute. It is also acceptable if the dog startles or exhibits an unwanted but benign behavior, if the dog responds to cues from the handler such as “leave-it” and the dog recovers focus on the handler without much delay. As permitted, the handler may choose to demonstrate the more complete proficiency of entering a store for a short while. The dog should appear comfortable with the sights, sounds, and distractions.

Proficiency: (not at all) 1 2 3 4 5 (completely) 

What went well? What could be improved?

 AKC Good Citizen Test Items

1. Accepting a friendly stranger

Evaluator approaches and pretends to shake hands with handler (hands 6- 12” apart). Evaluator does not touch dog.

2. Sitting politely for petting

Evaluator pets dog; dog must show no shyness or resentment.

3. Reaction to another dog

Two handlers and dogs approach, pretend to shake hands (hands 6-12” apart), exchange pleasantries, then move on.

4. Out for a walk

Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn and stop. Change of pace- normal, fast, slow. 

5. Sit and down on cue/Staying in place

Handler shows that dog can do both sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20 ft. line, and returns immediately.

6. Coming when called 

With dog still on 20 ft. line, handler walks out 10 ft. and calls the dog.

7. Supervised separation

Handler goes out of sight for 3 mins. Dog is held on a 6-ft. Dog is held on leash by an evaluator.

8. Walking through a crowd

Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show causal interest but not jump up. (Figure 8’s)

9. Reaction to distractions

Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.

10. Appearance and grooming

Evaluator inspects dog, combs or brushes lightly, examines ears and each front foot.

AKC COMMUNITY CANINE TEST

Advanced Canine Good Citizen (the “CGCA” title)

To earn the CGCA title, the dog must already have a Canine Good Citizen award/title on record.

1. Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner:
   • sits at the registration table and fills out paperwork, or,
   • if the test is done in the community, dog waits while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with another person (e.g., at a park)
2. Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) — does not pull.

1. left turn
2. right turn
3. stop
4. fast and slow pace
5. Walks on loose leash through a crowd:

1. at a show or in class, this item is tested in a real crowd, not in a ring
2. in the community, dog walks on sidewalk, through a crowd at a community fair, park, on a trail, through a busy hallway, etc.
3. Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull.
   This item may be tested along with #3 if there are dogs in the crowd, etc.

1. at a show or class, dog walks by dogs waiting in the crowd–dogs 2 ft. apart
2. in the community, dog walks by other dogs on a trail, sidewalk, in a hallway, etc.

1. Sit-stay in small group (two other people with dogs, total of 3 people, 3 dogs in group).
2. Dog allows person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it.
   “May I pet your dog?” (Item is placed on floor/ground before the person pets the dog)
3. “Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.”
   This can be food placed by the evaluator on the floor or ground in a food dish with a wire cover as in Rally.
4. Down or sit stay — distance (owner’s choice).
   Dog is on 20–ft line, owner walks away with back to dog, picks up an item (e.g., backpack, training bag, clipboard, folder etc.) placed on the floor/chair/ground by the evaluator and returns to the dog.
5. Recall with distractions present (coming when called). Handler goes out 20–ft. **(off center) and calls dog.
   Dog is on the 20–ft. line from #8 above.
   
6. Dog will sit or stand stay (owner’s choice) while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. Owner calls dog through door when ready.
   Owner may also choose to:

1. send the dog through first and have the dog wait for the owner, or
2. the owner may choose to have the dog go through the doorway at the owner’s side.
3. Whichever method is used, the dog must not pull the owner and must be under good control. Think of the handler having the leash in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
   Doorway or gate can be real or simulated with ring gates, two chairs, or a natural passageway (e.g., entrance to trail) in the community.

AKC Urban CGC Test Items

1. Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings. Exit building to start test, additional Public buildings items are below.
2. Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.
   • People come toward the dog from 1-ft. away
   • Tolerate distractions (people wearing hats, coats, men, women, etc).
3. Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, and walking on a variety of surfaces. Examples:

1. Noises: horns, sirens, construction noise, etc.
2. Moving objects: skateboard, bike, carts, person running
3. Surfaces: concrete, grass, grates, plastic tarp, wet sidewalk

1. Crossing street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling (on leash, with owner). Crosses street under control.
2. Ignore food on sidewalk. (Dropped food, or cups, bags, cans, in which food was wrapped).
3. Person walks up and pets the dog. May be carrying an item such as a small dog in a bag, a computer bag, etc. Person does not put the bag down to pet the dog.
4. Public Building (that is dog friendly). Walks under control in building (slick surface, carpeted floor). Down stay (3 min) in lobby or outdoor area, or waits while owner has a meal or snack.
5. Stairs, steps, or elevator under control.

1. Steps (at least 3 – up and down)
2. Elevator (Enters under control, exits, rides under control)

1. Housetrained for apartment, condo, city living. Owner may verify this item. Evaluator may also observe in public buildings, or have observed in training classes.
2. Transportation. Owner’s choice depending on transportation needs.

1. Car. Enters/exits, remains under control during the ride. (Crate? Seatbelt?)
2. Subway. Small dog in bag for ride. (large dogs are not always permitted; know and abide by the Transit Policies in your area).
3. Dog friendly (enters/exits or allows to be put in/taken out) under control.

To pass the CGCU test, dogs must pass all 10 items of the test.

PSI Service Dog Public Access Test

Dog’s name: _____________ 

Handler’s name:_____________________ 

Date of test: ________  

Tester’s name: __________________________ 

Result: Pass    No Pass Tester signature:

Purpose

The purpose of this public access test (PAT) is to help evaluate service dog team behavior in public, no-pets places. This PAT is a minimum community standard for use with any type of service dog team.

A service dog must be trained to do work or a task to help its disabled person, but universal PATs do not usually test that disability assistance training. Once a service dog in training is reliably able to help with a person’s disability, teams commonly use a PAT to decide whether they are ready to graduate to service dog status. PSDP recommends this, as well as using our Service Dog in Training Manners Evaluation leading up to the PAT.

Service dog testing is not required by law in the United States, and PSDP believes this is appropriate. A history of focused and safe training development is always more meaningful than passing a PAT on a single day, and behavior in each ongoing moment is key. Training and responsible handling are lifelong activities.

PSDP does not certify service dog teams. Individuals are welcome to use this voluntary PAT with a knowledgeable tester for the purposes of service dog training or evaluation. PSDP is not liable for any risks or consequences of using this free public resource.

Scoring and organization

This test is divided between guidelines and activities. Guidelines apply throughout the test, while activities are separate events for individual evaluation.

The test items are in a yes-or-no format. The team must be successful on all items to pass. However, dogs and humans are not robots. If there is a minor mistake—for example, a dog is accidentally placed immediately next to a french fry under the table and samples it—the tester may use their discretion to give the team a second chance with the test item. Egregious mistakes (including aggression) are not allowed.

The tester may also use their discretion to adjust or omit test items that are not available in the tester’s general area (like elevators) or that are unreasonable due to a handler’s disability (such as shopping cart or stair use).

Basic requirements for service dog teams

Public access training usually takes 1–3 years of effort. This does not mainly happen in the kind of classes pet dogs take, but is focused specifically on safely developing a dog’s resilience and attention in a wide variety of unpredictable situations.

Guidelines

Guidelines apply throughout the evaluation. After or throughout the testing, the tester should indicate whether the team meets each guideline, noting anything exceptional or useful.

G1. Training/controlling aids

PSDP encourages training throughout the lifetime of the dog. However, the PAT is designed to give a good snapshot of how the dog can be expected to behave without intensive training aids, so handlers are not allowed to use treats during the test. Additionally, leash corrections or other physical corrections are not permitted.

This does not mean the dog must be handled like a robot. Handlers can definitely use praise and petting to reward good behavior in public. This can be important for maintaining a bond and encouraging the dog to enjoy working.

This PAT prohibits the dog from being outfitted with any device designed to train or control by causing pain or fear (such as prong collars, choke collars, shock collars, and studded/prong harnesses). A head collar or non-prong, no-pull harness is acceptable only if the handler needs such an item due to their disability. This kind of device should only be used as an emergency failsafe (e.g., safety for balance issues), and cannot be relied on to control the dog during the test. Martingale and limited-slip collars are good for keeping a dog from backing out of its collar if the dog has a neck almost as wide as its head, but should not be used for corrections.

Throughout the test, no treats, leash corrections, or training aids were used: Yes No 

Notes:

G2. Leash tension

The dog should not continuously/repeatedly strain at the leash (it should normally form a “J”). Harness tension is okay if safe for the dog and actively needed for disability mitigation (e.g., mobility or guide work). Retractable leashes are acceptable only when needed for disability-specific work. In either of these cases, the handler should alert the tester to the need and always maintain control without the dog excessively pulling or wandering.

Throughout the test, team had an appropriate level of looseness in the leash/harness: Yes No 

Notes:

G3. Inappropriate service dog conduct

Inappropriate behaviors include but aren’t limited to:

• growling or inappropriate, excessive barking

• nipping or biting

• showing or baring teeth

• lunging at other people or dogs

• being out of handler’s control

• inappropriately eliminating (urinating or defecating)

Throughout the test, dog did not display any inappropriate behaviors: Yes No Notes:

G4. Working position

Each team’s working position will be different to meet their disability requirements or the external situation. Acceptable working positions include a traditional heel, a forward heel, providing momentum pull, being carried in the arms or in a pouch or bag, or any other working position where the dog is within three feet of their handler and not causing a disturbance or danger to themselves or others by their position.

Note that unless indicated in the test item, small dogs who are justifiably carried as their normal working position may complete the activities from their carried position. Small dog teams should include a non-carried working position in their training when reasonable, in order to be prepared for unexpected situations. We encourage these teams to demonstrate this proficiency where they think it makes sense to on the PAT.

Throughout the test, dog was safe, comfortable, and confident in an appropriate working position: Yes No 

Notes:

G5. Working with distractions

The dog should be able to perform its duties and remain focused on the handler. If the dog becomes startled or distracted at any time, it should be able to quickly return its attention to the handler with very little or no redirection. The dog should not be aggressive or fearful, or cause the handler to fall or stumble.

Dog was able to work despite distractions encountered in normal working environment: Yes No 

Notes:

Activities

Activities are separate events for individual evaluation. After each activity, the tester should indicate whether the team successfully completes the activity, noting anything exceptional or useful.

A1. Information review

Handler acknowledged reading and understanding the PAT sections above (Purpose, Scoring and organization, Basic requirements for service dog teams, and Guidelines): Yes No 

Notes:

A2. Vehicles/public transportation

The dog should be able to wait until instructed to enter or exit the vehicle. The handler should be able to unload the dog and any other necessary equipment (wheelchair, walker, crutches, cane, etc.) with the dog following their instructions. The dog should be on a leash, harness, or other device when exiting the vehicle and stay with the handler and under control.

The dog should be trained to ride in vehicles without significant anxiety or otherwise being worked up. The dog should remain under control at all times without the need for coercion.

Dog entered and exited a form of transportation in a safe manner: Yes No

Dog rode in a form of transportation in a controlled manner: Yes No Notes:

A3. Parking lot behavior

The team should transit the parking lot safely. The dog should be able to remain in working position unless cued to do otherwise. The dog should be able to navigate a parking lot environment with confidence and remain focused on its handler.

Team transited a parking lot safely: Yes No Notes:

A4. Controlled entry into a building

The team should be able to enter a building in a controlled and safe manner. The dog should be confident when encountering varied types of flooring, the blasts of overhead blowers, automatic doors, and other sensations associated with places of business. If trained to do so for disability mitigation, the dog should be able to safely operate doors for the handler.

 Team entered a building in a controlled manner:

Yes No Notes:

A5. Navigating a store

The team should be able to move through stores together with the dog in working position. The dog should not attempt to solicit attention from others, knock into shelves, or interact with merchandise, such as by sniffing or licking. The dog should be able to walk past areas such as the bakery section, meat section, or pet food aisle, and be able to disregard such distractions to keep sufficient focus on the handler. *If the dog has been trained specifically to sniff food to aid with the user’s disability, then the dog can work at identifying the trigger by sniffing the food from a reasonable distance.*

The handler should be able to interact with the public and remain in control of their dog at all times. Unless it is okayed beforehand with the handler and the other party, the dog should not solicit attention from others. If the dog happens to behave inappropriately, the handler should regain control quickly and respectfully.

Assuming the person can use a cart, the dog should be able to maintain a working position while the person uses the cart. Generally, it is not a reasonable accommodation for a service dog to be placed in a shopping cart.

Team appropriately walked a short course in the store including a right turn, a left turn, and a u-turn (carried dogs must be on the ground for this item): Yes No

Dog did not bump into shelves or interact with merchandise: Yes No

Dog did not interact with other people unless instructed to do so: Yes No

Dog did not lick or closely sniff food or other items in store:* Yes No

Dog maintained a working position while handler uses a shopping cart: Yes No

Notes:

A6. Obedience training

Regardless of the dog’s normal working position, the dog needs to perform the following basic obedience commands at least from the ground. Service dog teams do not have to follow obedience competition rules. Handlers are welcome to use praise, attention cues, leave-it cues, or similar positive, non-treat cues as they would in everyday life.

Dog held a sit, down, or stand stay on cue for 30 seconds: Yes No

Dog came on cue from a distance of 6 feet or greater: Yes No

Dog focused on the handler on cue (dogs who are carried should demonstrate this both on the ground and while in their normal working position): Yes No

Dog walked past and left a food item on the ground; handler did not use leash to stop the dog from getting the food item: Yes No

Notes:

A7. Strangers

It is common for people to approach and try to interact with a service dog, so a service dog must safely tolerate the general public. The dog should be able to greet a friendly stranger, ignore them, or move out of their way, whichever has been cued or trained. The dog should remain confident and calm and not get overly excited or show any signs of aggression or undue fear.

Dog was able to ignore, greet, or get out of the way of a stranger—whichever the dog has been trained or cued to do: Yes No

Dog did not exhibit any inappropriate behavior when touched by a stranger: Yes No

Notes:

A8. Elevator

The team should be able to load into an elevator and travel up and down with the dog remaining calm in a sit, down, standing, or default carried position. The dog should not closely sniff anything on the floor or walls of the elevator, or interact with others without prior consent. The team should be able to enter and exit the elevator in a controlled manner. The team should use extreme caution to avoid being separated by the elevator doors.

Team safely loaded into and out of an elevator and traveled both up and down, with the dog remaining calm in a sit, down, standing, or carried position: Yes No

Notes:

A9. Stairs

This item only applies if the person is able to safely use stairs. The dog should maintain a position safe for all parties, which may differ from its usual working position. The dog should not cause the handler or others to fall or stumble.

Team safely ascended and descended stairs: Yes No

Notes:

A10. Use of public restrooms

Accessible stalls are often the right choice with a service dog, when such larger stalls are available. If necessary, a handler can place a large dog in a stay command just outside of the restroom stall, if it is too small for both to occupy. The handler should then maintain a connection with the dog by taking the leash under the stall door and keeping a hold on it.

 The handler should not allow the dog to go under partitions into adjoining stalls, place its head into them, or look into them.

The handler is not expected to eliminate during the test. Standing/being in the stall for 30 seconds is enough.

Dog acted appropriately and did not cause a disturbance in the restroom: Yes No

Notes:

A11. Working around other dogs

The dog should be able to focus on the handler while walking around for approximately one minute with other dog/handler pairs also randomly walking around. Multiple dog/ handler pairs are preferred for this activity, but one other pair is acceptable if more are unavailable. The dogs should not be walked within three feet of one another. Mild interest in other dogs is fine, but the dog should remain under the handler’s control and not greet, play with, or exhibit aggression toward the other dogs or people. All dogs should walk on the floor for this activity.

Dog maintained a working mode while walking around other dogs: Yes No

 Notes:

A12. Restaurant

The team should be able to enter a restaurant or eating area and the dog should not attempt to eat, lick, or closely sniff any food on the floor or on tables. The handler should ensure the dog’s area is relatively free of food, which may mean asking staff to sweep under the table. *Once again, if the dog has been trained specifically to sniff food to aid with the user’s disability, then the dog can work at identifying the trigger by sniffing the food from a reasonable distance.*

The dog should not beg from anyone or attempt to interact with others. The handler should be able to move and place the dog in a space that still allows the dog to perform its duties, but that minimally interferes with the coming and going of others. For most teams, this placement is lying under or beside the table. Dogs should not be allowed on tables, chairs or benches at any time. It is acceptable for a small dog to be in the handler’s lap only if the dog does not attempt to eat, lick, or closely sniff at food or the table.

A handler should never feed their dog any food from the table.

Dog did not beg or attempt to eat or closely sniff any food on the floor or on tables:* Yes No

Dog was reasonably positioned to cause the least obstruction to the flow traffic: Yes No

Dog was not on a table, chair, or bench, but was always either on the floor or in a lap: Yes No

Handler did not feed or water their dog from the table: Yes No

Notes: