Certified EXPRESS Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Session 1 – Service Dog Obedience

When you are working with a Psychiatric Service Dog candidate, it can be daunting to tackle all the training that needs to take place. Although every Service Dog's purpose may vary, there are fundamental behaviors and principles they must learn regardless of their position. This chapter will provide you with the proper foundation for further service animal training. The foundation for your Psychiatric Service Dog Training includes lessons on teaching the dog its name, how to settle down for long periods, how to walk on a leash without pulling, waiting in one spot, and sitting.

Session 2 – Service Dog Tasks For Panic Disorder, Depression, and PTSD

Training your psychiatric service dog (PSD) to alert you when you experience anxiety attacks, panic disorder symptoms, and PTSD episodes can have life-changing effects. Start by keeping a log of your dog's behavior and mental health episodes. Reward your dog when they exhibit the behavior you need from them, but only if you can verify that you are experiencing an episode. This chapter includes step-by-step guides on how to teach your service animal to perform tasks on command like giving kisses, giving nose nudges, jumping n your bed, providing tactile stimulation, blocking crowds, and interrupting repetitive behavior.

Session 3 – Service Dog Public Access Manners

This chapter provides guidance on preparing a service dog for navigating public spaces. It emphasizes the importance of mastering basic skills and self-control and offers tips for training in three types of locations: outdoor pet-friendly, indoor pet-friendly, and non-pet-friendly. The lesson also includes a short self-administered test to assess if a service dog and its handler are ready for pet-friendly locations.

Session 4 – Fly With Service Dog

Service dogs who are trained for air travel can help make the experience less stressful for their handler/users. The service dogs should be comfortable with small spaces, airport noise, and strangers handling them. Every legitimate service dog is up to date on vaccinations for their safety and others. A comprehensive training guide is available for those traveling with their service dog for the first time. We include guidance on the following topics:

○ Airport service animal requirements

○ How to go through the metal detector with your service dog

○ Tips on choosing a crate

○ Tips on handling small, medium, and large dogs on flights

○ Service animal paperwork

Assessment Method

At the end of each training session, our tutor team will conduct an online evaluation of your training progress. You will be asked to complete a quiz and submit photos and videos of your dog performing specific tasks and exhibiting proper public behaviors. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal trainer can consistently monitor your training progress, provide you with assistance throughout the course, and prepare you for final certification and public testing.

What's Included

All study materials

⊛ 4 lessons

⊛ 12 videos

⊛ 4 exams

⊛ 5hrs time to complete

⊛ Certificate upon completion

⊛ Attorney Letter upon completion

⊛ ID Card upon completion

Study and Training Guide

Full Tutor and Admin support

The course fee includes the printable service dog certificate. The digital copy will be sent within 24 hours upon successful course completion.

On successful completion of this service dog training course, you will

1. receive a Digital Certificate from the Service Dog Training School International: Service Dog Certificate. To view a sample of the award, please click here.

2. obtain a registered Service Dog ID in the Service Dog Certification registration database. To view a sample, please click here.

3. acquire an attorney letter which is excellent documentation that you have a service animal and are covered under the laws.

Is it required to register/certify my Service Dog to obtain IDs/vests?

No, you are not required to register your Service Dog. These items are helpful tools used by Service Dog owners to signal and confirm to the public that their companion is a working Service Dog. Items such as vests and ID cards can help protect against intrusive strangers and set proper boundaries. Although registration is not a requirement, it can be helpful to register and obtain a Service Dog ID card to identify your animal as a Service Dog and not a pet.

What Does It Mean To Be Certified?

It means your dog has been trained to perform the work or task as a psychiatric service dog in public.

*Your dog must be spayed or neutered to pursue certification with Service Dog Training School International.

This certificate program is valid in the US, the UK, parts of Canada, and the EU. We advise you that you check your local regulations, as these may vary.

Under What Circumstances May Airlines Deny Transport to a Service Dog?

◉ Airlines are permitted to deny transport to a service dog if it:

○ Violates safety requirements - e.g., too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin;

○ Poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;

○ Causes a significant disruption in the cabin or at airport gate areas; or

○ Violates health requirements - e.g., prohibited from entering a U.S. territory or foreign country.

◉ Airlines are permitted to deny transport to a service dog if the service dog user/handler is unable to explain what specific work or task the dog has been trained to do. Personal information about the individual's disability can not be required.

◉ Airlines may deny transport to a service dog that is accompanying a person with a disability if a Department of Transportation (DOT) service animal form is required, but it has not been completed and submitted by the service dog handler/user in a timely manner.

This form is essential in providing the airline with information about the service animal, such as its age, size, breed, and behavior, as well as details about the handler/user.

Upon completion of this Certified Intensive Service Dog Course, you will receive a training certificate as proof of your dog's legitimacy and will also be eligible for our Air Travel Training Program.

Our team will be by your side to help you prepare the service animal air transportation form and other documentation that may be required.

Emotional Support Animals are not allowed to fly in the passenger cabin free of charge. You can find more information in our article New 2023 Rules and Restriction for Flying with Service Dogs (and ESA).