Service Dogs of America (SDA) in association with United Kennel Club is pleased to announce the first nationally recognized registry of clearly defined, standardized training titles for handicap assist companion dogs.
These two prestigious organizations have enlisted the expertise of Camille Geraldi, Founder, C.E.O. of The Possible Dream Foundation, Inc., nationally and internationally recognized disability expert and Certified Dog Trainer, to modify existing SDA training titles and create the assistance titles.
Camille and William Finks, Certified Dog Trainer, who work together in training many of Camille's adopted special needs children and young adults, have formed the first SDA chapter
devoted solely to this population. This powerful, three-fold collaboration welcomes, encourages, and promotes inclusion of physically, mentally, developmentally, and behaviorally challenged children and adults in the sport of service dog training.
Special needs trainers can compete at trials throughout the country and participate in the local Service Dog of America chapters, serving as role models for
other disabled individuals, encouraging social interaction and acceptability
of the specially challenged. The primary purpose of the Handicap Assist Training Titles is to demonstrate the basic and more advanced training needs of a well- behaved, responsive handicap assist companion dog. These unique dogs must perform a variety of required skills and exercises that have useful applications in the daily life of a special needs individual who is either ambulatory or requires a wheelchair, motorized scooter, cane, or walker for mobility.
The Training Title Level I is designed to demonstrate the basic training needs of a handicap assist companion dog by performing a series of basic and practical obedience exercises such as healing on leash, sit and stay, down stay with recall, give and retrieve, and food preparation. The Training Title Level II expands on the skills acquired for Level I and demonstrates more advanced exercises such as walking up a ramp and through a gate, and loading in and out of a vehicle.
In conclusion, it is hoped that these titles, which create a special bond between the trainer and a highly trained service companion dog, will encourage many special needs individuals and their families to become involved in a self-esteem promoting sport that will bring joy and purpose to their lives. Individuals interested in sharing and joining in the fun, are encouraged to contact SDA for further information on starting a local chapter.