Step One: Public Access Test for Qualification

Purpose: The purpose of this Service Dog Public Access Test is to ensure that your dog will be stable, well-mannered and unobtrusive in and/or to the public. Your assistance dog is required to be safe around people, animals and never pose a public hazard.

Dismissal: Dogs that display aggressive type behaviors;  (growling, biting, raising hackles, showing teeth, etc.) or exhibits uncontrollable behavior will not be able to qualify as a Service Dog.

Bottom Line: Complete control is essential! You should have total control of your dog at all times and your dog must also be safe in public.

Commands: Commands can be given verbally, via hand signals, or a combination of the two.

1. SAFE UNLOAD FROM VEHICLE: Your dog should wait until you release him/her before coming out of your vehicle. Once outside, he/she should wait quietly unless otherwise instructed. Your dog can not run around, be off lead or ignore commands. In summary, when unloading your dog he/she needs to be safe and well mannered.

2. APPROACHING A BUILDING: Your dog should be in a relative heel position and should not forge ahead or lag behind. Your dog should display relaxed attitude and show no fear of cars or traffic noises. When you stop for any reason, the dog must also stop.

3. CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY: When entering a building, your dog should not wander off or solicit public attention. Your dog should wait quietly until both of you are fully inside, and then should walk calmly beside you. Your dog can not pull or strain against the lead or try to push its way past you, but instead wait patiently while entry is complete.

4. HEELING THROUGH A BUILDING: Once inside the building, you and your dog should walk through the area in a controlled heel position. Your dog should always be within touching distance where applicable, or no greater than a foot away from you. Your dog should not solicit public attention or strain against the lead. Your dog must readily adjust to speed changes, turn corners promptly, and travel through crowded areas without interacting with the public. In tight quarters, your dog must be able to avoid obstacles and not knock over or play with any merchandise.

5. SIX-FOOT RECALL ON LEAD: You will have your dog sit-stay, travel six feet, then turn and call him/her to you. Your dog should respond promptly to your command and not stop to solicit attention from anyone. He/She should come close enough to you to be easily touched. The command should be obeyed smoothly and deliberately, without hesitancy or detours.

6. SITS ON COMMAND: You should be able to have your dog sit. He/She must respond promptly each time, with no more than two commands, and with no leash guiding or elaborate gestures.

7. DOWNS ON COMMAND: The first down expectation will be at a table where food will be dropped on the floor. Your dog should not break the down to go for the food or sniff at it. You may give verbal and/or physical corrections to maintain the down, but no elaborate gestures. The second down expectation will involve an adult and child approaching your dog.  Your dog should stay in the down position and not solicit attention. If the child comes to pet your dog, he/she must behave appropriately and not break the down. If your dog begins to break the down, you may give verbal and/or physical corrections.

8. NOISE DISTRACTION: It is ok for your dog to acknowledge loud noises, but he/she may not in any way show aggression or fear. A normal startle reaction is acceptable. It is acceptable for your dog to jump or turn, but he/she should quickly recover and continue along in the heel position. He/She should not become aggressive, begin shaking, etc.

9. RESTAURANT: While you are seated at a table in a restaurant, your dog should go under the table or, if size prevents this, stay close by. Your dog must sit or lie down. He/She is allowed to move slightly for comfort from time to time, but should not be up and down frequently or require frequent correction or reminding.

10. OFF LEAD: You should be able to drop the leash while moving, making it apparent to the dog, you must show the ability to maintain control of your dog while retrieving the leash.

Step Two:                                                                                            Top

Does your dog perform 3 special skills that help provide you with a more able life?

These are individual skills that provide assistance to you and improve the quality of your life.

	Name:  Phone: E-mail:   List 3 special skills your dog does to assist you: Skill 1: Skill 2: Skill 3: I verify that my dog complies with the above guidelines.   By checking the box above, you personally assure Companion Training LLC that your dog can fulfill all of the above criteria.