Before a service dog can learn specialized tasks, they must have a rock-solid obedience foundation. These core skills form the framework on which all task training and public access behavior is built.
Essential Commands
Sit
Must be reliable everywhere — in stores, restaurants, buses, and around distractions.
Down
Essential for long waits. The dog must settle for 30+ minutes.
Stay
Hold position until released, regardless of distractions. Build to 30+ minutes.
Heel/Loose Leash Walking
Calm walking at the handler's side without pulling, lagging, or deviating.
Recall (Come)
Return immediately when called. Must work the first time, every time.
Leave It
Ignore food, objects, people, and animals on command.
Place/Settle
Go to a designated spot and stay calmly.
Advanced Obedience
- Under: Go under a table and settle
- Touch/Target: Foundation for pressing buttons, opening doors
- Back up: Walk backwards on cue
- Wait: Pause at doorways until released
- Quiet: Stop barking on cue
Standards
A service dog should meet AKC CGC standards at minimum, plus:
- Responds within 1-2 seconds
- Reliable in all environments
- Ignores distractions while working
- Does not vocalize unless trained as alert
- Does not solicit attention from strangers
- Remains calm during unexpected events
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