DOGGY•U

3 Quick Tests to Know If Your Service Dog Is Ready to Work

Added 2025-09-04 01:00:06 +0000 UTC

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How do you know if your service dog (in training) is really ready to work? 🐾

In this video, I’m sharing the three quick tests I use right after we get out of the car to see if my dog is focused, connected, and ready for public access training.

I’ll walk you through my pre-work protocol:

A chance to relieve on leash
Simple pattern games that build confidence and consistency
Willingness to vest and warm-up exercises

These only take a couple of minutes, but they give me valuable information about where my dog’s brain is at that day. If they’re not quite ready, I can adjust—whether that means more sniff time, another potty break, or choosing an easier training environment.

Remember: behavior is information. These tests aren’t about perfection; they’re about connection and preparation.

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