Is Online Service Dog Training Legal?
Service dogs are remarkable animals that assist individuals with disabilities by performing tasks that are directly related to their condition. These dogs take on relatively simple duties like picking up fallen objects from the ground to complex, multi-step actions like recognizing and interrupting self-injurious behaviors.
Before a service dog can help their handlers this way — and become a service dog in the first place — they must be trained for disability-related tasks. There are multiple ways to go about this, including online service dog training. It is much more affordable compared to hiring a professional dog trainer in person, which can add up to several thousand dollars over the course of the dog’s training journey.
However, many wonder about whether or not online service dog training is legal. This question mainly stems from the rise of online service dog training programs and confusion about whether service dogs must undergo professional training to benefit from federal protections.
If you’re asking, “Is online service dog training legal?”, keep reading to get your answers. We will cover everything you need to know about online service dog training and what the law says about it.
Is Online Service Dog Training Legal?
To give you a direct answer: Yes, online service dog training is legal. You can use an online self-paced service dog training course, like US Service Animals’ program, or work with an online dog trainer to train your service dog.
This is because training your own service dog is completely legal. It doesn’t matter whether you use training materials, including online sources. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is the federal law that governs service animals, explicitly states that handlers are permitted to train their own service dogs through any means.
Professional third-party training is not mandatory. The only requirement is that the dog is trained to perform a disability-related task while staying obedient and calm in public.
Is Online Service Dog Training Legal Without a Certification?
After completing service dog training, many handlers opt for obtaining certification for their service dogs. Many organizations that provide online dog training, whether in the form of a course or one-on-one remote training with a professional trainer, also provide certification upon completion.
While having certification can be a way to prove your dog’s service dog training, note that it isn’t required by law. Any online service dog training program without certification is just as valid as one with a certification. The ADA does not require certification for service dogs to be legally recognized. This is also the case for other laws that impact service dogs, like the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
What Other Ways to Train a Service Dog?
In addition to online service dog training, you can use sources like books and other written materials. However, most of the books are very behind online service dog training, as dog training is a field that’s constantly evolving and changing, with new methods making breakthroughs. You’re much better off turning to digital sources than going to your local library in search of service dog training books.
Another option, which is how most service dog training is done, is in-person training. You can work with a professional dog trainer in your area or work with an organization that trains service dogs. Some of these organizations are non-profits that work with individuals like veterans, though they typically have long waitlists (often multiple years).
When it comes to a professional trainer, however, there are several ways that this is done. Private lessons and group classes are the most common. Each of these have their own pros and cons, so it is best to research them in detail to find the right training approach for your circumstances.
How Much Does Service Dog Training Cost?
In-person dog training is much more expensive than online dog training. While an online dog training program typically costs under $500, in-person dog training can easily exceed $10,000. Working with a dedicated service dog organization can even total to $35,000 or more. This is one of the main reasons why many opt for online dog training and end up asking if online service dog training is legal.
Understanding Is Online Service Dog Training Legal (and Next Steps)
Online service dog training is entirely legal, whether you opt for virtual sessions with a professional trainer or use an online self-paced course. The only requirement is that your dog is trained to perform at least one disability-specific task.
While online training is convenient and affordable, you might also want to look into other options. This is especially the case if you lack the experience or capacity to train a dog independently. Working with an in-person trainer can provide more support and ensure you end up with a service dog that caters to your (or a family member’s) needs.
