As advocates for responsible service dog training and public safety, we want to engage you in an important conversation: Should minors be legally allowed to train a service dog without the presence of an adult or a professional trainer? Especially if they plan to hopefully one day bring them into a school setting.
The Complexities of Training Service Dogs
While the bond between a child and a service dog can be incredibly powerful, we believe there are critical reasons why minors should not undertake this task alone. A service dog is not simply a pet; it is a living animal with teeth that requires rigorous training, socialization, and a profound understanding of canine behavior. Here are several factors we
feel are essential to consider:
Inexperience with Dog Behavior: Most minors lack the life experience and knowledge necessary to interpret canine body language accurately. Neck, even a lot of adults do not fully understand the complexities of dog behavior. This understanding is vital for identifying stress signals or potential aggression in dogs. Without this awareness, a minor might inadvertently place themselves or others in dangerous situations, including their dogs.
Legal and Liability Concerns: If a service dog were to bite someone while under the control of a minor, the legal repercussions could be significant. Parents may face unexpected responsibilities and potential lawsuits. Ensuring that any service dog is managed by a responsible adult can mitigate these risks. In some states depending on the age or minor as well, can also be held responsible for damages if they were to occur on top of the guardians.
Public Safety Risks: Imagine a scenario where a minor is in public with their service dog in training and suddenly loses control of the animal or if the dog reacts aggressively towards another dog or person. Or the opposite, their dog gets attacked. In these high-stress moments, the decision-making capabilities of a minor may not match the urgency of the situation. An adult's presence can provide the guidance needed to de-escalate potential conflicts and ensure safety.
Training Standards: Professional trainers often work with canines to achieve high levels of obedience and reliability. While we acknowledge that some minors have successfully trained service dogs, these cases are exceptions rather than the rule. Training a service dog involves far more than basic obedience—it requires specialized skills and a comprehensive understanding of service dog tasks. Some of which even adults struggle with, so imagine a minor taking on such a role.
Emotional and Physical Safety: A service dog, regardless of its training, is still an animal with natural instincts and unpredictability. Minors need to have the emotional maturity to handle situations where their dog may become agitated or frightened. Without guidance, they might struggle to respond appropriately, placing both themselves and the dog at risk. Especially let’s say, they’re dropped off at the mall and the dog shows signs it’s done and they cannot leave or recognize they need to leave because there isn’t a guardian to retrieve them immediately.
A Call for Responsible Collaboration
If a minor expresses a genuine need for a service dog and a doctor is behind it (as one should), we propose that the situation warrants a serious discussion involving the parent or guardian, a healthcare professional, and an experienced trainer. Together, they can assess the best approach to meet the minor’s needs safely and effectively.
We recognize that there have been successful partnerships between minors and service dogs, often involving children who have extensive experience with animals. However, they must ask themselves:
Have I, as a minor, been able to train my pet dog to a competitive level of obedience? If the answer is no, then the pursuit of training a service dog without adult involvement should be reconsidered.
Your Thoughts Matter...?
We invite you to share your thoughts on this matter. How do you view the role of minors in the training and handling of service dogs? Your insights are invaluable as we navigate this sensitive and complex topic together.
Thank you for being part of our community and engaging in discussions that promote the welfare of both service dogs and those they assist.
Warm regards,
Koda Dog Training & Gear by Pup-Cessories Crafts
As a parent of a minor with a service dog, I agree that the training effort needs to be collaborative and appropriate to the minor's age, maturity, and ability. My daughter was 16 when she started working with a trainer to train her dog. I believe the process of training was in itself beneficial for her. I do not think she would have been able, nor would it have been appropriate for her to train her on her own.