Service Dog Training Journey: The Reality Behind the Vest

We’ve all seen service dogs out in the world — walking calmly beside their person, ignoring distractions, focused and steady. What most people don’t see is everything it took to get there.

Service dog training is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes years to build the kind of fluency and reliability required of a working dog. And even before the training starts, not every dog is cut out for this life. Service dogs need more than obedience — they need confidence, sound temperament, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

At Choice Dog Training Co., we specialize in medical and psychiatric service dogs, and we take great care in guiding teams through the process. From early foundational work to public access preparation and eventually task training, every step is tailored to the dog in front of us — and the unique needs of their handler.

But the truth is: not every dog can or should be a service dog. And that’s okay. Being a great dog doesn’t always mean being a working dog. We honor the dog’s needs just as much as the handler’s. Because forcing the wrong fit can do more harm than good — to both ends of the leash.

If you’re considering a service dog, know that the journey is long, but it’s deeply rewarding when done right. We’re here to help you navigate it — honestly, ethically, and with your goals and your dog’s wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.