Certify Canine has a vision of creating a standard and ensuring accessibility for all working dogs. But what does that actually mean? Currently, the term "working dog" is applied to a variety of roles, including police K9s, scent detection dogs, protection dogs, medical alert dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and facility dogs. Essentially, any dog that performs specific tasks can be considered a working dog. However, there is no defined classification or set training standards for working dogs in general. Unlike many professions, there isn't a regulatory agency that creates licensure for individuals who want to train and certify these dogs. Certify Canine aims to fill this gap by establishing industry-wide standards and improving accessibility for working dogs and their handlers.
Creating Industry Standards
One of the primary goals of Certify Canine is to establish clear and consistent standards for the training and certification of working dogs. Currently, the lack of standardized training and certification protocols means that the quality and reliability of working dogs can vary significantly. By implementing a standardized certification process, we aim to ensure that all working dogs, regardless of their specific role, meet high standards of training and performance.
The Importance of Standards
Standardized training ensures that working dogs are reliable, safe, and effective in their roles. For example, police K9s need to have consistent training in scent detection and apprehension techniques, while medical alert dogs must reliably detect specific physiological changes in their handlers. Without standardized training, the effectiveness of these dogs can be compromised, potentially putting their handlers and the public at risk.
Establishing industry standards also helps in maintaining the credibility of working dogs. With uniform criteria, handlers, trainers, and the general public can have confidence in the abilities and reliability of certified working dogs. This trust is essential for the successful integration of working dogs into various public and professional settings.
Insurance and Liability
In addition to creating training standards, Certify Canine envisions a system similar to driver’s licenses and car insurance for working dogs. This system would provide support and liability protection for working dogs, their handlers, business owners, and the general public. Currently, the lack of a regulatory framework means that there is no formalized system for handling incidents involving working dogs. By providing insurance and liability coverage, we can protect all parties involved and ensure that working dogs are held to consistent standards of behavior and performance.
Liability insurance is particularly important in mitigating the risks associated with working dogs. Despite rigorous training, working dogs are still animals and can occasionally make mistakes. Liability insurance would cover any damages or injuries that might occur, protecting handlers from financial ruin and ensuring that victims receive appropriate compensation.
Enhancing Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the most significant challenges for service dog handlers. Finding a reputable service dog that has received the appropriate amount of training and can effectively provide the necessary services is often like navigating the Wild West. Some organizations are reputable and produce exceptionally well-trained dogs, but the cost can range from free (with very limited availability due to nonprofit funding) to $80,000 or $90,000, which is not typically covered by insurance.
Supporting Owner-Trained Service Dogs
One of our goals is to open the realm of owner-trained service dogs. These dogs are trained by their handlers to perform specific tasks and public access behaviors. Owner-trained service dogs can provide an affordable and personalized solution for individuals who cannot afford the high cost of professionally trained service dogs. Training a service dog personally also allows the handler to develop a deeper bond with their dog, fostering a strong working relationship.
Certify Canine aims to support owner-trainers by providing resources, training programs, and certification processes to ensure that owner-trained service dogs meet the same high standards as professionally trained dogs. This support can include task-based training, public access training, and temperament testing to ensure that the dogs can perform their roles effectively and safely.
Owner-trained service dogs also encourage self-advocacy. Handlers who train their dogs often develop a deeper understanding of their own needs and the capabilities of their dogs. This empowerment can lead to greater independence and confidence in navigating public spaces.
Supporting Nonprofit and For-Profit Organizations
In addition to supporting owner-trainers, we also aim to support both nonprofit and for-profit organizations that train service dogs. Whether these organizations breed dogs specifically for service work or rescue dogs from shelters, our goal is to help them achieve high training and performance standards. By supporting these organizations, we can increase the availability of well-trained service dogs and improve accessibility for individuals who need them.
Providing grants and resources to these organizations can help reduce the cost of training service dogs, making them more accessible to individuals with limited financial resources. Collaboration with veterinary services and training experts can further enhance the quality and availability of service dogs.
Health and Safety of Canines
At Certify Canine, we believe in the health and safety of working dogs. The well-being of these dogs is paramount, as they are essential partners to their handlers. We advocate for humane training methods that prioritize the physical and mental health of the dogs. Ensuring that dogs are healthy, happy, and well-cared-for enhances their ability to perform their tasks effectively and reduces the risk of burnout or behavioral issues.
Humane Training Methods
Humane training methods, such as positive reinforcement, are crucial in maintaining the well-being of working dogs. These methods build trust and cooperation between the dog and handler, creating a positive working relationship. Harsh training techniques can lead to stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems, which can undermine the dog’s effectiveness and well-being.
Regular health checks and appropriate veterinary care are also essential components of maintaining the health and safety of working dogs. Preventative care, proper nutrition, and exercise help ensure that working dogs remain fit and capable of performing their tasks.
Promoting the Human-Animal Bond
The human-animal bond is a critical aspect of the relationship between handlers and their service dogs. This bond is built on trust, mutual respect, and effective communication. Certify Canine aims to promote the development of this bond through training programs that emphasize positive reinforcement and relationship-building techniques. A strong bond between handler and dog not only improves the dog’s performance but also enhances the handler’s quality of life.
Enhancing Quality of Life
A well-trained service dog can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. By providing assistance with daily tasks, offering companionship, and helping manage symptoms of various conditions, service dogs can help their handlers lead more independent and fulfilling lives. The bond between handler and dog also provides emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Addressing Misuse and Misrepresentation
Misuse and misrepresentation of service dogs are significant issues within the industry. The lack of standardized certification means that individuals can falsely claim their pets as service dogs, leading to incidents that undermine the credibility of legitimate service dogs. Certify Canine aims to address this issue by implementing clear certification standards and educating the public about the differences between service dogs, emotional support animals, and pets.
Public Education Campaigns
Public education is crucial to addressing the misuse and misrepresentation of service dogs. Certify Canine plans to launch public awareness campaigns to educate people about the legal definitions and roles of service dogs. These campaigns will help the public understand the rigorous training and specific tasks that service dogs perform, as well as the importance of respecting the rights of handlers and their service dogs.
Educational materials can include brochures, online resources, and community workshops. By providing accurate information, we can help prevent the misuse of service dog designations and protect the integrity of legitimate service dogs.
Collaboration with Lawmakers and Businesses
We also aim to collaborate with lawmakers and businesses to create policies and practices that support the rights of service dog handlers while preventing misuse. This collaboration can include developing guidelines for verifying service dog certifications and creating accommodations that facilitate the inclusion of service dogs in public spaces.
By working with businesses, we can ensure that they understand the legal requirements for service dog access and are equipped to handle situations involving service dogs appropriately. Training programs for employees can help prevent discrimination and ensure that service dog handlers receive the accommodations they need.
Long-Term Vision
Certify Canine's long-term vision is to create an industry that is well-regulated, accessible, and supportive of all working dogs and their handlers. We believe that by establishing standards, providing support, and promoting education, we can create a safer and more effective environment for working dogs. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every individual who needs a working dog can access a well-trained, reliable, and affordable companion.
Expanding Access and Affordability
One of our long-term goals is to expand access to affordable service dogs for individuals with disabilities. This includes advocating for insurance coverage for service dogs and working to reduce the cost of training and certification. By making service dogs more affordable, we can ensure that more individuals can benefit from the support and assistance these dogs provide.
Conclusion
The goals for the service dog industry as envisioned by Certify Canine encompass creating standardized training and certification processes, enhancing accessibility for handlers, ensuring the health and safety of working dogs, and promoting the human-animal bond. By addressing misuse and misrepresentation, providing public education, and collaborating with lawmakers and businesses, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for working dogs and their handlers.
Certify Canine is dedicated to making these goals a reality, believing that every working dog and handler deserves the best possible support and resources. Through our efforts, we hope to transform the service dog industry into one that is more standardized, accessible, and respected, ensuring that the invaluable contributions of working dogs are recognized and appreciated.
By working together as a community, we can create a future where all working dogs are trained to the highest standards, handlers have the resources and support they need, and the human-animal bond is celebrated and strengthened. Certify Canine is committed to leading this charge and making a positive impact on the service dog industry and the lives of those who depend on these incredible animals.
Written By: Blake Woody
Add comment
Comments