Public Access Test
Public Access Test
Qualifying for Service Dog Certification is easy! If you have a disability of any kind and your dog is trained to assist you, YOU QUALIFY! The American with Disabilities Act allows you to “qualify yourself” and “train your own dog” based on the understanding of the definitions of “disability” and “service animal”. (See complete definitions in the Service Dog Frequently Asked Questions page.)
Service Dog in Down Position
This Public Access Test was designed by Assistance Dogs International for information only. It is merely a “guideline” for Service Dog behavior in public places. Your Service Dog is not required to master these skills and will not be tested on them. Service dog certification is available to any dog that is trained to assist your disability and one that is well-behaved in public. Any dog that displays any aggressive behavior (growling, bitting, raising hackles, showing teeth, etc.) should not be granted this privilege.
1. CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
The dog must remain calm and under control while departing the vehicle and must wait until released before exiting.
2. APPROACHING A BUILDING:
The dog must stay in a relative heel position and may not forge ahead or lag behind.
3. CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY:
While entering through a doorway, the dog must not pull or strain against the lead or try to push his/her way past the handler.
4. HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING:
Once inside the building, the dog may not wander off or solicit attention from the public. The dog should not strain against the lead except in cases where the dog may be pulling the handler’s wheelchair. In tight quarters, the dog must be able to avoid obstacles and not damage or play with private property.
5. SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD:
The handler should be able to “sit” the dog, travel a six-foot distance away, then turn and call the dog to him/herself.
6. SITS/STAYS ON COMMAND:
The dog must respond promptly to the handlers command to “sit” and “stay”. If the dog starts to move, the handler may correct the dog to maintain the position.
7. DOWNS ON COMMAND:
In a dining situation, if food drops on the floor, the dog should not break to sniff or move towards it.
If approached by an adult and/or child who may attempt to pet the dog, the dog must not break his/her position.
If someone attempts to step over the dog, the dog should not shy.
In all situations, the handler may give verbal and physical corrections to maintain the down.
8. NOISE DISTRACTION:
The dog may acknowledge a loud or surprising noise, but may not in any way show aggression or fear. A normal startle reaction is fine.
9. RESTAURANT CONDUCT:
Suitable conduct in a restaurant involves having the dog sit or lay under the table. If size prevents that, the dog should stay close by the handler. The dog may shift for comfort during the meal, but should not get up & down frequently.
10. OFF LEAD:
If the lead is dropped at any time, the handler must be able to maintain control of the dog until the leash is back in its appropriate position.