RESOURCES
Service Dog Training Resources
Empowering You and Your Service Dog—Every Step of the Way
Training a service dog is a life-changing journey—and you don’t have to do it alone. This page is filled with expert tips, videos, and trusted tools to guide you through every stage, from puppy prep to public access and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or building advanced skills, our certified trainers and proven resources are here to help you and your dog succeed—together.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Dog Owners
Discover the key habits to raise a happy, well-behaved dog.
Puppy/Canine Developmental Stages
Understand the crucial stages in your puppy’s growth and development.
Prepare Your Puppy
Get ready for your new puppy with essential tips and guidance.
Puppy Proofing your Home or Yard
Learn how to create a safe environment for your puppy indoors and out.
ASPCA tips on body language
Learn how to read your dog’s body language with tips from the ASPCA.
Dog body language – calming signals
Discover common calming signals dogs use to communicate stress or discomfort.
Dog body language – dog language poster
A visual guide to understanding dog body language at a glance.
Understanding a dog’s thresholds
Learn how to recognize and respect a dog’s limits through body language.
Body language – to pet or not to pet
How to tell if a dog is comfortable with being approached and petted.
Dog body language video 1
Watch this video to learn to read your dog’s body language in training sessions.
Dog body language video 2
Two cases in which body language can often be misinterpreted in dog.
Dog body language video 3
Watch this video to learn how to interpret canine body language better.
Puppy Training Resources
A basic yet vital cue that forms the foundation for many other commands.
What is positive reinforcement training?
Discover how rewarding good behavior shapes a well-behaved dog.
Helping your puppy through a fear period
Learn how to support your puppy during times of fear and anxiety.
97 ways to create great puppies
A comprehensive guide to raising confident, well-behaved puppies.
Developing puppy bones
Understand why young puppies shouldn’t run and how to protect their growing bones.
Training name recognition – the Name Game
Teach your puppy to respond to their name with this fun training exercise.
Introducing kids and dogs
Tips for safely and successfully introducing your puppy to children.
Establishing a routine
Set your puppy up for success by creating a daily routine.
Enroll in Puppy Class
Join a puppy class to kick-start socialization and essential training.
Infection vs. Isolation Risks with Your Puppy – Whole Dog Journal
Learn to balance puppy socialization with protection from infection risks.
Puppy & dog vaccinations
Learn which vaccinations are essential for your dog’s health and well-being.
Leptospirosis in Dogs: What You Should Know
Understand the risks and prevention methods for Leptospirosis in dogs.
Tips for a successful vet visit
Simple strategies to ensure a stress-free and productive vet visit.
AVMA – When is it an emergency?
Learn how to recognize when your dog needs urgent veterinary care.
Firehouse Animal Health Center – Leander
A trusted local veterinary clinic offering compassionate care for pets.
Central Texas Veterinary – Emergency Hospital
24/7 emergency veterinary services for urgent and critical pet care needs.
The Dog Alliance – class listing
Explore a variety of dog training classes offered by The Dog Alliance.
Socializing service dogs in training
Learn how to properly socialize service dogs during their training journey.
International Working Dog – Early Socialization Program
A program focused on early socialization to build confident working dogs.
Helping your dog through a fear period
Support your dog during times of heightened fear and sensitivity.
Service dog commands/cues
Essential commands every service dog should know to assist their handler.
Loose Leash Walking
Train your dog to walk calmly on a loose leash without pulling.
Self-control: Leave it
Teach your dog the “leave it” command to ignore distractions.
The Canine Learning Stress-O-Meter
Learn to recognize and manage stress signals in your dog during training.
Training your dog to relax with you
Help your dog learn to settle and relax calmly by your side.
Teach your dog to ignore other dogs
Train your dog to stay focused and ignore distractions from other dogs.
Off-lead training
Master off-leash control to give your dog freedom while maintaining safety.
The Dog Alliance Public Access Test
A test to assess service dogs’ readiness for public access and service work.
Puppy Manners
Key techniques for teaching your puppy good manners early on.
Dog Manners
Proven methods for refining your dog’s everyday behavior.
Leash Walking
Effective strategies for mastering leash walking with your dog.
Nipping/Mouthing (handout)
Learn how to manage and reduce your puppy’s nipping and mouthing behavior.
Unwanted Jumping (handout)
Discover techniques to manage and reduce your puppy’s jumping behavior.
Handling Games Stop Puppy Biting
Engage your puppy in gentle handling games to curb biting tendencies.
Counter Surfing
Strategies to stop your dog from raiding the countertops.
Resource Guarding
Ways to address and manage resource guarding behaviors.
Stop Unwanted Behaviors (without intimidation)
Tips for eliminating common unwanted behaviors in dogs.
Preventing Separation Anxiety
Methods to help your dog feel comfortable when alone.
Helping a Dog with Fear of Fireworks
Effective ways to ease your dog’s fear of fireworks.
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
Guidance for achieving success in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Program
Steps to help your dog excel in the AKC Canine Good Citizen program.
AKC Community Canine Program
Strategies for thriving in the AKC Community Canine program.
Assistance Dogs International Website
Resources and information from Assistance Dogs International.
Public Access Laws
Essential guidelines on public access laws for service dogs.
Your Responsibilities as a Service Dog Handler
Key responsibilities to ensure effective service dog handling.
Dog Nutrition and Dog Food Reviews
Guidelines and reviews for optimal dog nutrition and food choices.
Interactions with Other Dogs
Tips for managing and improving your dog’s interactions with others.
Health and Safety Topics Online
Essential online resources for dog health and safety information.
AKC Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge
Commitments for responsible dog ownership according to the AKC.
Puppy Raiser Handbook
A complete guide for puppy raisers—covering everything from daily care and training to safety and emergency protocols. Start your journey with confidence.
Program Dismissal & Dog Removal Policy
Understand the situations in which The Dog Alliance may remove a dog or dismiss a participant to ensure the safety and success of every service dog team.
Have questions or need support?
We’re here to help—whether you’re unsure about your next step or need guidance with your service dog training.
