How often must service dogs refresh their training?

Service dogs must refresh their training regularly, typically at least once a year, to ensure that they maintain the skills necessary to perform their tasks effectively. This regular refreshment of training helps to reinforce the commands and behaviors that the dog has learned and allows them to adapt to any changes in the handler’s needs or the environment. Over time, dogs may forget certain commands or change their responses due to various factors such as age, health, or changes in their routine. Hence, this ongoing training is crucial to ensure that the service dog continues to perform reliably and assists their handler as needed.

The concept of never needing refresher training after initial training is misleading because, like any learned behavior, skills can diminish without reinforcement. Similarly, relying solely on the owner's judgment to determine when training is needed lacks a systematic approach, which can lead to inconsistencies in the dog's performance and readiness to assist. Regularly scheduled training updates ensure that both the service dog and their handler stay synchronized and effective in their partnership.