What purpose do training classes serve for service dog teams?

Training classes for service dog teams primarily serve to provide structure and opportunities for both the dog and handler to practice specific commands and tasks that are critical for their working relationship. In these classes, the teams can learn how to effectively communicate and establish a solid understanding of the tasks that the service dog needs to perform in various environments. This structured setting allows for consistency in training, which is essential for the service dog to respond reliably in real-world scenarios.

While competition preparation and bonding with new handlers is important, the central goal of training classes is to ensure that the dog is equipped with the necessary skills to assist their handler effectively. Additionally, grooming techniques, while beneficial, are not the primary focus of these classes, as they are more focused on functional training for specific assistance tasks rather than general pet care.