Paws on Point

Inside Service Dog Training: From Puppy Selection to Public Access


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What really goes into training a service dog — from the very first days of puppyhood to the moment a dog earns their public access certification?

In this episode, Tim sits down with April Sauvé — certified dog behaviour consultant, professional service dog trainer, and co-owner of Woofability Service Dog Training in Victoria BC — for one of the most honest and detailed conversations about service dog development you'll find anywhere.

April pulls back the curtain on everything the public doesn't see: why temperament assessment covers over 50 behavioural areas, why she won't put a vest on a dog until six months, why two years is a realistic timeline for certification, and why training a service dog is less like a programme and more like a bank account — the more you put in, the more you get out.

Whether you're a handler, a puppy raiser, someone considering owner-training, or simply curious about what it really takes — this episode is essential listening.

Topics covered:

  • How to assess whether a dog has the temperament for service work
  • The critical puppy development window from birth to four months
  • When and how task training begins
  • The difference between service dogs, emotional support dogs and therapy dogs in BC
  • Handler responsibilities, public access rights and retirement planning
  • 🎧 Listen now and follow Paws on Point — Canada's service dog podcast.

    🐾 Learn more or donate at pawsabilitiesservicedogs.ca

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    Paws on PointBy Pawsabilities Service Dog Society - [email protected]