DIRECTIONS FOR SERVICE DOG TRAINER EVALUATION This document is created to assist in smoothly navigating through the process of taking the evaluation to be a Certified Service Dog Trainer (CSDT). Pre-requisites for taking Service Dog Trainer Test (SDTT): 1. Candidate must have been a Professional member of the IACP for not less than 6 months 2. Candidate must be a Certified Dog Trainer (CDT) with the IACP 3. Candidate must have 5 years of Training and placing service dogs Directions for taking Service Dog Trainer Test (SDTT): 1. Once you determine that you meet #1, #2, and #3, please contact the Service Dog Evaluation Committee via email at IACPSDCmte@gmail.com and inform them of your intent to be evaluated. Your email will be forward to those individuals who are chosen to receive the emails regarding the service dog test. 2. Submit the completed Request to take the IACP Service Dog Trainer Evaluation form and submit the fee of $75.00 with request. 3. Determine whether you will be videoing via live feed or by proxy (see list of definitions regarding what a proxy is). 4. If utilizing a Proxy, have the Proxy contact the designated person with the evaluation committee to ensure that they understand their role and participation in videoing the evaluation and for directions on how to upload the videos to the appropriate you tube channel or for mailing a DVD.. 5. The Evaluation will consist of several Modules. Each module may have several parts to it. Regular Mail address is: Email address: Service Dog Certification c/o Kristi Smith or IACP Administrative Office 8214 W. Acoma Drive P.O. Box 928 Peoria, AZ 85381 Lampasas, Texas 76550 IACPSDCmte@gmail.com
REQUEST TO TAKE IACP SERVICE DOG TRAINER CERTIFICATION I,, do hereby state that I have been a Professional Member of the IACP for not less than 6 months and have 5 years of experience training and placing service dogs. I am a Certified Dog Trainer (CDT) with the IACP and am hereby requesting consideration for the IACP Service Dog Trainer Certification (CSDT). Further, I agree that I currently do and shall continue to conduct myself with due regard to the public conventions and morals of the Service Dog Training industry and that I shall not, while rendering such services to the public, exceed parameters that I have the ability/skills to train. I agree to adhere to the IACP Standards of Behavior for Service Dogs. Additionally, I do not or shall not omit or commit any act or thing that will tend to degrade or injure the dog training industry or offend the general public or dog training community. I further agree that I will evaluate and test for all appropriate health considerations for the service dogs that I am training based on the specific breed. I further agree that I will not inflict upon the dog any tasks or requirements above his physical or mental ability to be easily performed by the service dog. I further attest that I have been provided with and understand the following in preparation for taking this Certification. Directions for the Service Dog Trainer Certification Proxy Requirements and DVD Requirements Check enclosed payable to IACP for $75.00 (US) or payment via Credit Card If paying by credit card, my signature below, also authorizes the IACP administrative offices to charge my application fee to the credit card listed. Mailing Address: Email: Phone: Credit Card # EXP Date: CVV # Name on Credit Card Member Printed Name Signature IACP Member Number Date Return Completed Application to: IACP Service Dog Certification Committee c/o Kristi Smith or IACP Administrative Office 8214 W. Acoma Drive P.O. Box 928 Peoria, AZ 85381 Lampasas, TX 76550 IACPSDCmte@gmail.com
Request for Service Dog Trainer Evaluation Proxy Requirement Any Candidate may request testing by a Proxy versus a live feed for their Service Dog Trainer Evaluation. To utilize a Proxy the following conditions must be met: 1. It is recommended, but not required that the Proxy be an alternate party 2. Proxy must have contact with the IACP Service Dog Committee panel members (via phone 623-695-3926 or email at IACPSDCmte@gmail.com) prior to evaluation so they may explain all pertinent details to assure that test is carried out fairly for the Candidate 3. It is preferred, but not necessary, that a Proxy have a working knowledge of dogs. 4. Proxy must verify identity of candidate being evaluated by Videoing picture ID, i.e. driver s license, state issued id, etc. 5. Proxy must video, in its entirety, the evaluation (stopping or pausing of video is allowed between each module or when changing of dogs, venues, or other pauses as necessary). Committee requires that time and date stamp appear on the video and that there is an explanation for any pauses or necessary breaks. 6. Video format will be in mpeg4, mp4, wmv, mov, mpegps, flv, 3gpp, webm, or avi (any other format currently supported by YouTube will also be acceptable) 7. Proxy may upload video to a private You Tube Channel for evaluating/grading by committee panel (preferable) or mail a DVD according to the Video Tape/DVD Requirements
A Proxy (any other person) may be utilized to represent the disabled person for Module II due to Patient Privacy Laws. Module II addresses Communication with the Service Dog Owner for the 2 types of disabilities chosen by Candidate. This will be video-taped by Proxy (as above) or via Live Feed. DEFINITIONS: Service Dog Trainer Candidate a professional trainer who wishes to be certified by the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) to Train and assess Service Dogs Service Dog Trainer Evaluation the act of judging the results that a Service Dog Trainer achieves in a careful and thoughtful way Proxy- a person authorized to act as a substitute for another (in this case the proxy would act for one of the committee panel in video-taping the evaluation) Alternate Party someone that is not a relative, employer or engaged in a business arrangement with Service Dog Trainer Candidate Stress - something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety Halt stopping or ending of a movement or action, either permanently or temporarily Video a sequence of visual images to form a moving picture
Behavior the manner in which one acts, reacts or behaves in response to external or internal stimuli Module one of a set that can be combined to complete a whole Note: To any Service Dog Candidate, the Service Dog committee reserves the right to assign a mentor to assist the candidate in preparing for subsequent evaluations if initial proficiency is not met.
Video Tape or DVD Requirements CSDT Video Submission Requirements Introduction. This component of the exam allows evaluators to observe, review, and evaluate your ability to train service dogs to meet specific objectives of your choosing. The video must be of yourself training three dogs to reliably perform a service dog task or tasks. You and the dog must appear on camera and at least 2 of the dogs should be demonstrating their skill with distractions present. (another person and/or animal(s), in a busy mall, restaurant, etc). This person or animal must not be directly involved with the training process. (Please identify such distractions on tape before beginning the session.) Examples of training objectives that you may want to instruct the dog on for your practical exam may include but not be limited to: Dropped item retrieval, Go and retrieve specific item (phone, remote, leash, etc.), Help with removing article of clothing (coat) and getting clothes on, Pick up leash and hand back to handler while walking, Open and Close door or cabinet, Turn Lights On/Off, Brace (support handler getting out of chair, off floor, etc.), Assist with Laundry, Anxiety Markers/Stress Relief/redirect attention, Seizure Response, High counter retrieval., Alert to scent (high or low), Repetitive motion interruption, Pull or guide wheelchair, PTS Behavior interruptions, Sound Alarm, or other task as designated Equipment Needed Camera set to display time elapse or a clearly visible timing device in the frame. New DVD. Training aids, notes and training equipment you need to use for your video training A watch, clock, or timer (visible timer is optional) A tripod and/or a partner (preferred) to operate the camera Audible electronic collar monitor if electronic collars are used in the test. Guidelines The Video Camera Use a camera in good condition that films a good, clear picture. Clear audio capability is essential. Remember that your video must be 10-15 continuous unedited minutes for each of the three dogs that you are training. You must video to a DVD. (Please note that DVDs must be of a type that will play on region 1 (USA/N. America) DVD players.) Once the camera begins taping your introduction of yourself and the dog (see below), the camera must not be stopped, neither you nor the dog must be off camera even for an instant, and not a single edit may be made. Video Format Be sure your DVD is viewable on either a computer, a DVD player (region 1/USA), or both. Video which cannot be played on a U.S. DVD player or computer will not be considered. Video may be sent electronically if it is formatted so it may be saved to a disc for storage purposes. How to Film The camera must continue to roll during your sessions no matter what occurs during the time span you are taping and must continue to roll even if you need to make adjustments to the environment. You and the dog must remain in full view of the camera for the entire training lesson. 1. Start filming
each dog by announcing your full name. 2. Then state the dog s name. 3. State the type of Service dog that you are training the dog for. 4. State your training objective or task being trained for the dog s session. 5. Briefly explain your method, such as: I will be using clicker training; or I will be using the Koehler Method; or I will be using remote collar training. It should take no longer than 60 seconds to accomplish all five steps above. During filming please remain focused on instructing the dog. Your skills with the dog are being evaluated. After your brief introduction on each segment, do not talk to the camera unless you decide to change training objectives on the fly. In that case, tell the camera what you ll be doing, then do it without further talk to the camera. You should stop the camera between dogs. PLEASE NOTE: The IACP reserves the right to reject and return video that is not produced according to the guidelines set forth here. We strongly recommend you preview the material and make a copy for your files before submitting it to IACP. Check for good sound quality, visual clarity, and that the video meets the requested standards as set forth. Video that is edited for content during training sessions will not be accepted. Reasons for rejecting a submission include: a video which runs more than 5 minutes in excess of the allotted time; is in a format which cannot be read; is of poor quality or contains any edits Please read the instructions carefully. Please note that all materials submitted become the property of IACP and will be retained in IACP archives for at least one year.
Service Dog Trainer Certification. This Certification will serve as a measurement tool to assess a Candidates knowledge and ability to train service dogs and thereby conduct quality public access certification for service dogs. Dog should be trained to an appropriate level for the portion of the test being conducted Part A of Module 1 is to be done with SD Candidates dog of choice: Part B, C, & D of Module 1 are to be done with a Service Dog* if available, Trained by Candidate. Part E of Module 1 is to be done with an untrained dog of Candidates choosing Treats may be used but NOT in public places such as store, mall, food establishments, etc. If the Candidate sees the dog demonstrating any behaviors at any time during the certification that prevents the dog from completing the task or results in a fearful response from the dog it is expected that the Candidate shall halt the test at that time. Equipment will be in compliance with ADA standards-i.e. leash, harness or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal s work or the individual s disability prevents utilizing these devices. If not able to use this equipment dog must be under voice, signal or other effective control of handler. Candidate must identify how long dog has been training with said equipment and or how it is/has been utilized. Equipment must be appropriate to the task and the dog must not be demonstrating stress, etc from the use of said equipment. Dogs must always be treated with respect and patience Candidate must pass each Certification Module with a score of 80% or higher. Certification will be conducted via either a live feed or video with a Proxy* who will be used to verify the veracity of the video and the person taking the certification. If a Candidate chooses to do a video with Proxy, the video would then be uploaded to a private YouTube channel for grading by the IACP Service Dog Certification Committee. Each Committee Member will grade independently and then the scores will be averaged for each Module. The average must meet or exceed 80% for passing. *it is suggested that this Proxy be an alternate party A Candidate may be allowed to take the Certification 2 times in immediate succession but if not passed the 2 nd time must wait 90 days to take it again.
MODULE I (Score of 230 Possible Points. A score of 184 is needed for the 80% to pass) Physical demonstration of abilities. (110 Possible Points) A. Demonstrate basic obedience (May be done with a dog of Candidates choice). 1. Leash application and collar-can use soft training collar during Certification 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2. Demonstrate how to put collar on dog with dog eager to comply 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3. Demonstrate Come/Here Command: Drop leash step away a minimum of 6 feet and call your dog to you 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. Demonstrate Sit Command with Verbal and Hand Commands then move 6 feet away and only use Hand Signal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5. Demonstrate Down Command with Verbal and Hand Commands then move 6 feet away and only use Hand Signal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6. Demonstrate Wait Behavior (dog will not move forward through doorway or over the threshold, without permission of candidate a) At A Doorway Going in or outside 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7. Demonstrate Heel and Side (left and right side of person) on a controlled walk outside 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8. Demonstrate Connection with dog on controlled walk outside (dog will stay in proper position and not be lunging forward or lagging behind) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9. Demonstrate dog Using Bathroom on command outside 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10. Demonstrate proper people greetings with and without another dog present 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. Demonstrate Load and unload in a vehicle including putting leash on and dog waiting patiently beside person 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 B. Demonstrate Service Tasks (select task(s) appropriate for type of service dog trained) (10 Possible Points). Must be a Service Dog* (if available), trained by Candidate. Candidate is to state the task(s) to be demonstrated. 1. Dropped item retrieval 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2. Go and retrieve specific item (phone, remote, leash, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3. Help with removing article of clothing (coat) and getting clothes on 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. Pick up leash and hand back to handler while walking 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5. Open and Close door or cabinet 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6. Turn Lights On/Off 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7. Brace (support handler getting out of chair, off floor, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8. Assist with Laundry 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9. Anxiety Markers/Stress Relief/redirect attention 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10. Seizure Response 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. High counter retrieval. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12. Alert to scent (high or low) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13. Repetitive motion interruption 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14. Pull or guide wheelchair 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15. PTS Behavior interruptions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16. Sound Alarm 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 17. Other 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C. Demonstrate each of the following: (60 Possible Points). Must be a Service Dog*, (if available) trained by Candidate. 1. Demonstrate Leave It 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2. Demonstrate Drop It/Give 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3. Demonstrate dogs ability to traverse a different surfaces and elevation change (escalators, elevators, stairs, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. Demonstrate appropriate Travel skills for public transport: (taxi, bus, train, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5. Demonstrate that dog does not respond inappropriately to stimuli in the environment and/or recovers appropriately (i.e. a loud noise, visual, etc. may startle but recovers and returns to work) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6. Dog can be left with a stranger (not out of sight of handler) for 4-5 min in a stable manner. Upon candidates return dog remains calm and under control. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 D. There should be demonstrations of the dog performing in all of the following venues, identifying the specific tasks that the dog will perform: (40 Possible Points) Must be a Service Dog* (if available) trained by Candidate. 1. Public Location 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2. Grocery store 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3. Mall (can be a strip mall) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. Restaurant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 *if a service dog is not available at the time of taking the test, then must discuss with facilitator of the committee options for utilizing another trained dog.
E. The final part of the Certification is a demonstration of instructor training candidate s techniques with an untrained dog. You will have ample time to demonstrate the application of your training process for three simple commands that we assign at random (sit, down, etc.). (10 possible points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MODULE II (30 Possible Points. A score of 24 points is needed for the 80% to pass) Communication with Service Dog Owner (A proxy may be used for this portion of the Certification due to Patient Privacy Laws, etc.) Candidate demonstrates ability to communicate in an appropriate manner with Service Dog Owner and is able to convey training information in a way that is clear to the SD Owner. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Candidate demonstrates knowledge of communicating instructions to SD owners with different types of impairment (choose 2): (20 Possible Points) 1. Auditory 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2. Medical Response / Support a. Diabetes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 b. Seizure 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 c. Allergies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3. Mobility 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. Psychiatric a. PTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 b. Anxiety 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
5. Sensory / Social Signal Support Dogs a. Autism 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6. Visual 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MODULE III (50 possible Points. A score of 40 is needed for the 80% to pass) Demonstrate knowledge of Service Dog Laws Candidate will demonstrate knowledge of service dog laws relative to their area (US, Europe, Asia, etc.). You will be given 5 random questions from a pool to answer, specific to Service Dog Laws in your region. These may be multiple choice, short essay or True or False type questions 1. Question #1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2. Question #2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3. Question #3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. Question #4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5. Question #5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SCORING By MODULE (80% of 310 = a passing score of 248 total) MODULE I (230 Possible) MODULE II (30 Possible) MODULE III (50 Possible) TOTAL SCORE I attest that I have evaluated the above Candidate (via live feed or Video recording with appropriate Proxy) for their proficiency in training and evaluating Service Dogs according to the International Association of Service Dog Committee s Certification Guidelines. Evaluator #1: Evaluator #2: Evaluator #3: