The Dog Who Asked for More: Understanding Life With Your Dog Beyond Dog Training and Behavior · Episode 128 · December 10, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

The Reason Your Future Service Dog Seems to Be Falling Behind | Dog Training

Is your six month old puppy nowhere close to looking like the service dog you’re counting on? When you’re raising a service dog for your own health, it’s natural to want early proof that it’s going to work. But a puppy is still a baby, adolescence can reshape what they’re comfortable with, and the full process often takes two years or more. This conversation with a behavior scientist and service dog trainer who has spent more than two decades in the field covers what to look for in a prospect, why not every dog is meant for this work, and why a dog trained through pressure may not be the one you can rely on when it counts. You’ll hear: The temperament traits that make a strong service dog candidate, from self-assurance to how fast they bounce back from a startle Why early outings should build confidence instead of testing performance, and where scent games fit in How sniffing can help a dog settle into public spaces instead of pulling them off task The everyday hazard that has ended more than one service dog’s career, and how to guard against it Press play if you’re raising a service dog prospect and worried they’re falling behind. Want More Support? The free resource mentioned in this episode is now part of a full course inside The Dog Who Asked for More community. Current free courses include: What's Really in Your Dog's Bowl Why Your Dog Won't Settle Caring for Your Aging Dog Pet Travel Preparedness Join the community to access the free courses. 👉 https://www.skool.com/the-dog-who-asked-for-more-6959/about Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place. 👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com This podcast explores dog training, dog behavior, dog behavior problems, dog obedience, dog training advice, dog training tips, dog training methods, dog training at home, service dog training, dog anxiety, dog separation anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog body language. Episodes also cover canine nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, mental stimulation for dogs, senior dogs, pet loss, and life with dogs. It’s a dog community for people who want to better understand the dog in front of them, make sense of conflicting advice, improve the relationship with their dog, and figure out what actually works for their dog. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.