A potential service dog assessment is an early opportunity to explore whether service work may suit your dog. At Pawsitively Service Dogs, it helps us consider the dog's current behaviour, your goals, and any concerns that should be discussed before a longer training commitment.
This is a suitability review, rather than a final pass-or-fail decision about the dog's future. It does not certify your dog, guarantee program acceptance, or guarantee that the dog will become a service dog.
We look beyond familiar obedience skills
Knowing "sit" or "down" is only part of the picture. A dog may respond well at home while finding unfamiliar places, people, or other dogs difficult. We consider how the dog engages with the handler, approaches learning, and responds to the environment.
The review considers temperament and behaviour, confidence, recovery after stress or an unexpected event, and the ability to remain neutral around distractions. We also consider trainability, age, health considerations, and behaviour concerns that could affect suitability.
Confidence includes recovery
A dog does not have to be completely unaware of everything around them. What matters is how they respond and whether they can recover and return to comfortable engagement. Persistent fear, escalating reactivity, or difficulty settling deserves attention.
An assessment should not involve deliberately overwhelming a dog to see what they tolerate. We use evidence-based, reward-based methods and consider the dog's welfare throughout training.
Your dog's history helps us understand what we see
Before the appointment, tell us about behaviour that worries you, including any history of snapping, biting, guarding, or strong reactions to people or dogs. Share relevant health information and explain where the dog is comfortable or struggles. Accurate information helps us discuss the next step responsibly.
Ask the trainer which records and equipment to bring. Tell us ahead of time about handling or access needs that may affect the appointment. Veterinary assessment remains important for health questions; a training assessment does not replace veterinary care.
The conversation may lead to different next steps
Depending on the dog's needs, the next step may be further training, work on a concern before reconsidering service training, or exploring a different role. The purpose is to help you make an informed decision early.
A dog can be a much-loved companion while service work is an unsuitable fit. Identifying that possibility is a useful outcome, even when it is disappointing.
Suitability continues to be reviewed
One appointment cannot predict every future response. Dogs develop, their health can change, and new environments may reveal concerns. Suitability continues to be evaluated during training.
This appointment is also separate from provincial service dog certification. Nova Scotia and British Columbia have their own provincial service dog certification processes. An early candidate assessment is not the public safety assessment used in a provincial certification pathway. [1, 2]
Arrange an assessment in Nova Scotia or British Columbia
Our potential service dog assessment costs $150 plus applicable tax. If you already own a dog under four years old and are considering our owner-trainer program, contact us to discuss eligibility and book an assessment.
Read our potential service dog assessment page for the service details and next step. An assessment is a starting point for a careful decision, with no guarantee of acceptance, graduation, or future service dog status.
British Columbia: jenn@pawsitivelyservicedogs.ca
Nova Scotia: melanie@pawsitivelyservicedogs.ca
General inquiries: info@pawsitivelyservicedogs.ca
Sources
[1] Government of Nova Scotia. Applying for service dog team certification.
[2] Province of British Columbia. Guide Dog and Service Dog Team Certification.