When to start mobility dog training?
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When should you start advanced mobility task work?
After the dog has fully-developed musculoskeletal system.
After the dog has been cleared for work; health screening recommendations have been met.
After the training prerequisites are solid.
Minimum Age
The goal is to avoid strain and repetitive impact on under-developed joints to minimize the risk of orthopedic issues later in life.
See guidelines document for more details
- Dog is at least 18-24 months of age, depends on breed/size, and has a fully developed musculoskeletal system
- Bones are fully developed and growth plates fused* – specifically long bones which are the last to mature (large and giant breeds mature more slowly than smaller breeds)
- Muscles are fully developed – muscles are fully mature, which happens later than bone developemnt.
- Musculoskeletal system in large breed working dogs is not fully mature until 2 years of age**
- “Full Grown” is not equal to fully developed; dogs can reach their adult height many months before they are physically mature
*Source: Growth-Plate
**Elle De Ford, MS, PhD, DVM, MCBC, cVMA, TCCC, CCRP Closure-Times-Dogs.pdf Rehabilitation and Integrative Care, TKTS
Health Clearance
All service dogs should receive regular, high quality veterinary care to be sure they are healthy and able to perform their jobs. Mobility Dogs should receive additional screenings because of the physical demands placed on these incredible dogs. Specific exams and X-rays are strongly advised to look for abnormalities that would limit the dog’s ability to work happy and free of disease and pain.
Ethical best practice
- Healthy, fit and in good body condition
- 4–5 condition score on a 9-point scale
- View The-Purina-Body-Condition-System PDF
Recommended Health Screenings for Mobility Dogs
Radiographs/X-rays (diagnostics for dysplasia, etc.)
- Radiographs/X-rays performed on hips and low back, elbows and shoulders
- OFA(i) or PennHIP(ii) reviews are strongly recommended; scores should be good to excellent and appropriate for the breed
- Rule out orthopedic issues and dysplasia that may cause injury, pain and/or limit the dog’s ability to work
- Questionable findings should be referred to a orthopedic/ rehabilitation specialist for advisement on the individual dog
Examinations, Bloodwork, etc.
- Examine head to toe, including ears, mouth/dental, eyes and paws
- Comprehensive health screenings designed to detect early or hidden disease, parasites, evaluate organ function, etc. can include blood or urine analysis
- Any breed specific disease screening as recommended by breeder and/or vet
- Discussion of overall health, fitness and body condition, vaccinations, preventatives (heartworm, flea, tick, etc.), diet and supplements
Thoroughly examined and cleared for work by a qualified specialized veterinarian
- Please know that not all general-practice veterinarians are familiar with the unique demands placed on working/ service dogs; the recommended x-rays (or ultrasound) require a veterinarian trained to accurately perform the tests and interpret the findings in relationship to a service dog’s job demands.
- Just as human’s see a Cardiologist for heart disease, Mobility Dogs deserve specialized care from a vet that understands canine biomechanics and the demands placed on working dogs
- Examples of qualified veterinarians: Integrative veterinary care with specialists in Orthopedic medicine and Rehabilitation, or Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (K9 PT)
Annual Health Screenings for Mobility Dogs
If there is concern that the dog is experiencing pain, behavior concerns, or an illness that would in any way impair the dog’s ability to work happily, comfortably, and safely, please seriously consider if working as a Mobility Dog is the right choice for your dog. It is important that we are realistic and pragmatic in our dog’s best interest. Depending on the nature of the health issue and your veterinary team’s advice, it may be time to adjust the tasks the dog is asked to do, or to consider retirement.
Annual exams should include:
- Examine head to toe, including ears, mouth/dental, eyes and paws
- Comprehensive health screenings of bloodwork (and urinalysis if recommended) to detect early or hidden disease, evaluate organ function, etc.
- Parasite screenings and prevention (heartworm, flea, tick, etc.)
- Vaccines; rabies is generally required for all dogs, and any other vaccines recommended for the region you live in (and travel to)
- Any additional screenings recommended by either your general practice or specialized veterinarians
- Discussion of overall health, fitness and body condition, diet and supplements to ensure excellent health
- Be sure to follow through with treatments and preventatives your veterinary team recommends!
Additional Routine Screenings
- Screening radiographs/x-rays of hips/low back and elbows should be repeated every 1–2 years after age 6, or after any injury that occurs earlier
- Monitor for early signs of repetitive injury or arthritis
- Because shoulder tendons cannot be evaluated on x-ray, ultrasound evaluation of shoulder tendons is recommended
- Eye exam (dogs may qualify for ACVO’s National Service Dog Eye Exam Event with an ophthalmologist)
Prioritize Your Dog’s Health and Wellbeing
At anytime, if a possible injury or illness is suspected, be sure to see your veterinarian right away!
If there is concern that the dog is experiencing pain, behavior concerns, or an illness that would in any way impair the dog’s ability to work happily, comfortably, and safely, please seriously consider if working as a Mobility Dog is the right choice for your dog. It is important that we are realistic and pragmatic in our dog’s best interest. Depending on the nature of the health issue and your veterinary team’s advice, it may be time to adjust the tasks the dog is asked to do, or to consider retirement.
VISIT THE GROWTH PLATE PAGE FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFORMATION