Service Dog Training Philosophy: How I Trained my Service Dog On-Duty vs Off-Duty Behaviors

In one of my previous videos, I took my service dog for a walk off-duty, then another walk on-duty. This follow-up video talks about my philosophy when training his on duty and off duty "modes" with example clips and tasking on camera. You can see the huge difference in his behavior when he knows he is working! Service dogs need to be very well behaved and highly trained, but when a service dog is off duty, they get to be normal dogs too!
Buddy is a medical alert service dog. He alerted me to a POTS episode, or orthostatic hypotension, during the filming session. You can see his service dog tasks in the video.
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[@lishy_jan_2381]

As someone who is looking to train a service dog for my self (I also have pots) this video was actually helpful! Thank you!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

I'm so glad! That's the goal. I really appreciate the feedback.

[@echoverigan8825]

Same.

[@sueyloo68]

@@MommingwithMigraine when did you get buddy? I love him and wish I had one

[@suzithewitch]

KZbin recommended your channel to me. I am (have been) a professional dog trainer and I have to say how impressed I am with how well you did your dog training. I see so many people on KZbin that don't know how to treat (or train) dogs. They have the best of intentions, but flail around wildly and THEY ARE NOT CONSISTENT! You are a breath of fresh air, and I have subscribed to you, just because of this video. Thank you :)

[@whitjacklavaldez788]

Idk why the phrase "I'm gonna throw you on the tripod" made me laugh so hard

[@MommingwithMigraine]

😆

[@basook6116]

Buddy is the employee of the day/month

[@MommingwithMigraine]

We should make this something we celebrate with treatos

[@Urgelt]

Jen: "I'm not a dog trainer." Me: "You trained a dog incredibly well. What other qualifications are there?"

[@Rebecca-lh2wj]

At 16 years old I started passing out. At 18 I was diagnosed with P.O.T.S and vasovagal syncope along with EDS. I am a LMT , so a lot of elevation change and repetitive movement. There have been many times that I will be working and almost pass out, my patient would never know because I would never tell them. Too much pride to acknowledge the fact that something was wrong. I had a really bad encounter a few days ago and that’s when I found your videos. My husband and I are now looking at getting me a service dog. Your videos help encourage, educate and teach compassion to people who are learning themselves and others thank you for being so vulnerable and for being so kind.

[@Rebecca-lh2wj]

*edit: I’m now 30years young

[@Smudgie33]

Buddy is a credit to you and to himself. You can see how happy he is both on duty and playing off duty.

[@laurap.3976]

He sat up like such a proud big boy 😭😍

[@MommingwithMigraine]

KILLS ME EVERY TIME

[@capetownchicklet14]

I love how happy and proud he is all the time!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

YES! It's one of my absolute favorite things about him!!! Before I knew about service dogs, a part of me felt bad that maybe they didn't enjoy it. This guy definitely proved me wrong. He loves it!

[@merekatnip8753]

Thank you for this! As someone who is about to train a dog for POTs this was a really nice example of what it should end up looking like

[@petrishalee2315]

You look like your doing well, hope you are feeling ok while being pregnant. Hope baby is doing great as well! Thanks for the vid!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Yes! Thank you! 2nd trimester is still hard on me so far, but nothing like the first was. I've been telling my husband... I can handle 2 of the 3 - migraine, POTS, or pregnancy. But all 3 at the same time is a liiiiiittle too much. The pregnancy chilling out on me a bit has been life changing. Thanks for stopping by to chat, I appreciate you checking in on me and the baby!

[@Vantas_Black]

I was thinking on getting a service dog and self train and.... I cannot tell you how much this helped me to understand

[@hollycostello9396]

He is a golden and know the name of the game. Not that all dogs but, that all dogs will with consistently will obedience.

[@Cadolyst]

Thank you so much for this video!! I’m looking to train my own PSD and having this video and channel as a resource is so helpful and inspiring. Thank you for giving me hope!

[@sueyloo68]

You did an amazing job training him!!

[@VicandWes]

I have a mobility service dog and this video is super helpful because I’ve been looking for a way to refresh off-duty and on-duty. I got him in June (program dog) and Wesley is going to be two in November

[@amfx6]

He's such a happy boy and loves his job

[@samarasbubble]

Once his vest got put on, he turned into the most distinguished of gentlemen!!!

[@cbesh0]

To claim that you're not a dog trainer, you do an awesome job! Thank you! I really enjoyed your video.

[@soonfuller929]

Outstanding work, Buddy! You two make the best team! Thanks for another amazing video, Jen! ❤️

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Thank you, and as always, thanks so much for watching!! 💜

[@saracrum1487]

I am so happy I just found your channel! I will be training my dog when we get her in two weeks. I had no idea I could train her to help with pots

[@lilmoney139]

when you grow a strong bond with any breed dog 🐕 they obey your words very fast 💯

[@LaurelMoring]

This was super helpful! Thank you!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

You're so welcome! I'm glad it helped and I really appreciate the feedback. There's no other way for me to know, so thanks for taking the time. ☺

[@faeriesandrainbows]

I'd love to know how you trained Buddy to recognize that your migraines and faints are coming. I get he can smell the difference on you, but how did you train him to notice that and alert you to it? Love your content! 💖

[@alyssalares3088]

Omg congratulations on your baby!!!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Thank you so much 😀

[@BlindManWalking]

The best owner train service dogs video I’ve seen. Nice video

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Wow, thanks!

[@merediths3640]

love the Dobby pop!!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

He's got a sock! He's a free Dobby!

[@rosegranger2872]

@@MommingwithMigraine this is awesome!!!!

[@carolguerra4335]

Loved the video! Can you make a video on Buddy's training routine?

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Great suggestion! That would be a bit of a tough video because he does so many little bits of training across the day and I'd wantt o SHOW you instead of TELL you... but I'll start brainstorming how I could put something like that together. Appreciate it!

[@kevinlawson9628]

That's what type training I'm going to have to start doing thanks

[@MommingwithMigraine]

You're welcome! A lot of pups really love it.

[@Grandddd.]

And also love your voice and I just don't know how to say it but I love how u like explain thing something like that

[@ladysekhmetka]

Ah! I found it! Looks like I'm just late to the party! Thanks for the video!

[@datenelfe]

Great video!! How is he able to sense the blood pressure drop? Just amazing!!!

[@jennifermastin7169]

FREE BALL!! Lol... you make me laugh at the right time!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Did I say that?! I have no memory 🤣

[@kevinlawson9628]

Congrats

[@ServiceDogPaws]

💕

[@MommingwithMigraine]

💜💜💜

[@lotsoflove5378]

i love you guys! also i cant wait for buddy to have a sister or brother human baby child

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Awh, thank you! We are excited too. Sometimes it just doesn't feel real! I'm looking forward to be that massive lady in the store with a service dog. What a sight! 😅

[@lotsoflove5378]

@@MommingwithMigraine lol!

[@theservicedogandphoenyx4071]

I had to train my SDIT to "Hop Up" which is the same as heal

[@Jayzelnut]

This is so helpful! I'm going to be training a puppy to be a tourettes service dog and I was hoping I'd be able to give them some leeway when they're not working, so its good to see you can train them that way! I'm curious, what are your rules with interaction with other people/other dogs when on duty vs. off duty?

[@yamiyotenshi]

Did you train him for the alerts as well or was he already trained for the alerts? I know there are dog schools where they train all kinds of service dogs and that I’ve heard of a few people who is fully train their dogs even for the alerts. But it is very cool to see how you train your dog and it’s really obvious you do care about your dogs well-being as well and that he cares about you Because he was very happy. And I like seeing happy puppies and people are happy to have them

[@ScrappinMichele]

I’m curious how things might change or how you will handle this once you have a toddler in the house. Mostly in the case of “In our house we never stray. no exceptions” rule. when you have a toddler that is trying to imitate you, so they give commands to Buddy, but don’t follow through consistently. Can you train Buddy to ignore commands from a child, but not adult or something like that?

[@monkeybusiness8398]

Omg I’m going through the same thing! What has helped me is teaching the child simple tricks (sit, down, stay) so that it makes it easier for the dog to understand and the child to stick through it since they’re easier tricks. With harder tricks, the child doesn’t understand how to say it properly and/or do the correct hand motion. Another thing is if I catch them trying to train the dogs without following through, I’ll catch them right before and tell the dog, “Sit Ollie” which helps the dog learn how the child says the command, making it easier for them to follow through. Help them follow through while explaining to the child, “This means sit! Say good boy and give them a treat!” After a while, they start getting the hang of training! And it creates a stronger bond between the child and the dog(s).

[@Whateverhasbeenmynameforyears]

Would be nice to have some links from the ones you found helpful. :)

[@yvettezapata3947]

I want to train my 1 yr old Shepard mix to be a service dog for my daughter who has asthma. Do you think your tips would help me too?

[@womandragora_]

How did you teach him to alert (with the smell of a migraine) ?

[@rosegranger2872]

He is a natural alerter. Some dogs just do it without needing to be taught

[@ieltjedebieltje]

You can take an sample of yourself to train the dog to alert when they smell the sample. Mine is a puppy yet, and while i teach her still the basic she gave me yesterday the first migraine alert. So if your dog isnt doing it by itself you can train them to learn it.

[@SamtheSWE]

Can you drop some of the youtubers you used? Lots to sort through

[@BrokeButBountifullyBlessed799]

Thank you for sharing this. I got s dog two months ago. I realized after three weeks that she would whine when my heart was starting to race for various reasons. (I have supraventricular tachycardia.) She still needs training in other sreas. Like not barking at people and other dogs. So she is not yet a service dog. Was you dog a service dog when you got her? Or did you train her yourself?

[@catthouser9032]

I have a couple of questions: Will Buddy still alert you when he knows that he is off duty? How long is Buddy on and off duty? I just got a dog and am starting to train. Had her out with me today in a couple of different public settings. She was great. A little shaky waiting at the hair salon. Was a long wait. But pretty good. She is pooped out right now. I have to do shorter outings.

[@anthonybhiurd4193]

I'm not the person but to answer your first question, they should always be able to task / alert even when off duty, because there may be times when the person needs it while theyre off duty, like at home. If a service dog only tasks / alerts when on duty, and completely ignores your symptoms and doesn't alert or aid you when off duty, they've probably been trained wrong.

[@Sam2305]

What age did u start training buddy? I'm going to train my dog to be a service dog and shes 2 months old so just wondering when to start training (except for main commands like where she can go to the restroom and sit stay stuff)

[@teresaconde8789]

Can you make a video on how to train your dog on and off duty?

[@redisbaked]

oh man i stumbled into a pregnancy reveal as i discovered this channel "this is how we trained buddy" "also, tada, im pregnant" i hope everythings working out alright!

[@xeareax]

Can you make a video on your fave sites for self training please

[@emilykidder3335]

Oh my God how do you train in service dog I’ve been trying really hard

[@mrandmrsedmonds]

what would happen if your blood pressure went down and he was of duty???

[@lisagaedike741]

Hey! Thank you for this video! Who are your favorite trainers on KZbin?

[@MommingwithMigraine]

You're welcome! Claire from Service Angel Percie/Canine Matters is my favorite, but I adapt ideas from several different people to try to do what's best for us.

[@lisagaedike741]

Momming with Migraine thank you so much! I love McCann dog training for just generally obedience but I will check this Chanel out! Because I am trading my 4 month old pup to be a service dog!!! And so far it’s going great! I just really need to start looking into specifics of the service dog part ha! He already knows how to do deep pressure. And started interrupting my ocd compulsions without even training!!! Like what! It was meant to be 💗💗💗

[@addisonhaberlach8880]

For your dog to be a service dog do they have to go to professional trainers to be worked with or can you train them completely on your own and they still qualify for a service dog? I am trying to educate myself more on the topic of service dogs and this has been one of my questions.

[@ashmusic721]

you can completely train your own service dog

[@lauratalinaalvarezcruz9025]

Hi there! I’ll be traveling with my service dog for the first time. Do you know which documents do they ask you at the airplane company? Thanks :)

[@MommingwithMigraine]

I have a video on the document we needed! Hopefully it answers your question 💜

[@kevinlawson9628]

My black lab does that maybe I should get him a to

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Yes, your black lab should definitely have toys to play with! Even if it's not for training.

[@kevinlawson9628]

I got tennis balls and a launcher that I play with him do you think he needs more toys

[@rmoenmjea]

Tennis balls are actually really bad for your dogs teeth. You could try tennis balls specifically made for dogs or rubber balls. Many dogs also love plushies and tug toys or squeaky toys. Just try out what your pup likes

[@gigischuster3078]

As a CPTSD Survivor Civilian Woman With Also Hypokalemia/Hypoglycemia Condition.... Being told you have a case for a CPTSD and Medical Hypoglycemia condition just to try and find Service Dog Facility. And each says your condition is not worth their time, that its nothing compared to a Veteran even though you have had it 38 years and that includes inability to retain a job, going out places, out to Restaurants or doctors. The places want to try to find anyway to dismiss your case for a needed Service Dog and if they can't, they'll use we take only Veterans and 1st responders you'll have to wait 3 years. Of course lets say you deteriorate because of the condition, start a family then they will try to find other excuses and interrogate you to say "your not someone they can help despite their boosting and bragging that they can, yet only want to cater" to those that'll boost their image and ratings nothing more despite what's on their sites. I am trying to raise the money for a Service Dog and both my EMDR and Psychologists said at this point better off training your own then waiting on a list for 3+ years with little to no chance. Also they love to pit a civilian with CPTSD/PTSD over a Veteran think only Veterans have worse case is a load of bs, especially when it comes to civilian women that I realized during 3 interrogating interviews "How long are you in your CPTSD?", "how long do you disassociate?" These questions never put them off from helping a Veteran candidate if they can't remember and Veterans disassociate like a Civilian. Yet they are worried about a Civilian disassociation and not a Veteran when each persons reactions and case are different...total discrimination against civilian women with CPTSD/PTSD . My fiance has gone with me places in case it happens and I'm never alone when it does so their asking how long as if a PTSD Survivor blanks out should remember is a garbage tactic to discredit you and your CPTSD/PTSD so they don't have to help you. Tried so far for 3 years to look into getting a needed Service Dog this year started raising funds and yet not a facility will accept me. I'm not gonna wait on a list for 5+ nor 10+ years don't waist civilians time if these so called Service Dog Facilities never had any interest in helping us Women with CPTSD/PTSD for 30+ years is all I can say. At this point we are 75% sure we will probably use funds to get a private Service Dog coach to help me train my own Service Dog privately. These facilities will of course scare tactic, threaten and try to discourage you fron training your own Service Dog because they make no profit from not helping you, yet won't give you the time of day or help you through them as a candidate...... So what then other choice is there? They'll say "if you choose to do it yourself then the dog will never be acknowledged as a Service Dog , or its a felony to train your own Service Dog, even We will report you as that's a Scam against Real Service Dogs From Service Dog Facilities" Again its all to scare you into their waiting game and deter you from training your OWN Service Dog, which nothing wrong with that, they just don't like civilians not willing to wait around with no hope then deciding to train their own Service Dog meaning again those facilities won't get a dime of the training money no profit because they didn't care enough to accept you as a candidate and didn't want to help or turned you away....that's on them. I believe we women civilians being not taken seriously by Service Dog facilities if its in best interest. If you have the money and connections to train your own Service Dog after facilities claiming they can help you turn you away.....I say go for it, it might be best investment over being stuck on a waiting list at a facility for 3+ years.

[@dion789]

This is so strange to me. In the Netherlands we have organization that trains service dogs and thry have to perform at a certain standard that gets tested. Then prople who need a service dog can apply for one. I've never heard of people training their own service dog from scratch. Are there any tests you have to do for your dog to offically qualify as a service dog? I know that public services in general aren't great in the US, but are you on your own when it comes to service dogs? It never crossed my mind that this wouldn't be provided for people. Still,kudos on the great training.

[@charlieg3674]

Owner training is just an option in the US. There aren't any required tests for a service animal if you owner train, but you can choose to take the Canine Good Citizen test or a different Public Access test if you want to make sure your dog meets a certain standard. The US does have many programs where service dogs are trained for people, but usually for a high price or for free in some cases. Program dogs usually have to pass a test before the program gives them to their handlers to make sure they're good to work

[@patriciaversluis2558]

weird question maybe, but if he is off duty at home, Will he still warn you before a faint? Or is off duty like, mom good luck im busy now?

[@MommingwithMigraine]

He'll still alert!

[@patriciaversluis2558]

@@MommingwithMigraine that is so impressive. You seem like such a sweet woman. Thank for making people aware. And an other question the harness seem to be different a lot. I am from holland where every serves dog has the same harness. No matter how the dog helps. It makes it a lot easier here to see if the dog is working and real. Is that not a thing where you are from?

[@breezykneezy7290]

Did his alerting come naturally or did you have to train him to recognize the smell? If so, how?

[@keybladewizard49]

in one of her other videos she mentioned that he started naturally alerting to her symptoms which is what made her decide to train him in the first place

[@breezykneezy7290]

@@keybladewizard49 thank you!

[@gigischuster3078]

I have spent three years to get nothing but run around and money taken with no serious commitment by Service Dog Facilities for a needed Medical Alert and CPTSD Service Dog. I started to train my dog to alert to my Hypoglycemia and Hypokalemia because it can cause Panic Anxiety, Vertigo, Dizzy Spells, Fainting and Sweats while messing with my Heart when low. She saved my life when I went into shock from an Bladder infection and alerted to my levels being in the danger zone, while I was in and out of consciousness she kept me awake till my brother got to me and was put in the hospital because of it. I owe my life to her after three years of training. Unfortunately she is to old to be a Service Dog in public it's to much on her so I have her help me at home, unless we go to places that let me take her. As I have said it's been years of trying to get an Service Dog who can help me especially out in public, but with each payment just to get in the door to places like Medical Mutts, Power Paws, Service Dogs of America and few others wanted $$$$ of money while being bias and stereotypical run around and dragging their feet, while finding any reason to down grade my situation and then not follow through. of me a civilian with the Medical and CPTSD Survivor case. Despite my EMDR, Psychiatrist and Doctor saying I can handle the training I have done the training through online with my senior dog, and that just because I am single in my own home and not in a relationship, doesn't mean I'm incapable, incompetent and don't have a safety net/support around me because that is not true. It's very, very humiliating and degrading going through issues with multiple Service Dog Facilities that I have lost hope in them, despite what they claim, I feel if you benefit from a Service Dog through them, it comes off as only if you boost their image, served our nation or are married in a supposed "healthy relationship" is what I got from them. There is also discrimination double standard if you served and have pets already at home, they trust you'd make a good candidate, but if your a single civilian they claim "you might not be capable or up to the task, we prefer to place dog in a home with no other pets if your a civilian, or we need to meet your dog" . I was willing to go down to each facility with my senior dog with a friend or family, after investing money to these places , just to be ghosted and then a slap in the face a year or two years later they say "oh we just don't think your right for us, or we don't think under bias assumptions your up for the task" all a load of crap. I was told the sooner the better, and at this point I'm looking to adopt a dog from a shelter and train them and then use Atlas Organization that trains adopted dogs for doing Service Dog job. What is your recommendation of looking for a candidate in a Shelter. I have heard only Diabetes alerts by Service Dog, but I can tell you having Hypoglycemia and Hypokalemia is no different, and it's frustrating and sad for the millions who truly need an alert medical for these situations that can be done, like facilities do Diabetics I believe they can if they weren't stubborn and willing to learn from those who train their dog for Hypoglycemia and Hypokalemia, and when you say you have Complex Post Traumatic Stress and Anxiety Disorder they act like they have no clue what that is, yet it's worse than PTSD for some like me, and a big difference than those who Served it's usually worse as a civilian survivor, yet the facilities were ignorant and didn't want to understand the difference and that is a real diagnosis for civilians especially those who have like me been through foster situation.

[@terell-tdawg-stewart661]

2:30 💪🏼💀💪🏼😂🦸🏽‍♂️🦸🏼‍♀️ Priceless 😂 4:37 💪🏼😂💪🏼💀🦸🏽‍♂️🦸🏼‍♀️ pregnancy moments 🤗😂

[@salem1281]

Will he alert while off duty?

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Yes.

[@Tirryna]

Scientific- bond method dog training!!!! My favorite method! It's been studied for decades...even with MRI's!...of what the best way to communicate with doggos...and this is it! People underestimate how dogs can switch modes for what is needed. Not only service dogs, but K9 officers. Remove their K9 officer badge/ vest and they go STRAIGHT into goofy pet mode. Wish this would be picked up by more service dog trainers, cause I'm sick of seeing pinch collars and choke chains on service dogs. I'm planning on training my own service dog. Scientific/bond-based here we come!

[@Grandddd.]

wait dont you have to talk to the government for the dog to be a service dog and do some papers or something like that?

[@kevinlawson9628]

Toy

[@Saidoromo2024]

Less talk more showing training

[@MommingwithMigraine]

How about *you* try less talking more doing

[@Grandmawolff]

Thank you for this. Just subscribed have a two month old pit bull/Rottweiler/shar pai puppy who started alerting on my heart problems/anxiety a couple weeks ago. I have had her since she was born. Her mom had her in my bedroom and we have been close since. Her name is Loki bear. Blessed be 🐕‍🦺❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🐕‍🦺

[@gigischuster3078]

I had to break up with my ex of two years wasted my time and made my CPTSD worse kick him outta my house after he blamed me for not being able to work full time and my medical issues and CPTSD that make it hard to hold full time job he'd say I was not keeping my house clean to his mom's standard, he'd used to humiliate and abuse me verbally and emotionally, saying he'd never marry me until I was at his level in life as an "normal equal" but he expected me to be his maid, and take care of him, while he didn't want to do anything relationship like it inside/outside of home, didn't want to do things on weekends. Even around my family nothing but degrading and insults l, always telling me when we went places "don't embarrass me" especially when we went to see his mean bit## sister and family. He'd say my self employed and being on SSI for disablilty is reason he would never marry me, and thought anyone with PTSD or Anxiety Panic Stress Disorder or medical issues like Hypoglycemia Hypoklimea would be unfit parent. I paid for relationship counseling, but he was only making my CPTSD worse so I through him out. Never let someone move in and use your disability as an excuse to walk all over you and use you in your home and not treat you right, not accept you for who you are and use your situation as an excuse to squatter and not pay their fair share, not treat you like you matter as a significant other. Unfortunately when I had to inform a Service Dog Facility he was no longer in the picture. They assumed that meant I had no safety net, that he was my caretaker and only bread winner, that without him I couldn't handle having and training a Service Dog, that I had no support and no financial stability. When it was not the case and I was being stereotype-bias prejudiced against because they assumed without him I wouldn't be capable, they never bothered to ask questions and assumed went off with that and over turned unfairly out of misguided assumptions that had them overturn my candidate acceptence. Now looking to find a different route after to many Service Dog Facility issues, possible rescue adopt and train online.