Service Dog Terminology Guide
A reference library of 150 common terms used for service dogs, emotional support animals, therapy dogs, training, handling, access, behavior, and working tasks.
1. Service Dog
Service Dog
A dog individually trained to perform work or tasks that directly mitigate a handler’s disability.
2. Emotional Support Animal
ESA
An animal that provides comfort through presence but is not task-trained for public-access service work.
3. Therapy Dog
Therapy Dog
A dog trained for structured visits that provides comfort to other people in settings such as schools, hospitals, and programs.
4. Task-Trained
Service Dog
Describes a dog that has been trained to perform specific disability-related work or tasks on cue or by recognition.
5. Public Access
Service Dog
The ability of a qualified service dog team to enter areas of the public where pets are normally not allowed.
6. Disability Mitigation
Service Dog
The reduction of disability-related limitations through trained canine work.
7. Handler
Service Dog
The disabled person or authorized trainer working the dog.
8. Working Dog
Service Dog
A dog actively performing trained duties rather than functioning only as a pet.
9. Working Team
Service Dog
The partnership between handler and dog functioning together in daily life or work.
10. Medical Alert Dog
Service Dog
A service dog trained to identify physiological changes and alert the handler before or during an episode.
11. Medical Response Dog
Service Dog
A dog trained to respond to a medical event by retrieving help, bringing medication, or performing another taught response.
12. Mobility Dog
Service Dog
A service dog trained to assist with balance, retrieval, opening access points, and other mobility-related tasks.
13. Psychiatric Service Dog
Service Dog
A task-trained service dog that assists with psychiatric disabilities through learned tasks.
14. Autism Assistance Dog
Service Dog
A dog trained to assist an autistic handler with regulation, safety, and functional support tasks.
15. Hearing Dog
Service Dog
A dog trained to alert a handler to specific sounds such as alarms, names, phones, and door knocks.
16. Guide Dog
Service Dog
A dog trained to assist a blind or visually impaired handler with navigation and hazard avoidance.
17. Seizure Alert
Tasks
A behavior in which a dog gives an alert before or at onset of a seizure event.
18. Seizure Response
Tasks
Trained actions a dog takes during or after a seizure, such as staying close, getting help, or retrieving items.
19. Cardiac Alert
Tasks
An alert to changes related to heart rate, rhythm, circulation, or oncoming fainting episodes.
20. Diabetic Alert
Tasks
An alert to changes in blood glucose scent profile or related symptoms.
21. Migraine Alert
Tasks
An alert to changes that may precede a migraine episode.
22. Cortisol Alert
Tasks
An alert to body changes associated with stress or panic-related chemical shifts.
23. Panic Alert
Tasks
An alert to early signs of panic symptoms so the handler can intervene sooner.
24. Dissociation Alert
Tasks
A trained alert to signs that the handler is disconnecting or becoming nonresponsive.
25. Interruption Task
Tasks
A trained behavior used to stop harmful, repetitive, or escalating actions.
26. Redirection
Tasks
A task in which the dog shifts the handler’s focus away from distress or unsafe behavior.
27. Grounding
Tasks
A task that helps orient the handler to the present moment through touch, pressure, or engagement.
28. Deep Pressure Therapy
Tasks
A task in which the dog applies body weight or pressure to help regulate the handler.
29. Tactile Stimulation
Tasks
Touching, nudging, pawing, or leaning to interrupt symptoms or provide focus.
30. Retrieval
Tasks
Picking up and delivering objects such as phones, keys, medication, or dropped items.
31. Item Fetch
Tasks
A retrieval task focused on finding and bringing a specific named item.
32. Bracing
Tasks
A trained stability task involving structured support, used only when appropriate for the dog and handler and under sound training standards.
33. Counterbalance
Tasks
A mobility task in which the dog provides positional support to help the handler maintain balance during movement.
34. Forward Momentum Pull
Tasks
A mobility-related task in which the dog assists forward movement in controlled circumstances.
35. Door Open
Tasks
Opening a door by pulling or pushing using a trained behavior.
36. Drawer Open
Tasks
Opening drawers or cabinets to allow item access for the handler.
37. Light Switch Task
Tasks
Turning lights on or off using a nose, paw, or target behavior.
38. Button Task
Tasks
Pressing automatic-door buttons, medical alert buttons, or adapted switches.
39. Medication Retrieval
Tasks
Finding and delivering medication or a medication bag on cue or alert response.
40. Phone Retrieval
Tasks
Bringing a phone during distress, injury, or a medical event.
41. Help-Seeking
Tasks
Going to another person for assistance during an emergency or when cued.
42. Bark Alert
Tasks
A trained bark used in a controlled way to signal a specific need or emergency.
43. Find Exit
Tasks
Guiding the handler toward an exit during overwhelm, disorientation, or emergency.
44. Find Person
Tasks
Locating a specific caregiver, family member, or support person.
45. Find Car
Tasks
Leading the handler to a vehicle in parking lots or complex environments.
46. Room Search
Tasks
Entering and checking a room before the handler does, when trained for that purpose.
47. Cover
Tasks
Positioning behind the handler to create space and reduce hypervigilance.
48. Block
Tasks
Positioning in front of the handler to create a physical buffer in crowded spaces.
49. Orbit
Tasks
Moving around the handler in a circle to help create personal space.
50. Nightmare Interruption
Tasks
Waking the handler from a nightmare or night terror through trained contact.
51. Wake Alert
Tasks
A task used to wake the handler for alarms, sounds, or urgent physical changes.
52. Allergen Detection
Tasks
Scent-based detection of known allergens or contamination risk in defined settings.
53. Gluten Detection
Tasks
A specialized scent task in which the dog identifies the presence of gluten.
54. Peanut Detection
Tasks
A specialized scent alert task for peanut exposure risk.
55. Cortisol Scenting
Tasks
Recognition of body odor changes associated with rising stress or panic in some trained teams.
56. Heel
Handling
A position in which the dog walks attentively beside the handler.
57. Loose-Leash Walking
Handling
Walking without leash tension while remaining under control.
58. Focus
Handling
Sustained attention on the handler despite distractions.
59. Under
Handling
A cue directing the dog to settle under a table, desk, or chair.
60. Place
Handling
Going to and remaining on a designated mat, bed, or spot.
61. Settle
Handling
Relaxing quietly in position for extended periods.
62. Stand
Handling
Remaining upright and still until released or cued otherwise.
63. Stay
Handling
Holding position until released.
64. Down-Stay
Handling
Lying down and maintaining that position until released.
65. Sit-Stay
Handling
Sitting in place until released.
66. Recall
Handling
Returning promptly to the handler when called.
67. Leave It
Handling
Ignoring an item, food, person, animal, or distraction.
68. Drop It
Handling
Releasing an object from the mouth.
69. Take It
Handling
Picking up or accepting a named object.
70. Hold
Handling
Maintaining gentle control of an item until cued to release it.
71. Tug
Handling
Pulling an item such as a door, drawer, or laundry basket by cue.
72. Push
Handling
Using the nose or body to close a door, drawer, or switch.
73. Target
Handling
Touching a hand, object, or location with nose or paw.
74. Nose Target
Handling
A target behavior using the nose.
75. Paw Target
Handling
A target behavior using the paw.
76. Proofing
Training
Practicing behaviors under distractions, environments, and difficulty increases until reliable.
77. Generalization
Training
Teaching the dog to perform a behavior reliably across many places and situations.
78. Duration
Training
How long a dog can maintain a behavior.
79. Distance
Training
How far the handler can be from the dog while the dog still performs correctly.
80. Distraction
Training
Environmental challenge added during training to improve reliability.
81. Marker
Training
A signal such as a click or word that identifies the correct behavior at the exact moment it occurs.
82. Clicker Training
Training
A marker-based training method using a click sound to reinforce desired behavior.
83. Reinforcement
Training
A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior happening again.
84. Positive Reinforcement
Training
Adding something the dog likes after a behavior to strengthen that behavior.
85. Luring
Training
Using a reward to guide the dog into a behavior during early learning.
86. Shaping
Training
Building a behavior in small steps by reinforcing closer and closer approximations.
87. Capturing
Training
Marking and reinforcing a naturally offered behavior.
88. Chaining
Training
Linking several trained behaviors together into one complete task sequence.
89. Fluency
Training
Smooth, reliable, accurate task performance under normal conditions.
90. Cue
Training
A signal telling the dog which behavior to perform.
91. Verbal Cue
Training
A spoken word or phrase used to request a behavior.
92. Hand Signal
Training
A visible motion used as a cue.
93. Release Word
Training
A cue that tells the dog the behavior is complete and it is free to move.
94. Washout
Training
A dog withdrawn from service work training because health, temperament, or performance is not suitable.
95. Prospect
Training
A dog being evaluated as a possible future service dog.
96. Puppy Raising
Training
The early stage of socialization, manners, and exposure for a future working dog.
97. Socialization
Training
Structured exposure to environments, surfaces, sounds, people, and situations in a stable manner.
98. Environmental Stability
Training
The dog’s ability to remain composed across changing surroundings.
99. Neutrality
Training
Remaining calm and disengaged around people, dogs, food, noise, and movement.
100. Reactivity
Behavior
An exaggerated response to stimuli such as dogs, people, sounds, or motion.
101. Startle Recovery
Behavior
How quickly a dog regains composure after an unexpected stimulus.
102. Threshold
Behavior
The point at which a dog becomes too stressed or stimulated to learn or respond well.
103. Trigger
Behavior
Anything that causes a noticeable emotional or behavioral reaction.
104. Stress Signals
Behavior
Body language indicators such as lip licking, yawning, shaking off, or avoidance that show strain.
105. Displacement Behavior
Behavior
A behavior shown under conflict or stress, such as scratching or sniffing out of context.
106. Impulse Control
Behavior
The ability to pause and make a trained choice rather than reacting immediately.
107. Frustration Tolerance
Behavior
The dog’s ability to stay functional when access to a reward or desired action is delayed.
108. Confidence
Behavior
Stable, willing engagement with the environment without persistent fear or avoidance.
109. Temperament
Behavior
The dog’s overall behavioral makeup, including sociability, resilience, drive, and stability.
110. Drive
Behavior
The dog’s motivation to engage in work, food, toys, scent, or tasks.
111. Handler Sensitivity
Behavior
The dog’s awareness of subtle changes in the handler’s body language, scent, or emotional state.
112. Dog Neutral
Behavior
Calm, nonreactive behavior around other dogs without trying to engage them.
113. People Neutral
Behavior
Calm behavior around strangers without soliciting attention or showing distress.
114. Food Neutral
Behavior
Ignoring accessible food in public settings unless cued otherwise.
115. ESA Letter
ESA
A document from a licensed professional used in contexts where emotional support animal documentation is lawfully relevant.
116. Comfort Animal
ESA
A general term for an animal whose presence is soothing but that is not necessarily task-trained for service work.
117. Housing Accommodation
ESA
A housing-related adjustment that may allow certain assistance animals under applicable housing rules.
118. Assistance Animal
ESA
A broader umbrella term that can include service animals and support animals depending on the legal context.
119. Facility Dog
Therapy Dog
A dog working in a professional setting such as a courthouse, counseling office, or school under a program structure.
120. Visit Dog
Therapy Dog
A therapy dog participating in organized visits to bring comfort to others.
121. Pet Therapy
Therapy Dog
A common public phrase for structured therapeutic animal visitation work.
122. Handler Evaluation
Therapy Dog
Assessment of whether the dog-handler team is appropriate for therapy visit environments.
123. Visit Readiness
Therapy Dog
The dog’s ability to remain calm, friendly, and appropriate during therapy visits.
124. Vest
Handling
Working gear sometimes used to identify or equip a dog, though gear alone does not define legal status.
125. Harness
Handling
A body-worn piece of equipment used for control, tasking, or guidance depending on design.
126. Pull Strap
Handling
A strap attached to gear for specific mobility or task work where appropriate.
127. Guide Handle
Handling
A rigid or semi-rigid handle associated with guide work or certain mobility applications.
128. Long Line
Handling
An extended leash often used in training for recalls, distance work, and controlled freedom.
129. Traffic Leash
Handling
A short leash or tab used for close control in public spaces.
130. Owner-Trained
Training
A service dog trained fully or partly by the handler rather than only by a program.
131. Program Dog
Training
A dog trained and placed through an organization or formal training program.
132. Board and Train
Training
A training arrangement in which the dog lives temporarily with a trainer for concentrated work.
133. Public Access Test
Training
An evaluation tool used by some trainers or programs to assess public behavior and reliability.
134. Task List
Training
A written outline of trained behaviors the dog performs for the handler’s disability.
135. Work Readiness
Training
The stage at which the dog is behaviorally stable and task reliable enough to work consistently.
136. Burnout
Behavior
Loss of enthusiasm, stress accumulation, or reduced working ability from overexposure or mismatch.
137. Decompression
Behavior
Planned downtime that allows the dog to relax away from work demands.
138. Off Duty
Behavior
A period when the dog is not expected to perform working behaviors unless needed.
139. On Duty
Behavior
A working period when the dog is expected to maintain task readiness and public manners.
140. Spooning
Tasks
A close body-positioning form of grounding or pressure used by some trained teams.
141. Lap
Tasks
A pressure or grounding behavior in which the dog places part of its body across the handler’s lap.
142. Nudge Alert
Tasks
An alert delivered through a nose push to notify the handler of a change or need.
143. Paw Alert
Tasks
An alert delivered through a paw tap or repeated pawing behavior.
144. Nose Boop
Tasks
A brief nose touch used for alerts, focus shifts, or interruption work.
145. Persistent Alert
Tasks
An alert repeated until the handler responds or resolves the issue.
146. Emergency Response Chain
Tasks
A multi-step response sequence the dog performs during a crisis.
147. Access Challenge
Handling
A situation in which a working team is questioned, denied entry, or improperly screened.
148. Team Communication
Handling
The functional exchange of cues, responses, timing, and trust between handler and dog.
149. Reliability
Behavior
How consistently a dog performs correctly across time, settings, and distractions.
150. Suitability
Behavior
The overall match between a dog’s structure, health, temperament, and the demands of service work.
Service Dog Task Master List
Common service areas, grouped task types, and typical alert styles used by trained working dogs.
Common Areas of Service Work
- Mobility support
- Medical alert
- Medical response
- Psychiatric support
- Autism support
- Guide work
- Hearing alert
- Scent detection
- Cardiac alert
- Diabetic alert
- Seizure response
- Allergen detection
- Migraine alert
- Balance and retrieval support
Common Alert Styles
- Nose nudge
- Paw tap
- Jump-to-lap alert
- Persistent stare
- Head rest
- Lean
- Bark alert
- Spin or circle alert
- Bring medication bag
- Lead to exit or person
| Group | Common Tasks | Known Alert Styles | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Retrieval, item pick-up, door open, drawer open, light switch, tug, push, counterbalance, forward momentum assistance, transfer support setup | Nudge, paw tap, item presentation, position cue readiness | Helping handlers with movement limits, weakness, coordination issues, or reduced reach |
| Psychiatric | Interrupt self-harm, interrupt skin picking, grounding, DPT, block, cover, orbit, room check, nightmare interruption, wake from alarm, guide to exit | Nose boop, paw alert, persistent contact, body pressure, bark alert if trained | Panic, PTSD, dissociation, overload, disorientation, compulsive behavior interruption |
| Cardiac | Heart-rate alert, syncope alert, pre-faint alert, retrieve phone, get help, guide to seat, medication retrieval | Nudge, pawing, stare, jump alert, leaning, persistent alerting | Tachycardia, arrhythmia-related awareness, fainting episodes, circulation changes |
| Diabetic | Low blood sugar alert, high blood sugar alert, bring kit, get person, persistent alert until treated | Nose nudge, paw scratch, stare, bring meter bag, bark for backup | Blood glucose changes requiring quick awareness and action |
| Seizure | Seizure alert, seizure response, stay close, retrieve phone, get help, activate emergency routine, position body nearby for safety | Persistent pawing, nudging, barking, circling, lying beside handler | Pre-episode changes, active seizure support, post-ictal recovery assistance |
| Hearing | Alert to alarm, door knock, phone, crying baby, oven timer, name call, emergency siren | Physical touch alert, lead-to-source behavior, repeated nudge | Connecting environmental sounds to the handler through trained alerts |
| Guide Work | Obstacle avoidance, curb indication, route following, doorway targeting, intelligent disobedience, hazard navigation | Harness-based directional feedback and path correction rather than medical-style alerts | Independent navigation support for blind or visually impaired handlers |
| Autism Support | Grounding, elopement interruption, routine support, sensory interruption, deep pressure, lead to caregiver, safety buffering | Pressure, nudge, position changes, blocking, persistent contact | Regulation, safety support, overload reduction, transition assistance |
| Allergen Detection | Food allergen alert, contamination alert, item screening, room/object indication | Sit alert, stare, nose freeze, paw target to source, refusal response | Advanced scent detection for defined allergens |
| Migraine | Migraine alert, medication retrieval, dark-room lead, pressure task, interruption to rest | Nudge, paw alert, leaning, lap pressure | Early warning and support during migraine onset or recovery |
| Scent-Based Psychiatric / Hormonal | Panic alert, cortisol-associated alert, stress alert, dissociation interruption, exit guidance | Nudge, paw tap, persistent boop, jump-to-lap, stare | Early detection of emotional or physiological changes affecting function |
| Multi-Purpose Medical Response | Bring medication, retrieve phone, get help, emergency bark, activate button, fetch water bottle, find person | Nudge followed by response chain, bark alert, item retrieval sequence | Combined response needs for handlers with more than one disability area |
Top 20 Dog Breeds Commonly Used for Service Work
Common service areas include mobility, psychiatric support, cardiac alert, scent work, diabetic alert, hearing alert, guide work, retrieval, autism support, and multi-purpose medical response.
| Breed | Common Service Areas | Pros for Work | Cons for Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Mobility, guide, diabetic alert, psychiatric, retrieval, autism support | Highly trainable, social, stable, versatile, strong retrieve drive, common program success | Can be food-driven to distraction without training, sheds heavily, may be exuberant when young |
| Golden Retriever | Mobility, psychiatric, medical alert, retrieval, autism support | Soft temperament, handler-focused, friendly public image, reliable retrieval skills | Heavy grooming, shedding, some lines are very sensitive or environmentally soft |
| Standard Poodle | Psychiatric, allergen-aware homes, medical alert, mobility light tasks, guide support | Highly intelligent, low-shedding coat, strong trainability, good for handlers needing reduced dander exposure | High grooming needs, can be environmentally sensitive if poorly bred, some lines are very busy mentally |
| German Shepherd Dog | Mobility, guide, psychiatric, medical response, autism support | Strong work ethic, trainable, versatile, natural task engagement, strong spatial awareness | Can be sensitive, vocal, reactive, or physically unsound in poor lines; needs excellent breeding and handling |
| Collie | Psychiatric, medical alert, hearing, autism support | Biddable, responsive, often intuitive with handlers, moderate size and presence | Can be noise-sensitive, coat care can be significant, some lines are soft under pressure |
| Smooth Collie | Psychiatric, hearing, medical alert, autism support | Same trainability profile as collies with easier coat care and good handler focus | Can be environmentally sensitive and vocal in some lines |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Mobility, grounding, autism support | Large frame, calm presence, strong pressure and support potential | Shorter working lifespan in many lines, heavy coat, heat sensitivity, orthopedic concerns |
| Great Dane | Mobility, forward support, grounding | Height advantage, calm presence, physically useful for some tall handlers | Short lifespan, high health risk, expensive upkeep, giant-breed limitations |
| Newfoundland | Mobility, grounding, autism support | Calm, large, strong, naturally steady in many lines | Drool, grooming, heat intolerance, size limits public convenience |
| Boxer | Psychiatric, mobility light tasks, cardiac alert, multi-purpose support | Engaging personality, athletic, people-oriented, expressive alert style | Health concerns, shorter working longevity in some lines, can be exuberant and bouncy |
| Doberman Pinscher | Psychiatric, mobility light tasks, medical alert | Attentive, loyal, responsive, athletic, close handler bond | Public perception challenges, health concerns, some lines are sharp or environmentally intense |
| Border Collie | Medical alert, psychiatric, scent work, hearing | Extreme trainability, fast learning, strong focus, excels in complex chains | Often too environmentally sensitive or high-drive for stable full-time public access in many homes |
| Australian Shepherd | Psychiatric, hearing, medical alert, autism support | Intelligent, task-capable, responsive, energetic | Can be motion sensitive, vocal, reactive, or overstimulated in public settings |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Psychiatric, small-breed medical alert, grounding, hearing light tasks | Portable size, affectionate, easy for lap pressure and grounding, approachable temperament | Limited mobility capacity, significant breed health concerns, small size limits task range |
| Papillon | Hearing, psychiatric, scent alert, small medical alert work | Small but highly trainable, bright, alert, portable, strong performance for size | Small frame limits physical tasks, can be sound-sensitive if poorly socialized |
| Cocker Spaniel | Psychiatric, hearing, scent alert, medical response light tasks | Good size, affectionate, trainable, often strong scent ability | Grooming, ear maintenance, some lines are soft or reactive |
| English Springer Spaniel | Scent work, medical alert, psychiatric, hearing | Strong nose, good biddability, energetic worker, responsive to training | Energy level can be high, coat care required, some lines may be too busy for some handlers |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Medical alert, retrieval, psychiatric, mobility light tasks | Intelligent, athletic, low-shedding coat, strong work interest | Grooming intensive, can be exuberant, requires significant training investment |
| Mixed Breed Service Prospect | Psychiatric, scent work, hearing, retrieval, medical alert | Can be an excellent individual fit, broader genetic variety, sometimes very resilient | Outcome less predictable, structure and temperament vary widely, public perception less standardized |
| Flat-Coated Retriever | Psychiatric, retrieval, medical alert, autism support | Friendly, willing, athletic, good retrieve drive, engaging personality | Slow maturity, exuberance, less common lines to source well, health screening still critical |