Special tasks of a service dog
GAV's requirements for trained actions that help compensate for a person's functional limitations.
1. What counts as a special task
A task is a specific trained action, not a general impression of the dog's behavior. It must be linked to a person's functional limitation, and its performance must be observable and repeatable. The mere presence of a dog is not enough.
Each task is included in the team's individual plan and confirmed at the final assessment — like the other sections of the protocol (see the "Standards" page).
2. Requirements for each task
Trained
A task is the result of purposeful training, not incidental behavior by the dog.
Link to the limitation
A task directly compensates for a specific functional limitation of the owner.
Observable
Performance of the task can be seen and recorded, not just assumed.
Repeatable
The dog performs the task consistently, not once by chance.
Safety
Performing the task does not create risk for the dog, the owner or others.
Different conditions
The task is reproduced not only at home but also in an unfamiliar setting.
Controllability
The handler is able to initiate and control performance of the task.
Documentation
The training, criteria and result of the task are recorded in the individual plan.
3. Examples of permitted tasks
Examples are grouped by area — more about the areas on the "Types of service dogs" page.
Mobility Assistance
- Bring an item.
- Pick up a dropped item.
- Open or close an accessible door.
- Press an accessible button.
- Carry a light item.
- Help remove an item of clothing.
- Deliver a phone or medication kit.
Medical Alert
- Give a pre-trained signal.
- Attract the handler's attention.
- Repeat the signal until there is a response.
- Bring another person on command.
Medical Response
- Bring a phone.
- Bring an aid kit.
- Activate an accessible button.
- Call another person.
- Lie down next to the handler after an episode.
- Help maintain a safe position without dangerous physical pressure.
Hearing Tasks
- Alert to a doorbell.
- Alert to an alarm clock.
- Alert to an equipment signal.
- Lead the handler to the source of a sound.
- Alert to a person calling the handler.
Psychiatric Tasks
- Interrupt a repetitive or dangerous action.
- Perform grounding on cue.
- Lead to an exit.
- Find a familiar person.
- Create distance without aggression.
- Wake the handler.
- Bring a phone or medication kit.
- Call for help in a trained way.
Seizure Response
- Stay close.
- Call for help.
- Bring a phone.
- Activate a button.
- Clear a safe space following a trained routine.
Diabetes Response
- Give a trained signal.
- Bring a measuring device.
- Bring an aid kit.
- Call another person.
- Activate a call button.
4. What is not a special task
- Simply being nearby.
- Reducing anxiety by presence.
- Sleeping nearby.
- Being affectionate.
- Wearing a vest.
- Accompanying the owner.
- Sitting calmly nearby.
- Creating a sense of safety without a specific action.
- Attracting attention by appearance.
- Having a certificate or a doctor's letter.
5. Unacceptable and unsafe tasks
Not permitted:
- Actions that cause the dog pain.
- Constantly using the dog as support without a separate assessment.
- Tasks that put excessive load on the spine and joints.
- Aggressive blocking of people.
- An attack or the threat of an attack.
- Holding a person with the teeth.
- The dog going into the road on its own.
- Carrying dangerous items.
- Actions that require loss of control.
- Tasks that create risk for others.
- Medical promises that cannot be confirmed.
6. How the task list is built
The client describes situations in which they experience limitations
A specialist identifies possible functional actions
The trainer assesses trainability and safety
Tasks are included in the individual plan
Performance criteria are set
Training is carried out
Performance is recorded in sessions
Tasks are checked at the final assessment
7. Task card
A sample template of the fields used to describe each task in the individual plan.
[Task name]
Functional purpose: [to be filled in]
Command or trigger: [to be filled in]
Expected action: [to be filled in]
Success criterion: [to be filled in]
Permitted level of prompting: [to be filled in]
Conditions of checking: [to be filled in]
Safety limits: [to be filled in]
Training start date: [to be filled in]
Confirmation date: [to be filled in]
Trainer: [to be filled in]
Assessor: [to be filled in]
Status: [to be filled in]
Possible statuses
8. Checking a task at assessment
- A task is checked several times when it is safe.
- Accuracy and timeliness of performance are taken into account.
- The level of prompting the dog needed is assessed.
- A task must be performed not only at home.
- Incidental behavior does not count as performing a task.
- One successful attempt may not be enough.
- For medical tasks, safe simulations or confirmed recordings are used if real reproduction is impossible or unsafe.
9. Handler prompts
- The permitted level of prompting is set in advance.
- A prompt must not completely replace independent performance by the dog.
- Repeated commands reduce the reliability of the result.
- Physical coercion is not permitted.
- The prompts used are recorded in the protocol.
10. Video and evidence of training
- Video can confirm training progress.
- The date and context of filming must be clear.
- Video does not replace the final assessment unless the policy provides otherwise.
- Medical episodes must not be published without consent.
- Files are stored with restricted access.
- Editing must not hide unsuccessful attempts.
- The assessor may request additional recordings.
11. Changing tasks after certification
- New tasks cannot simply be written into an old document.
- The change is recorded in the team's file.
- Additional training is scheduled.
- If necessary, reassessment is carried out.
- The confirmation date of the new task is preserved.
- The public register shows only confirmed information.
12. Example of a task
Sample card. The data is hypothetical.
Bring a phone on cue
Functional purpose: the ability to contact an assistant.
Trigger: a voice command or a pre-trained signal.
Action: the dog finds the phone, brings it and hands it to the handler.
Criterion: performed safely, without damaging the item and without repeated commands.
Status: confirmed.
13. Legal and medical note
Want to learn more about types of dogs and programs?
Training areas, training formats and GAV assessment standards.