Brace / balance support

About this task

Dog stands in a stable position and allows the handler to use them for balance or to assist with standing.

How it helps: Assists handlers with balance disorders, weakness, or difficulty standing or transferring weight.

Required foundation skills

Stand on cue. Stay. Tolerates all body handling.

Training steps

1. Teach solid stand-stay
2. Teach dog to tolerate handler resting hand on their back
3. Gradually increase handler's weight on the dog
4. Dog must not move, sit, or bow while bracing
5. Add the cue "brace"
6. Practice with handler pretending to stumble
7. Practice with handler using dog to stand from seated
8. Note: Dog must be of appropriate size and structure for this task

Proofing criteria

Once your dog reliably performs this task at home, proof it in these environments and situations:

1. Holds brace position for 30 seconds with full handler weight
2. Holds brace on slippery surfaces
3. Holds brace in public settings
4. Does not shift or move during brace
5. Responds to brace cue immediately in any environment
6. Appropriate size and structure confirmed by veterinarian