Room clear / safety check

About this task

Dog searches a room or space on cue and signals to the handler that it is clear of threats.

How it helps: Reduces hypervigilance and anxiety associated with PTSD by allowing the dog to check unfamiliar spaces before the handler enters.

Required foundation skills

Stay. Recall. Comfortable off-leash work.

Training steps

1. Teach dog to walk around a room on cue
2. Teach a "all clear" signal — dog returns to handler and sits
3. Practice in every room of the home
4. Add the cue "check it" or "clear"
5. Practice with handler waiting outside the room
6. Generalize to new environments
7. Teach dog to check specific areas: behind doors, under beds
8. Dog should not bark, alert, or signal if nothing is present

Proofing criteria

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

1. Clears all rooms of home on cue
2. Returns to handler with clear signal reliably
3. Clears a hotel room
4. Clears an unfamiliar building space
5. Does not false alert
6. Completes check even when distracted
7. Handler can remain outside while dog checks