First, the owner and his pet dog have to pass an entrance exam (based on the “Good Citizen Dog” test). Thereafter, the team attends six and a half practical training days, which are held at regular intervals, as well as a theory day including a written test.
After the team has reached the required standard in its training, they have to pass a final test. This includes some demanding tasks to test the social support dog's the basic obedience, required reaction and his behaviour under difficult conditions.
When the final practical tests are taking place, there is also an obligatory veterinary examination of the future social support dog as well as a check of his vaccination status.