Final answer:
The next step after health confirmation is basic behavior and socialization training. Dogs are categorized by their suitability for service work after months of training, and some may need additional instruction. Training is extensive, ending with a final exam and continuous lifelong support to maintain skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
The next step in the training protocol after confirming that a dog is healthy and ready for training involves basic behavior and socialization with a foster family. Proper training for a service dog is critical, as these dogs must be obedient, focused, and quick learners. Service dogs progress through levels of training, where they are categorized based on their performance, which includes their social tendencies, activity levels, and discipline. Dogs with service potential but requiring more training are given additional instruction, while those that excel may advance to the next level, demonstrating great promise as service dogs.
These dogs participate in a rigorous regimen that might culminate in a final assessment such as guiding an instructor through a complex urban environment successfully. Successful dogs are then matched with their owners and continue training and reinforcing of commands with praise and correction. The training includes lifelong support with resources such as telephone consultations and home visits to ensure consistent application of training.