Originally published 2017-10-20. Article reviewed on October 4, 2026. Original publication: 2017-10-20.
A brief log can help you see what works, discuss difficulties with a trainer and preserve memories of the partnership. It is a practical tool, not mandatory ADA certification.
What to record
- Date and approximate session length.
- The skill, cue and setting.
- Rewards, distractions and any help provided.
- What the dog actually did and signs of comfort or difficulty.
- One adjustment for the next session.
Include relevant care or health changes when useful, while protecting private medical information. You do not need an elaborate template.
Choose an accessible system
A notebook, spreadsheet, phone note or voice memo may work. Keep a sensible backup and avoid publishing sensitive information merely to maintain a paper trail.
Regular short notes are often easier than reconstructing events later. If you miss a day, resume honestly; do not invent precise hours or treat a gap as failure.
Know the limits
A log does not grant access rights, prove every task reliable or guarantee a legal outcome. ADA public-access rules do not require staff to inspect it. Litigation, employment, housing and travel can involve different evidence or documentation questions; seek qualified advice for the actual issue.
Program standards may ask for their own records. Check current terms rather than assuming every reputable organization uses the same log or federal hour minimum.