What is the second step in the loading (car) procedure?

What is the second step in the loading (car) procedure?

• A. Approach the car in heel position
• B. Open door and dog should still continue to wait
• C. Use inside command lure in with treat
• D. Command wait and proceed to open door

Answer: (D)

In loading a service dog into a car, the emphasis is on a calm, controlled sequence to ensure safety and focus during a transition from outside to inside. The second step should be to command the dog to wait, then proceed to open the door. This order keeps the dog attentive and stationary before any risk points (like an open door or a car entry) and gives you clear control over the moment the dog moves toward the vehicle. After the dog is waiting, you can open the door and continue with the next cue to guide the dog inside. Why the other options don’t fit as the second step: approaching the car in heel position is part of establishing control before loading begins, not the immediate second action of the loading itself. Opening the door with the dog still expected to wait would create timing and control issues, allowing the dog to enter or react without a proper cue. Using an inside command lure with a treat is typically a later step used to guide the dog into the car after the door is opened and the dog has been instructed to wait.

In loading a service dog into a car, the emphasis is on a calm, controlled sequence to ensure safety and focus during a transition from outside to inside. The second step should be to command the dog to wait, then proceed to open the door. This order keeps the dog attentive and stationary before any risk points (like an open door or a car entry) and gives you clear control over the moment the dog moves toward the vehicle. After the dog is waiting, you can open the door and continue with the next cue to guide the dog inside.

Why the other options don’t fit as the second step: approaching the car in heel position is part of establishing control before loading begins, not the immediate second action of the loading itself. Opening the door with the dog still expected to wait would create timing and control issues, allowing the dog to enter or react without a proper cue. Using an inside command lure with a treat is typically a later step used to guide the dog into the car after the door is opened and the dog has been instructed to wait.