ONLINE COURSE · LEVEL 2
Medication Retrieval training course
Teach your dog to bring you a closed medication pouch on cue — even from another room — so you don't have to get up when you're unwell.
- TaskRetrieves medication pouch on cue
- Lessons4 · about 65 minutes
- Practiceabout 5 weeks
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Medication retrieval means your dog brings you a pouch or bag that holds your medication when you ask, so you don’t have to get up when you’re unwell. It’s useful for handlers with anxiety, migraines, diabetes, chronic pain and many other conditions.
You’ll teach a solid hold, a retrieve of one specific pouch, and finally a retrieve from another room. Your dog never handles medication directly. They always carry a closed pouch that you choose.
Safety: use a sturdy, closed, chew-resistant pouch with nothing loose inside. Keep all medication out of your dog’s reach at all other times.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Lesson by lesson
-
1
15 min
Teaching a solid hold
Your dog holds the empty pouch in their mouth for 5 seconds without chewing.
-
2
15 min
Pick up and bring it to hand
Your dog picks the pouch off the floor 6 feet away and places it in your hand.
-
3
15 min
Only the medication pouch
With the pouch and two other items on the floor, your dog picks the pouch 8 out of 10 times.
-
4
20 min
Retrieve from another room
From the couch, cue your dog to bring the pouch from its home spot in another room, 3 times in a row.
You'll log at least 10 practice sessions before signing your record.
WHO IT'S FOR
Handlers who sometimes can't easily get up to fetch medication: anxiety and panic, migraines, chronic pain, diabetes and more. Your dog should enjoy picking things up and know the Foundations skills.
WHAT YOU GET
Proof of your work, wherever you go
Certificate of completion
With your dog's photo, your signature, the task trained and a QR code. Print it yourself or have us mail a printed copy.
Public training record
A page anyone can scan: the course, the task, your practice history and your signed declaration.
Wallet card
Your Training Record in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet — it updates itself when you refresh.
On your verification page
Registered with USAR? Your dog's verification page shows that you completed USAR training.
What you finish with
- A dog trained on a real task, step by step
- A practice log with optional video — the story of your work
- A signed training record with its own page and QR code
- A certificate of completion and a Wallet card
Where it helps
- Answering "what task does your dog do?" with confidence
- Showing a landlord or business your training history
- Keeping skills sharp with a yearly refresh
- Working alongside a local trainer if you use one
Handler-led training completed through a USAR online course and confirmed by the handler's signed declaration. Not observed in person by USAR.
FAQ
Questions handlers ask
What if my dog doesn't like to retrieve?
The first lesson builds a hold from scratch, even for dogs that don't naturally carry things.
Does my dog touch my pills?
No. Your dog only carries a closed pouch that you choose.
What pouch should I use?
A small zip pouch or bag with a fabric or leather tab is ideal. Avoid anything your dog could chew open.
What kind of certificate do I get?
A certificate of course completion for the task training you did with your dog — with your dog's photo, your signature and a QR code to your training record. The ADA doesn't require any certification for a service dog; what matters is that your dog is trained to do tasks for you, and that's exactly what the courses teach.
Can I train my own service dog?
Yes. Under the ADA, handlers may train their own service dog. What matters is that the dog is individually trained to perform tasks related to your disability and behaves appropriately in public. Our courses give you a structured plan for the task training part.
How long does a course take?
Most courses take a few weeks of short daily practice. Each course shows its lessons and the typical number of weeks. You go at your own pace — lessons stay open, and your practice log keeps track of your progress.
What do I get when I finish?
A signed training record with its own public page and QR code, and a certificate of course completion with your dog's photo and your signature. Members also get a Training ID card for Apple Wallet or Google Wallet; with a single course it's an optional add-on.
How does the membership work?
One payment ($79) gives you every course and level for a year, new courses as they come out, the Wallet card and the yearly refresh. It does not renew on its own. Before the year ends we email you: keep it going for $29.99/year if you want, or let it end.
MORE COURSES
Other tasks you can train
Level 1
Service Dog Foundations
Task: Foundation skills: focus on handler, settle on a mat, loose-leash walking and calm public manners
The core skills every working dog needs before task training: focus, a solid settle, loose-leash walking and calm public manners.
Level 2
Deep Pressure Therapy
Task: Deep pressure therapy on cue
Teach your dog to lie across your lap or chest on cue and apply calming pressure during anxiety or sensory overload.
Level 2
Anxiety Interruption
Task: Interrupts anxiety behaviors with a nudge or paw
Teach your dog to interrupt anxious behaviors like leg bouncing, skin picking or hand wringing with a nudge or paw.
Start Medication Retrieval today
Self-paced lessons, a practice log and a signed training record when you finish.