67 replies to this topic

[Vanessamaee]

Due to a number of reasons I have been considering more and more of getting a service dog. At first while I was in the hospital I wanted one just to have a really cool well trained dog. But now, seven months later, I see why service dogs can be really helpful. Turn the light off, push the handicap entrance button since the store put a giant bench in fornt of it (yes a couple of stores where I live have handicap buttons that are not accessbile...) Warm your legs up when you accidentally let them get too cold (opps) grab whatever you may have dropped that rolled under the table, etc. However, being 17. I don't "qualify" for a service dog. Apparently if your young oyu do because you have your parents to take care of it, but until you 18, perferably 21 for most trainers,they will not accept your application for a service/mobility dog. I have been looking into training my own dog. This would also allow me the option for a dog besides a golden retriever or lab. And it will eliminate the cost of having to travel and stay in a hotel for 2 weeks during a owner/dog training session. But I want to see what you guys think. How many of you have service dogs? What advice do you have about them? Did you train them yourself or get them through a program? Have you run into any problem with "licensing" if you trained them yourself? What does your dog do for you? etc. Anything helps. I've read tons and tons of articles over training your own service dog, and I have trained hunting dogs and trained my current dog in obedience, however service animals are slightly different (: Anything helps.
Thank You
Vanessa (:

[wheeliebear75]

If you do go to train your own remember that the schools are using professional dog trainers & they select their dogs for physical abilities + intelligence + temperament.

[allis53ca]

http://sdog.danawhee...t/ot-adog.shtml

http://www.facebook.com/LLWA.1

http://www.livelifewithalacrity.org/

[Vanessamaee]

If you do go to train your own remember that the schools are using professional dog trainers & they select their dogs for physical abilities + intelligence + temperament.

Yes I know this (: When we choose my last puppy I was the one who performed the PAT test, which predicts the puppies temperment of how he/she will act when they get older.

[tsh3406]

Wheelie's correct, the schools and/or breeders have a very strict prescreening process for selecting potential service dogs. That said, it's not a foolproof method. Some dogs get rejected even after they've been placed with their permanrnt family. I got my dog from a school in Concirdia, KS, and actually ended up dating a girl who worked there, so I was very involved in the process. The breeders initiate the process by selecting dogs with the desired temprament and physicality. The school then places the dog with a foster family whose job is to socialize the dog and provide basic obedience training. After about 8 months, the dogs are returned to the school for advanced training. Depending on what the dog is being trained for, this can be as quick as 4 weeks. All throughout this timeline, applicants are interviewed, their needs are determined and they are matched with a dog they are physically and psychologically compatable with. I had specifficly requested a German Shepherd so my wait was over a year, but it can go about half that. The only thing my dog was specificly trained to do was pull me. Being a herding dog, she took to it VERY naturally, to the extent that the only thing I had to do was tell her to "get up" or "ease up". She learned my class schedule, rarely got days mixed up, always looked for curb cuts and passages wide enough my chair to fit through (sometimes only by inches, lol) and made up her own mind how to approch an incline or a sharp turn. I can tell you now, if you find a dog like her, you will not need any sort of power assist. You'll be yelling at cyclists to get out of the way. Even going uphill. The only downside is if you aren't very aware of your path all the time, the dog will dray you clean out of your chair and give you a touch of the roadrash.

As far as training, every state is different. Most do not have any provision for certification of a service animal. Meaning, anyone can train the dog. Missouri is one of those states, as is Kansas. I have no use for Iowa or Nebraska ;) Whether you train your dog or not, you'll end up being one after taking posession, because the process is ongoing. They require daily advanced training work even after they are placed. They also go through a short adjustment period when transferring to a new owner, this can take a few weeks, during which time they can be difficult to work with. They may regress a bit, have accidents or refuse to respond to some commands. Once they get secure with their new "pack" they'll get back to normal though.

If you do decide to train your own dog, I would recommend getting it from a reputable breeder that can advise you on the animals history as well as provide you with info on its bloodline from several generations back. It would also be a good idea to involve a professional trainer to help with the more difficult tasks. I do plan to train my next dog, with the understanding that it may become a family pet instead. I have located a Bullmastiff breeder that does places dogs into service programs, now I just need to find a trainer to help out when needed.

As much of a committment as they are, I definitly recommend one, they can make your life so much easier, provide emotional support and even personal protection simply by being present. Nobody screws with a confident, alert hepherd, lol.

Keep us posted

[Vanessamaee]

Wheelie's correct, the schools and/or breeders have a very strict prescreening process for selecting potential service dogs. That said, it's not a foolproof method. Some dogs get rejected even after they've been placed with their permanrnt family. I got my dog from a school in Concirdia, KS, and actually ended up dating a girl who worked there, so I was very involved in the process. The breeders initiate the process by selecting dogs with the desired temprament and physicality. The school then places the dog with a foster family whose job is to socialize the dog and provide basic obedience training. After about 8 months, the dogs are returned to the school for advanced training. Depending on what the dog is being trained for, this can be as quick as 4 weeks. All throughout this timeline, applicants are interviewed, their needs are determined and they are matched with a dog they are physically and psychologically compatable with. I had specifficly requested a German Shepherd so my wait was over a year, but it can go about half that. The only thing my dog was specificly trained to do was pull me. Being a herding dog, she took to it VERY naturally, to the extent that the only thing I had to do was tell her to "get up" or "ease up". She learned my class schedule, rarely got days mixed up, always looked for curb cuts and passages wide enough my chair to fit through (sometimes only by inches, lol) and made up her own mind how to approch an incline or a sharp turn. I can tell you now, if you find a dog like her, you will not need any sort of power assist. You'll be yelling at cyclists to get out of the way. Even going uphill. The only downside is if you aren't very aware of your path all the time, the dog will dray you clean out of your chair and give you a touch of the roadrash.

As far as training, every state is different. Most do not have any provision for certification of a service animal. Meaning, anyone can train the dog. Missouri is one of those states, as is Kansas. I have no use for Iowa or Nebraska ;) Whether you train your dog or not, you'll end up being one after taking posession, because the process is ongoing. They require daily advanced training work even after they are placed. They also go through a short adjustment period when transferring to a new owner, this can take a few weeks, during which time they can be difficult to work with. They may regress a bit, have accidents or refuse to respond to some commands. Once they get secure with their new "pack" they'll get back to normal though.

If you do decide to train your own dog, I would recommend getting it from a reputable breeder that can advise you on the animals history as well as provide you with info on its bloodline from several generations back. It would also be a good idea to involve a professional trainer to help with the more difficult tasks. I do plan to train my next dog, with the understanding that it may become a family pet instead. I have located a Bullmastiff breeder that does places dogs into service programs, now I just need to find a trainer to help out when needed.

As much of a committment as they are, I definitly recommend one, they can make your life so much easier, provide emotional support and even personal protection simply by being present. Nobody screws with a confident, alert hepherd, lol.

Keep us posted

Was the place you went through Cares?

[tsh3406]

Wheelie's correct, the schools and/or breeders have a very strict prescreening process for selecting potential service dogs. That said, it's not a foolproof method. Some dogs get rejected even after they've been placed with their permanrnt family. I got my dog from a school in Concirdia, KS, and actually ended up dating a girl who worked there, so I was very involved in the process. The breeders initiate the process by selecting dogs with the desired temprament and physicality. The school then places the dog with a foster family whose job is to socialize the dog and provide basic obedience training. After about 8 months, the dogs are returned to the school for advanced training. Depending on what the dog is being trained for, this can be as quick as 4 weeks. All throughout this timeline, applicants are interviewed, their needs are determined and they are matched with a dog they are physically and psychologically compatable with. I had specifficly requested a German Shepherd so my wait was over a year, but it can go about half that. The only thing my dog was specificly trained to do was pull me. Being a herding dog, she took to it VERY naturally, to the extent that the only thing I had to do was tell her to "get up" or "ease up". She learned my class schedule, rarely got days mixed up, always looked for curb cuts and passages wide enough my chair to fit through (sometimes only by inches, lol) and made up her own mind how to approch an incline or a sharp turn. I can tell you now, if you find a dog like her, you will not need any sort of power assist. You'll be yelling at cyclists to get out of the way. Even going uphill. The only downside is if you aren't very aware of your path all the time, the dog will dray you clean out of your chair and give you a touch of the roadrash.

As far as training, every state is different. Most do not have any provision for certification of a service animal. Meaning, anyone can train the dog. Missouri is one of those states, as is Kansas. I have no use for Iowa or Nebraska ;) Whether you train your dog or not, you'll end up being one after taking posession, because the process is ongoing. They require daily advanced training work even after they are placed. They also go through a short adjustment period when transferring to a new owner, this can take a few weeks, during which time they can be difficult to work with. They may regress a bit, have accidents or refuse to respond to some commands. Once they get secure with their new "pack" they'll get back to normal though.

If you do decide to train your own dog, I would recommend getting it from a reputable breeder that can advise you on the animals history as well as provide you with info on its bloodline from several generations back. It would also be a good idea to involve a professional trainer to help with the more difficult tasks. I do plan to train my next dog, with the understanding that it may become a family pet instead. I have located a Bullmastiff breeder that does places dogs into service programs, now I just need to find a trainer to help out when needed.

As much of a committment as they are, I definitly recommend one, they can make your life so much easier, provide emotional support and even personal protection simply by being present. Nobody screws with a confident, alert hepherd, lol.

Keep us posted

Was the place you went through Cares?

Yes.... but don't ever mention my name, it won't earn you any points, lol....

[Vanessamaee]

Wheelie's correct, the schools and/or breeders have a very strict prescreening process for selecting potential service dogs. That said, it's not a foolproof method. Some dogs get rejected even after they've been placed with their permanrnt family. I got my dog from a school in Concirdia, KS, and actually ended up dating a girl who worked there, so I was very involved in the process. The breeders initiate the process by selecting dogs with the desired temprament and physicality. The school then places the dog with a foster family whose job is to socialize the dog and provide basic obedience training. After about 8 months, the dogs are returned to the school for advanced training. Depending on what the dog is being trained for, this can be as quick as 4 weeks. All throughout this timeline, applicants are interviewed, their needs are determined and they are matched with a dog they are physically and psychologically compatable with. I had specifficly requested a German Shepherd so my wait was over a year, but it can go about half that. The only thing my dog was specificly trained to do was pull me. Being a herding dog, she took to it VERY naturally, to the extent that the only thing I had to do was tell her to "get up" or "ease up". She learned my class schedule, rarely got days mixed up, always looked for curb cuts and passages wide enough my chair to fit through (sometimes only by inches, lol) and made up her own mind how to approch an incline or a sharp turn. I can tell you now, if you find a dog like her, you will not need any sort of power assist. You'll be yelling at cyclists to get out of the way. Even going uphill. The only downside is if you aren't very aware of your path all the time, the dog will dray you clean out of your chair and give you a touch of the roadrash.

As far as training, every state is different. Most do not have any provision for certification of a service animal. Meaning, anyone can train the dog. Missouri is one of those states, as is Kansas. I have no use for Iowa or Nebraska ;) Whether you train your dog or not, you'll end up being one after taking posession, because the process is ongoing. They require daily advanced training work even after they are placed. They also go through a short adjustment period when transferring to a new owner, this can take a few weeks, during which time they can be difficult to work with. They may regress a bit, have accidents or refuse to respond to some commands. Once they get secure with their new "pack" they'll get back to normal though.

If you do decide to train your own dog, I would recommend getting it from a reputable breeder that can advise you on the animals history as well as provide you with info on its bloodline from several generations back. It would also be a good idea to involve a professional trainer to help with the more difficult tasks. I do plan to train my next dog, with the understanding that it may become a family pet instead. I have located a Bullmastiff breeder that does places dogs into service programs, now I just need to find a trainer to help out when needed.

As much of a committment as they are, I definitly recommend one, they can make your life so much easier, provide emotional support and even personal protection simply by being present. Nobody screws with a confident, alert hepherd, lol.

Keep us posted

Was the place you went through Cares?

Yes.... but don't ever mention my name, it won't earn you any points, lol....

Haha someone must've been a pain in the... butt (: Ill make sure not to do that (:

[coffeecups]

I have also thought about training my own dog. Check out Topdogusa.org It is an organization that helps people with disabilities train their own service dog. The website will answer many of your questions about certification. My understanding is that there is no official certification for service dogs. As long as the dog does 1 task that you need help doing, then it is considered a service dog.

I am intimidated about thinking about training my own dog. But I also can't imagine getting a dog any other way. To buy one is so expensive and the wait list through a non-profit is years long. (And I don't know if I would even qualify since I have young children.) Topdog has a curriculum to train your dog. I have also thought about hiring a dog trainer here in town assist me in training the dog. That way I might have actually end up with a helpful service dog.

[tsh3406]

They had to make some rules after my class, that's all ;)

[Vanessamaee]

I have also thought about training my own dog. Check out Topdogusa.org It is an organization that helps people with disabilities train their own service dog. The website will answer many of your questions about certification. My understanding is that there is no official certification for service dogs. As long as the dog does 1 task that you need help doing, then it is considered a service dog.

I am intimidated about thinking about training my own dog. But I also can't imagine getting a dog any other way. To buy one is so expensive and the wait list through a non-profit is years long. (And I don't know if I would even qualify since I have young children.) Topdog has a curriculum to train your dog. I have also thought about hiring a dog trainer here in town assist me in training the dog. That way I might have actually end up with a helpful service dog.

We might be going through this together becasue this is the site I have been looking at! Many programs will not allow a service dog to go to college. Which I do not understand. Yes, college can be a new enviroment and can be hetic at times, but if the owner takes care of the dog and is able to show responsibility, I dont see what the issue would be. Also Colleges allow service dogs to stay in dorms, once again, following their strict animal policy. My biggest question with the owner-trainer is if certification of ID is requested... we wouldnt have it? or when the dog is being trained does it still fall under the Service dog in training rules/laws? Or are we not allowed to bring the dog into public until it is trained, that would make training for certain things rather difficult.

[tsh3406]

I have also thought about training my own dog. Check out Topdogusa.org It is an organization that helps people with disabilities train their own service dog. The website will answer many of your questions about certification. My understanding is that there is no official certification for service dogs. As long as the dog does 1 task that you need help doing, then it is considered a service dog.

I am intimidated about thinking about training my own dog. But I also can't imagine getting a dog any other way. To buy one is so expensive and the wait list through a non-profit is years long. (And I don't know if I would even qualify since I have young children.) Topdog has a curriculum to train your dog. I have also thought about hiring a dog trainer here in town assist me in training the dog. That way I might have actually end up with a helpful service dog.

We might be going through this together becasue this is the site I have been looking at! Many programs will not allow a service dog to go to college. Which I do not understand. Yes, college can be a new enviroment and can be hetic at times, but if the owner takes care of the dog and is able to show responsibility, I dont see what the issue would be. Also Colleges allow service dogs to stay in dorms, once again, following their strict animal policy. My biggest question with the owner-trainer is if certification of ID is requested... we wouldnt have it? or when the dog is being trained does it still fall under the Service dog in training rules/laws? Or are we not allowed to bring the dog into public until it is trained, that would make training for certain things rather difficult.

In many states, they cannot actually ask you for that. If the dog is wearing a harness, and under control of a disabled individual, it is a service dog. Same goes for dogs in training....

[Vanessamaee]

I have also thought about training my own dog. Check out Topdogusa.org It is an organization that helps people with disabilities train their own service dog. The website will answer many of your questions about certification. My understanding is that there is no official certification for service dogs. As long as the dog does 1 task that you need help doing, then it is considered a service dog.

I am intimidated about thinking about training my own dog. But I also can't imagine getting a dog any other way. To buy one is so expensive and the wait list through a non-profit is years long. (And I don't know if I would even qualify since I have young children.) Topdog has a curriculum to train your dog. I have also thought about hiring a dog trainer here in town assist me in training the dog. That way I might have actually end up with a helpful service dog.

We might be going through this together becasue this is the site I have been looking at! Many programs will not allow a service dog to go to college. Which I do not understand. Yes, college can be a new enviroment and can be hetic at times, but if the owner takes care of the dog and is able to show responsibility, I dont see what the issue would be. Also Colleges allow service dogs to stay in dorms, once again, following their strict animal policy. My biggest question with the owner-trainer is if certification of ID is requested... we wouldnt have it? or when the dog is being trained does it still fall under the Service dog in training rules/laws? Or are we not allowed to bring the dog into public until it is trained, that would make training for certain things rather difficult.

In many states, they cannot actually ask you for that. If the dog is wearing a harness, and under control of a disabled individual, it is a service dog. Same goes for dogs in training....

Ill have to reread the college application that you have to fill out to be able to have a service dog... but I believe that it said you have to provide ID that it is really a service dog... would they be able to ask you then since they are waiving the campus pet policy to allow you to have dog? This is it http://disabilityser...ice-animals.php "credentials of the animal" is what I am reffering to

Edited by Vanessamaee, 03 December 2011 - 12:34 AM.

[tsh3406]

I have also thought about training my own dog. Check out Topdogusa.org It is an organization that helps people with disabilities train their own service dog. The website will answer many of your questions about certification. My understanding is that there is no official certification for service dogs. As long as the dog does 1 task that you need help doing, then it is considered a service dog.

I am intimidated about thinking about training my own dog. But I also can't imagine getting a dog any other way. To buy one is so expensive and the wait list through a non-profit is years long. (And I don't know if I would even qualify since I have young children.) Topdog has a curriculum to train your dog. I have also thought about hiring a dog trainer here in town assist me in training the dog. That way I might have actually end up with a helpful service dog.

We might be going through this together becasue this is the site I have been looking at! Many programs will not allow a service dog to go to college. Which I do not understand. Yes, college can be a new enviroment and can be hetic at times, but if the owner takes care of the dog and is able to show responsibility, I dont see what the issue would be. Also Colleges allow service dogs to stay in dorms, once again, following their strict animal policy. My biggest question with the owner-trainer is if certification of ID is requested... we wouldnt have it? or when the dog is being trained does it still fall under the Service dog in training rules/laws? Or are we not allowed to bring the dog into public until it is trained, that would make training for certain things rather difficult.

In many states, they cannot actually ask you for that. If the dog is wearing a harness, and under control of a disabled individual, it is a service dog. Same goes for dogs in training....

Ill have to reread the college application that you have to fill out to be able to have a service dog... but I believe that it said you have to provide ID that it is really a service dog... would they be able to ask you then since they are waiving the campus pet policy to allow you to have dog? This is it http://disabilityser...ice-animals.php "credentials of the animal" is what I am reffering to

When I got Reesa from C.A.R.E.S. I was never given anything like that, just a laminated,homemade card with Missouri's service animal laws on it. Due to our states laws, and the fact that there is not formal certification process as CC mentioned, you could make that "ID card" yourself.... I went through a similar issue with a restaurant owner in Manhattan. He refused to let the dog in. It cost him over $10,000, and he had to pay MY attourney fees too....

[Vanessamaee]

I have also thought about training my own dog. Check out Topdogusa.org It is an organization that helps people with disabilities train their own service dog. The website will answer many of your questions about certification. My understanding is that there is no official certification for service dogs. As long as the dog does 1 task that you need help doing, then it is considered a service dog.

I am intimidated about thinking about training my own dog. But I also can't imagine getting a dog any other way. To buy one is so expensive and the wait list through a non-profit is years long. (And I don't know if I would even qualify since I have young children.) Topdog has a curriculum to train your dog. I have also thought about hiring a dog trainer here in town assist me in training the dog. That way I might have actually end up with a helpful service dog.

We might be going through this together becasue this is the site I have been looking at! Many programs will not allow a service dog to go to college. Which I do not understand. Yes, college can be a new enviroment and can be hetic at times, but if the owner takes care of the dog and is able to show responsibility, I dont see what the issue would be. Also Colleges allow service dogs to stay in dorms, once again, following their strict animal policy. My biggest question with the owner-trainer is if certification of ID is requested... we wouldnt have it? or when the dog is being trained does it still fall under the Service dog in training rules/laws? Or are we not allowed to bring the dog into public until it is trained, that would make training for certain things rather difficult.

In many states, they cannot actually ask you for that. If the dog is wearing a harness, and under control of a disabled individual, it is a service dog. Same goes for dogs in training....

Ill have to reread the college application that you have to fill out to be able to have a service dog... but I believe that it said you have to provide ID that it is really a service dog... would they be able to ask you then since they are waiving the campus pet policy to allow you to have dog? This is it http://disabilityser...ice-animals.php "credentials of the animal" is what I am reffering to

When I got Reesa from C.A.R.E.S. I was never given anything like that, just a laminated,homemade card with Missouri's service animal laws on it. Due to our states laws, and the fact that there is not formal certification process as CC mentioned, you could make that "ID card" yourself.... I went through a similar issue with a restaurant owner in Manhattan. He refused to let the dog in. It cost him over $10,000, and he had to pay MY attourney fees too....

Alright (: and thank you! That was my bigest worry. My grandparents breed show dogs. Pure Breed English Springer Spaniels. and they are NOTHING close to a puppy mill. They have an extremely small kennel and any dog that doesnt pass as a show dog they turn into a hunting dog (we've gotten all my dogs from them) and they are extremely good friends with a lady who breeds golden retrievers. Although I would much rather have a german shepherd, my dad made the comment that a german shepherd might get slightly aggressive in a college enviroment. Also golden retrievers are extremely easy to train. My dad use to train dogs and participate in dog shows as did my grandparents and I trained my dog (even though shes all looks and no brains), so it's not like Im getting a dog and throwing a service dog vest on it... I was just worried I would run into problems with certification. Some of the sites worried me a little talking about ID's and certification and testing...

[tsh3406]

Shepherds are statisticly the 3rd most likely breed to snap at someone, however, propper sociaization and careful selection will eliminate that threat. That's a big reason it took CARES over a year just to find a dog for me. On the flip side, the extra measure of protection they provide, just through intimidation by presence (let alone when they start "talking"), can be very desirable to a female college student....


and, a lot of schools are pushing for a formal certification process, to prevent folks from training their own dogs. They feel it will give more respectability to the concept of assistance animals. Most states have not adopted any such process yet....

Edited by tsh3406, 03 December 2011 - 01:23 AM.

[Vanessamaee]

Shepherds are statisticly the 3rd most likely breed to snap at someone, however, propper sociaization and careful selection will eliminate that threat. That's a big reason it took CARES over a year just to find a dog for me. On the flip side, the extra measure of protection they provide, just through intimidation by presence (let alone when they start "talking"), can be very desirable to a female college student....

another reason why I have considered them, another reason why I am pushing so hard for a dog to take to college is for protection...

[tsh3406]

I can tell you for a fact, dogs have been placed that came from a pound, one was part rottie. There's no way to know what those dogs have been through, or how they'll react in all situations. If you want one, go for it, just understand the importance of constant socialization and regular obedience work. Being realistic, a person would have the same issues with a pet that they walk outside frequently....

[Vanessamaee]

I can tell you for a fact, dogs have been placed that came from a pound, one was part rottie. There's no way to know what those dogs have been through, or how they'll react in all situations. If you want one, go for it, just understand the importance of constant socialization and regular obedience work. Being realistic, a person would have the same issues with a pet that they walk outside frequently....

Good Point. One last question for you (: What services did your dog perform for you? Im hoping my dog will be able to take place of the power assist wheels (I really dont wanna struggle around having to change those 25lb wheels out everyday) and then picking things up I drop under tables/desks (out of reach). and maybe help open doors, not so much open doors but hold them open so I dont have to slam my fingers and elbows anymore...

[tsh3406]

Reesa was strictly a sled dog, she could get me anywhere on the KSU campus faster than I could drive. She would retrieve items on command, but it took a great deal of work to get to that point. They like to be in control,and will test you, I suspect they would not accel at opening/holding doors. Labs are much more layed back, they pull slow and don't take hills as well, but prolly wouldn't even flinch if a door hit them in the ass.

[ZEN12many]

Vanessamaee

I've been training my family dog, a Labrador retriever, to pull me since April 2011. She is definitely not a service dog but it has been fun training her to pull. The kinds of things you mentioned that you wanted your dog to do don't sound too hard (not that my dog knows how to do any of those things - but she could).

Of course I don't have any certification BUT when I was last in Armstrong State Park CA, the ranger stopped Sky and I and said that, since I have the dog pull me, it would be ok for us to go on the trails (normally dogs are not allowed on trails in CA State Parks. The ranger even said there was a special big fat tire wheelchair I could use.

Re Labs, they can run fast. My Lab pulls me for two to three miles at a time at an average speed of 7.5 mph and has top speeds about 11 mph. Below is my attempt to paste a Youtube link. (If it doesn't work, search wheelchair mushing on youtube.

[dreamerr]

just fyi...the worst behaved dogs I have ran into where dogs trained for the blind. I have ran into a lot of well trained dogs but I can't believe how some program dogs can be that bad. My dog was trained by me and a trainer and is fantastic.

If you want a dog to pull you make sure you do all the test for hipdyspalsa(sp) and such. Some dogs aren't suitable for pulling. You don't need "certification" in the USA but you can do it if you want to. Most will ask for it but you are under no obligation to show it not even at the airport. You just say it is a service dog and if you say it with authority and your dog acts like she is suppose to you will have no problems. NYC is an issue as you saw with the Manhattan comment. I would, when I was still in NY educate people by giving them flyers with all the rules and such. I also had cards with them. Being prepared is your best defense. I have a card and would never show it since it makes it harder for other owners that don't. I also have a service dog tag from NY but don't show that either.

Take it easy on yourself. If you have trained obedience you can train a service dog. It is just a matter of finding the right dog who is willing to work. Even if the dog is out behaving and not having to do much it is stressful for them and they do need breaks sometimes. It is also hard for you to be with a dog 24/7 like that and will stress you sometimes as well. An example would be if the dog doesn't feel well and you have to go out then you will have issues or have to make the choice to leave the dog home. I had issues once flying cause of delays and my dog won't potty while flying so it was 15 hours till she went. She was not happy and coming home she was stressed but kept it to herself. It is a hard job for both of you.

Just my two cents. Good luck. Best thing I ever did.

[Ratticis]

I wanna Helper Monkey like on the Simpsons

[Vanessamaee]

I wanna Helper Monkey like on the Simpsons

I see you being more of a miniture pony or jack ass kinda guy (:

[Ratticis]

[AmericasHorse]

My organization trains SD, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

americashorse@hotmail.com

http://www.coservicedogs.com

Edited by AmericasHorse, 05 December 2011 - 07:03 AM.

[coffeecups]

We might be going through this together becasue this is the site I have been looking at! Many programs will not allow a service dog to go to college. Which I do not understand. Yes, college can be a new enviroment and can be hetic at times, but if the owner takes care of the dog and is able to show responsibility, I dont see what the issue would be. Also Colleges allow service dogs to stay in dorms, once again, following their strict animal policy. My biggest question with the owner-trainer is if certification of ID is requested... we wouldnt have it? or when the dog is being trained does it still fall under the Service dog in training rules/laws? Or are we not allowed to bring the dog into public until it is trained, that would make training for certain things rather difficult.

I would love to get a puppy and start soon but it may be while for me. I'm just not ready to commit them time that it would take to train a dog. With three kiddos, 6, 4 and 2, homeschooling my daughter and rehab, there's just not a on of extra time. But maybe I just need to make time. But then again puppies are so much work. As for a breed I'm thinking about labradoodle or a goldendoodle

[megatrig]

Oh My where to start!! lol

Ok. I worked for DFD (http://www.dogsforthedisabled.org/) for some time.

In my opinion (for what its worth!!)

Anyone can train a dog. Any dog can become a service dog. Its only as they get a bit older you figure out how "biddable) your tiny puppy has become.

I have 2 Welsh Springers at the moment. Pepper is 7. VERY clever!! Could do anything. Trouble is he looks at you and you see him shrug his shoulders as if to say "yes I heard but I'm busy/can't be bothered) Toby, is 4. Bit thicker!! lol. Very biddable as he doesn't "think" about things. Everything is a game.

So fetching the pen annoyingly out of reach under my desk is like fetching a ball in a field. With me?

The posties on here seem to know/understand dogs very well so you "get" it already.

Which breed is best! Deep sigh. Every dog is different. Yes SOME generalisations are true --- ish but..............

It comes down to socialization from a puppy onwards.

Lots and lots more to add to this.

Good topic (for me anyway!!)

Getting your self trained dog "jacketed" accepted in shops/restaurants, etc is the tricky one. Imagine anyone saying "hey, I trained this dog myself to do x, y, Z" and then the dog is VERY badly behaved somewhere. Thats kinda why you need ceryification. OR IF YOU TAKE THE DOG LOCALLY FOR SHOP/BAR OWNERS TO SAY "NO WORRIES". iF THEY KNOW YOU AND GET ON WITH YOU SO THEY ARE HAPPY YOU HAVE TRAINED YOUR DOG WELL. (oops caps on....)

Dogs break so many barriers to so the emotional value is huge.

More anon!

[Iceman]

I went through a similar issue with a restaurant owner in Manhattan. He refused to let the dog in. It cost him over $10,000, and he had to pay MY attourney fees too....

Damn thats a good enough reason to try a bunch of really nice and expensive restaurants in hopes of not being let in. LOL

[easttnmarine]

I tried doing the PCA (Personal Care Attendant aka a person) that the VA wanted me to do. I fired three of them in 17 days & then was paired with a service dog. BEST post injury decision I every made (& one of the best I've made in my entire life), without a doubt.

My 1st was a big 115+lb Anatollian Shepherd (but a blood clot/stroke took her from me after just over 4 years) & my 2nd/current is a 60 lb Black Lab. Yes, I have a fabulous wife & loving, helpful 11 year old daughter, but as a Marine, I like my independence & the service dog gives that to me.

Training your own dog IS an option. However, I've been doing the chair thing for just a bit over 8 years & have encountered a whole lot more stories of failed attempts than I have successful outcomes of those who have tried to train their own. IDK you, your patience level, experience, etc., so I'm certainly NOT saying you can't do it. However, think long & hard about it & find some folks that have tried & succeeded/failed at doing so themselves to talk to before you decide.

One final note, there are organizations that exist solely to provide or pay for service dogs for those that can't afford it themselves.

Good luck either way.