27 replies to this topic

[Joed]

Hi....

While researching service dogs, I was surprised to learn that a dog need NOT be certified in order for you to present a dog as a "Service Animal". If the dog (or even a monkey or miniature horse!) you now have already picks things up off of the floor and gives them to you, then your animal IS a service animal by de facto.

Note: This holds true in the US...I'm not sure what laws are in place in the UK concerning service animals.

Of course, if your dog picks up things for you but cannot behave well in public, then it would not be permitted as a service animal. So common sense applies here. Obedience training should always be a part of their training.

You can train your own service animal, but be prepared for a lot of hard work over a period of about two years, but it is the least expensive way to go, as these pre-trained animals are quite pricey. But if you only need an animal to bring you your wheelchair, pick things up and provide assistance in transferring from your chair, then it would probably require a shorter training period.

I haven't yet made up my mind about acquiring a service dog, but the thought is appealing. My family would probably be most appreciative of the break. For now, God bless him, DH is my service animal...LOL!

Good Days,

Joed

[mike]

I live in Mn. Ihave a Service Dog in Mn. you have to have your service dog clearly marked by a service dog training facility
I have had my dog for 4 mohths and I would never be without a service dog they are great when you go out in public people notice the dog and focus on him and its agreat ice breaker not to meantion i allways feel safe knowing he always has my back

[Joed]

Hi Mike....

I agree, animals are always good ways to meet new people...especially in our situation, where some people don't quite know how to approach someone with a visible disability.

If you don't mind sharing....what specific services does your dog provide for you? And what was the process involved in attaining him/her?

Based on the literature I've read, and to my understanding, the federal laws regarding service animals always supercede state laws in most instances. The ADA does not require that a service dog be professionally trained or certified, nor does it require that a service dog be clearly marked as such...it is considered more of a courtesy than a requirement:

http://sdog.danawhee...et/dojbus.shtml (see #'s 3 & 6)

http://sdog.danawhee...t/ot-adog.shtml (see 'Dressing Your Dog'--1/2 down on page)

There are other sites I've ran across that address this specifically, but this is the only site I've bookmarked. If I've misunderstood this, then please set me straight, as I've only just begun researching this subject...and I don't want to mislead anyone.

I personally feel that a service animal should be distinguished from a regular pet in some way...it helps to create an environment where the dog/animal can most effectively do his/her job without interference from other people, as well as reducing any unnecesssary confrontations with establishments.

The links above are also part of a webring about service animals and issues relating to disability...it's very informative and thorough...I've still a lot to read.

I wish you the very best in your new partnership with your dog. It sounds like you've both got off to a great start. How exciting it must've been to meet and train with him/her, and then to realize how much having your dog will facilitate your daily life.

Congratulations!

~Joed

[mike]

My dog merlin does alot for me he retrieves items that I drop. Once I dropped my keys under my van and Merlin went under it and retrieved my keys. At home Merlin opens and closes doors for me he retrieves the phone and the best thing i tought him to do is take the T.V remote away from my wife and bring it back to me I am no longer stuck watching Dr, Phil or Oprah.
I aquired Merlin through Hearing and Service Dogs Of Mn. they dont charge any money for the dogs.They also provide ongoing training at no charge as well.

[mike]

Hi Joed. im sorry to say I think they only train dogs for people in Mn, do to the fact that they have to come out to your house and cusomize training to your needs. Also, many hours of training are needed in public places before you and the dog can be certifed as a team for public access. you could try to contact them and find out for sure . www.hsdm.org I wish you luck.

As for me...I got extemely lucky. There can be a waiting period of up to two years. I got accepted into the program, found Merlin, and was certified for public access in less than six months.

[HandicapHero]

Are service dogs allowed in any public buildings?

[mike]

Yes I take my dog every place I go. The only two places I cant take my dog is in a kitchen prep area and the zoo.

[IronMen]

Joed -, Mike - , and the Rest who posted on this subject;

THANK YOU ... for the information on the service animals. Your posts answered all my questions I had with using a dog. I as all of us require exercise, and my Sister in law has trained her English Springier Spaniel to stay right with me, while I exercise outside. Also she has trained the dog to bark, lay down, many tricks.

If I am to fall out of my wheelchair and not be able to get up, I can have her “Bark”, or go for Help, or lay with me till Help arrives and keep me warm.

I was worried about needing documentation, a certificate, or official papers to just have this dog with me in only outside locations. Nobody yet has said anything but positive remarks, … but to be on the safe side, I was wondering how I stood with the Federal, State, Local laws, and the “ADA”.

Thanks again, Jeff Sims mailto:jdsims2@cox.net

[rescuedobemom]

Here is a link to the laws regarding service dogs and public access.
Barbi :+) http://www.iaadp.org/doglaws.html

[IronMen]

rescuedobemom, on Mar 5 2007, 08:39 AM, said:

Here is a link to the laws regarding service dogs and public access.
Barbi :+) http://www.iaadp.org/doglaws.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Barbi - (All) THANKS again for you who have provided links and posts regarding "service animals" and the laws regarding the use of service dogs or animals. I have been a paraplegic since 82, and information like this website provides, was almost non existent then.

Good links posted from above: http://www.iaadp.org/doglaws.html , http://sdog.danawhee...et/dojbus.shtml , http://sdog.danawhee...t/ot-adog.shtml


I very much appreciate, your responses, your replies. I am NEW to this website, and found it surfing the "Net" to find a solution(s), and even better a "Strong Website" with Members that contain valuable information I do NEED.

To show my gratitude I will be posting more replies on my many subjects of experience. A "Newbie" but have made posts in the Adaptive Equipment, Adaptations & Tips > Gloves with Xtra Grip.

Please if you come across my posts, or replies, see if I was improper, they could have been constructed better, you have more info to supply, ... yadda, yadda, ... please point that "Constructive Criticism" out to me. and / or add to it in a reply post.

I enjoy this site, and only wish to improve it, so it will grow and with almost a quarter century of knowledge & wisdom to share, as a T-7 who is now 44+ yrs. old, an been rolling & jamming since 82.
I'm sure I have some information / resourse to offer, and two RN's for reference, that might provide a possible solution. QUICKIE, JAY, ROHO, MENTOR, COLOPLAST, HOLLISTER ... have served me well.

Old Age Sucks!!! Does "Apparelyzed" have a quarter century Club? They should mailto:jdsims2@cox.net

Edited by IronMen, 05 March 2007 - 08:51 PM.

[rescuedobemom]

Gimme a break!!! How about a half-century club? It's pretty bad when you can say NIXON was president when you started college!!!!!!!!!!!LMAO

[IronMen]

rescuedobemom, on Mar 6 2007, 10:41 AM, said:

Gimme a break!!! How about a half-century club? It's pretty bad when you can say NIXON was president when you started college!!!!!!!!!!!LMAO

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
rescuedobemom, you have my complete respect and once they make a "Half Century" Jacket, I'll be glad to get you yours.

1st) Tipping my Hat to you.
2nd) Have you written down / published / kept notes on how you accomplished this great achievement? Brass Balls & Some extra Luck? What is your secret!?!?!

[azx43]

I am really thrilled to read this topic, for I can not reccomend service animals highly enough! I have service dog that I zake with me nearly everywhere I go! Moqui Macs is a border collie mix; he is a fantastic dog, and I've trained him through the Top Dog organization in Tuscon, Arizona. Top Dog is AZn organization thazt teaches people to train their own service dogs, they work with people with all sorts of disabilities to help them custom- train their dogs. They have classes in Tuscon, but they have also recently added a program where you and your dog can certify as a service team through video to include out-of-state folks as well.
Here in AZ, the law does not say that service animals have to be clearly mzarked and/or have proof of certification. However, Macs wears a blue "service dog" vest in public and it just makes life so much easier!! I have been confronted and even, unfortunately, lost opportunities, by people that were very ignorant of both the state law and the ADA. No, I am not kidding- one time ignorance on a employer's part nearly cost me my job!
Here's a tip for future service animal partners: know the laws backwards and fowards, but also remember that EVERYONE has rights. Be able to "pull" the law out at a moment's nootice (sound like a lawyer), and let the information speak for itself. Educate!!!

[KimAndSophie]

I have a guide dog who after my injury was also taught some service dog tasks I would need. azx43 mentioned the law. I'm pretty sure the lawbook I have with rules for guide dog's are the same for service dogs, but if anyone refuses you entry into a public place where people are allowed you can call the police and have them deal with the situation. The person can be fined and even arrested and spend time in prison for not letting your dog have entry! (Usually by showing people the lawbook and telling them that you will call the police on them gets their attention and although they will be bitter abotu it, you will be allowed to enter or stay at the place you were trying to enter).

[wheeliebear75]

I live in USA in California. I have heard about the "loose" laws concerning service dogs. My mother is legally blind and so has a guide dog. They (guid dogs) are VERY strictly regulated. 1 of the reasons being that having a uniform mandetory minimum makes it less likely that public will have any dogs bite, growl, steal food, etc. I wanted to have a service dog (am legally blind as well), but the schools who train dogs for physical disabilities wont train 1 for me becuz I am also legally blind. Guid dogs are NOT dually traind for the physically disabled. So.......yeah I've given it some thought alright. I do think that there shud be some "standards" for dogs working for someone with physical disablities. It is better in the long run for everyone......us as consumers of these dogs, as well as the public.

[KimAndSophie]

wheeliebear75, on May 9 2007, 11:30 PM, said:

Guid dogs are NOT dually traind for the physically disabled.

The guide dog school I got my dog from is training guide dogs for people with other disabilities and for wheelchair users. A few guide dog schools are doing this and have been for awhile. I did go to a school here in the US. So, it IS happening.

[azx43]

wheeliebear75, on May 9 2007, 08:30 PM, said:

I live in USA in California. I have heard about the "loose" laws concerning service dogs. My mother is legally blind and so has a guide dog. They (guid dogs) are VERY strictly regulated. 1 of the reasons being that having a uniform mandetory minimum makes it less likely that public will have any dogs bite, growl, steal food, etc. I wanted to have a service dog (am legally blind as well), but the schools who train dogs for physical disabilities wont train 1 for me becuz I am also legally blind. Guid dogs are NOT dually traind for the physically disabled. So.......yeah I've given it some thought alright. I do think that there shud be some "standards" for dogs working for someone with physical disablities. It is better in the long run for everyone......us as consumers of these dogs, as well as the public.

Hi wheeliebear!
I am very sorry that you feel the way you do, and seem to have such a narrowminded approach to life. Let's see if I can't open that up for you a bit. . .
First of all. the Arizona service animal law is not "loose". To certify as a service team with Top Dog or any other service dog agency, you must take and pass the ADI Public Access Test, which is series of situations that may occur in public (children, noises, other dogs, etc.) to see you and the dog react to them, and see if both of you are ready for certification. Schools for service animals certify both the person and the dog together; as a team. If you are ever partnered with one of these wonderful animals, the certification process includes a lot of education, and for you, that sounds like it may be a good thing.
YES, there is the occasional bad person out there who abuses the laws and calls his/her untrained pet a "service dog". Fortunately, these people are relatively few and far between- because you know what? Having a service animal can be tough! You get stared and pointed at, insulted, and other negative things. But the rewards far outnumber the deficits! It is becoming much easier to go out with a service dog accompanying you as people are made more aware of such things. One big benefit I see to being partnered with a service dog is that the dog is always an educational point; just going out to dinner can be a wonderful oppurtunity to teach people about service dogs and disabilities, therefore helping make our world a better place.
For more on the Arizona law, I suggest you look it up- that's Arizona Revised Statuates 11-1024, under the title " Service animals; rights of individuals with disabilities; violation; classification; definitions."
May I offer a solution to your problem of having trouble finding a service dog school that will train a dog for you due to multiple needs? LOOK HARDER. Lots of service animal programs do it every day- don't give up! You are always welcome to try Top Dog, and train your own dog if no one will train one for you. Probably find that more empowering and fun as well! That's what I did- and I'd reccommend it to anyone. To check them out-they're at www.topdogusa.org
And, you might try apologizing to ~lilnewfie. Just a seggustion!
Have a great day!

[Kandice]

This has been a really helpful topic!
My mother was considering getting one once she gets out of this rehab hospital, and after reading this, I definitely think that would be a great idea!!!!

[Joed]

I received my acceptance letter from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) today!

I will now be placed on the waiting list, based on my personal interview date (July 20th). Selection of students for the training classes is based not only on one's position on the waiting list, but also on the suitability of available dogs to meet the candidates' needs. So I'm hoping that my wait will be shortened by the fact that my needs are fairly generic.

At the personal interview, we each got the chance to work with two different dogs. A lab/retriever mix named Steed was my favorite. He kept his paws clear of my erratic steps and kept perfect pace with my varying stride speeds. He was the better of the two at the 'temptation excercise' too...where they see if the dog will distract with food, toys, and a live rabbit. I hope I'll be able to train with Steed when the time comes. They did ask me during the personal interview portion, which dog I felt was the best fit. I was so blown away with Steed, I couldn't even remember the other dog's name.

When we were first led into the kennel area, it took me awhile to recognize what it was that seemed off. There was absolutely no barking. Twenty dogs, all intently interested in our group of people, twenty tails a-wag, but not one sound...all sitting obediently...no jumping onto the fences, etc. I should've expected that, really, but I've never been in a kennel with that many dogs and it be so quiet. It was almost eerie.

Anyway, I'm all excited and I wanted to share it with my friends here. You can be sure I'll be posting as things progress....

[Kev-O]

Joed, on Sep 1 2004, 07:08 AM, said:

Hi....

While researching service dogs, I was surprised to learn that a dog need NOT be certified in order for you to present a dog as a "Service Animal". If the dog (or even a monkey or miniature horse!) you now have already picks things up off of the floor and gives them to you, then your animal IS a service animal by de facto.

Note: This holds true in the US...I'm not sure what laws are in place in the UK concerning service animals.

Of course, if your dog picks up things for you but cannot behave well in public, then it would not be permitted as a service animal. So common sense applies here. Obedience training should always be a part of their training.

You can train your own service animal, but be prepared for a lot of hard work over a period of about two years, but it is the least expensive way to go, as these pre-trained animals are quite pricey. But if you only need an animal to bring you your wheelchair, pick things up and provide assistance in transferring from your chair, then it would probably require a shorter training period.

I haven't yet made up my mind about acquiring a service dog, but the thought is appealing. My family would probably be most appreciative of the break. For now, God bless him, DH is my service animal...LOL!

Good Days,

Joed

you can get a monkey for a guide animal???? were the heck do you get one

[Joed]

Kev-O....

I just recently read that not only monkeys and horses, but birds and pigs are utilized for service for the disabled. Hmmmm....wonder how that works out?

Here's an organization that trains and places capuchin monkeys (and all costs are covered....gotta love that):

Monkey Helpers

Edited by Joed, 03 August 2007 - 11:59 PM.

[Gary Anderson]

re monkey helpers, my mate has been to this college and got a monkey. The little chap can do everything a human carer can do - yes, that includes emptying leg bags, etc. They are used because their hands are so like a human and they are not phased by seeing their reflections in glass.

Having seen these guys at work, I reckon they are miles better than dogs. They can go to all the places dogs find it hard to reach.

[azx43]

Joed, on Jul 27 2007, 04:18 PM, said:

I received my acceptance letter from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) today!

I will now be placed on the waiting list, based on my personal interview date (July 20th). Selection of students for the training classes is based not only on one's position on the waiting list, but also on the suitability of available dogs to meet the candidates' needs. So I'm hoping that my wait will be shortened by the fact that my needs are fairly generic.

At the personal interview, we each got the chance to work with two different dogs. A lab/retriever mix named Steed was my favorite. He kept his paws clear of my erratic steps and kept perfect pace with my varying stride speeds. He was the better of the two at the 'temptation excercise' too...where they see if the dog will distract with food, toys, and a live rabbit. I hope I'll be able to train with Steed when the time comes. They did ask me during the personal interview portion, which dog I felt was the best fit. I was so blown away with Steed, I couldn't even remember the other dog's name.

When we were first led into the kennel area, it took me awhile to recognize what it was that seemed off. There was absolutely no barking. Twenty dogs, all intently interested in our group of people, twenty tails a-wag, but not one sound...all sitting obediently...no jumping onto the fences, etc. I should've expected that, really, but I've never been in a kennel with that many dogs and it be so quiet. It was almost eerie.

Anyway, I'm all excited and I wanted to share it with my friends here. You can be sure I'll be posting as things progress....

Congrats, Joed!! Best of luck with your new 4-legged friend!

[megatrig]

Service dogs are fab! I've had one and helped train a lot!

There is a need to have them properly monitored certified etc etc

this is because .. sadly .. any tom dick or mary could take a dog in somewhere. It might misbehave create havoc and then every genuine service dog gets labled with the same brush as noone knows when to say ok bring your dog in or hell no the last time and so on!

Hope that makes sense!??!

[Doug]

The helping hands monkey is awsome. They can get you a bottle of water from the fridge, open it and put a straw in it for you.

[Cheshire]

This may be a little irreverent in relation to the topic, but the thought made me laugh so hard I had to share it.

Upon coming home this evening, my dog (just a pet, not service) gave me the usual hyper greeting. Halfway through the wagging, wriggling routine she stopped suddenly, looked straight at me for a good second, then proceeded to carefully investigate the seat of my pants as if trying to tell me I needed to make a bathroom stop. (This is abnormal behavior for her.)

Could you imagine training a service dog to give you a bathroom warning? It's hilarious to me, and yet...could have some merit....

Feel free to smack me in a PM if I'm out of line.

Edited by Cheshire, 02 September 2007 - 12:45 AM.