Service Dogs

[Jac]

Hi everyone...since many or our dogs are being used in the service dog capacity, I thought that I'd share this information with you. It is pretty comprehensive and tells us what is involved in qualifying a dog for public access.
I just found out about this today and it is pretty good info...tells you all the things a service dog should be able to do in public...I think it is a bit too much, but it is helpful to see it all...lets you know what to train the dog to do... http://www.psychdog.org/training.html What I like about this is that it covers service dogs for the invisible conditions, depression, panic attacks, etc.
Hope you find it interesting...

[tuffystar]

Thank you Jac!!! I am reading it.

[MaxandMe]

THANKS JAC........and this is one post i hope to keep reviving time to time as many do ask and this is GREAT INFO!!!

[SamsonsMom]

How interesting. Very high standards. My Grandmama's service dog does not do escalators, and my Grandmama was told not to attempt due to the damage that could be caused to the dogs feet. Actually it was a requirement for my Grandmama to be physically able herself to climb stairs just in case the only options were escalator or stairs.

The "Elimination on Command" thing I find a little wierd. LOL. Grandmama's dog knows this command. And she is the only one that knows the word that is used to tell the dog to do it's business. Goes as far as a command for #1 and a command for #2. I find it a little wierd, but I guess you don't want your service dog going #2 in aisle 13 at Wal-Mart. LOL.

As always Jac - very interesting articles! Very informative!!

[Jac]

Ha! I thought the same thing!
Actually, I think that some of these things are for people with psychological disabilities and are only applicable if the person is physically able to do them too.
I was shocked when I learned that a dog with a coat is not allowed to potty...at all...ever. That is why they are taught to eliminate on commnd...but I don't know what they'd do if the dog had the runs! Ugh!
Still I think that this is helpful to understand the difference between a service dog and a pet.

Originally Posted by SamsonsMom

How interesting. Very high standards. My Grandmama's service dog does not do escalators, and my Grandmama was told not to attempt due to the damage that could be caused to the dogs feet. Actually it was a requirement for my Grandmama to be physically able herself to climb stairs just in case the only options were escalator or stairs.

The "Elimination on Command" thing I find a little wierd. LOL. Grandmama's dog knows this command. And she is the only one that knows the word that is used to tell the dog to do it's business. Goes as far as a command for #1 and a command for #2. I find it a little wierd, but I guess you don't want your service dog going #2 in aisle 13 at Wal-Mart. LOL.

As always Jac - very interesting articles! Very informative!!

[SamsonsMom]

Originally Posted by Jac

Still I think that this is helpful to understand the difference between a service dog and a pet.

Oh absolutely - there are so many differences. But even with all the training the service dogs have, when my Grandmama takes her dog out to play, the service dog still plays like a puppy!

[Jac]

Originally Posted by SamsonsMom

Oh absolutely - there are so many differences. But even with all the training the service dogs have, when my Grandmama takes her dog out to play, the service dog still plays like a puppy!

If they didn't I wouldn't be in this business...I don't see the dog as a "tool" as many organizations do...I see it as a companion. When off duty...it needs love and playtime and goofiness just like every dog (and person) deserves!

[lindamarie]

How WONDERFUL, JAC!
Thanks sooooooo much for sharing that!

[KingstonTodd]

You should all look up the movie Quill. It is about a litter of yellow lab puppies and one is selected to be trained as a service dog. Its very interesting, entertaining, and heartbreaking.

http://www.amazon.com/Quill-Original-Ja ... B000N47PAQ

[lindamarie]

I'll look for it, Todd. It sounds good except for the heartbreaking part.
It seems that all movies about dogs have to end with me bawling. Why do they always have to die?

I'd like to say a little more today on Service Dogs. When I think of all the crap that has happened to me to get me to a point of needing one, it makes it all the "stuff" worthwhile.
I don't now if that makes sense, but I have been saying that to people lately. Since my illnesses are "invisible", I get questions all the time. At my uncle's funeral last June,for example, one man wouldn't leave me alone until he got an answer. My SIL actually jumped in once and rudely said, "Because she NEEDS one....that should be enough for you."
I thought about her response afterward. It was a lifesaver in a way, but I felt sorry for the old man. So, I wound up telling him at the luncheon.
Sometimes it really is annoying and other times I just spurt it out now. My easiest answer is to just say that I have PTSD and other illnesses Bogart helps me with. That usually is enough for people as they go, "Ohhhhhh.....that's great!"
One persons said that and apologized afterward. Now THAT was a person who got it!
Why? Because if you have a SD, there's something wrong and maybe it's not always THAT GREAT! Would I prefer to NOT have all that I have? Of course, yes!
But, since I do.....I'm blessed to have my companion with me at all times.............It makes the suffering easier in many ways.

One time I had Bogart in Target with me. He was sooooooo obedient! He actually does better OFF LEASH, so sometimes I just take it off of him.
One of the cashiers told me that some people bring their dogs in that are SD's and the people have no control. This makes it so hard on everyone else.

I would like to also say a word about PETTING the SD. When Bogart was still in traning, there was no way he could be petted by someone when working.
The good thing is that MOST people are FINALLY educated enough to ask first, but there are always THOSE who aren't.
We have finally reached a point where if people ask or not, I can allow him to be petted and loved.......especially with babies and kids.
You MUST be able to bring the dog around in a nano second! If not........you do not have a trained Service Dog.

Bogart has made me NEW! I would be very willing to share my story and help anyone.........and also look forward to any stories anyone else has.

[Jac]

Linda, thanks for posting this...I am finding that most of the people I deal with have invisible disabilities and it is so difficult because no one, even those in their immediate families understand their need for a service dog...because they don't "look" disabled. Sometimes that creates some very hurtful and ugly situations.
Thanks for being open about your struggles...you probably don't even know the number of people helped by your openness on this forum.
I am so glad that you have Bogie... And that he has you.

Todd, I don't know if I could stand to watch that film! Sounds like (from reading the reviews) the dog is not treated very well all the time...and that would be heartbreaking for me. One of the major factors of the Gabby Jack Ranch is that the dogs must be treated with love and respect at all times. This is required for reasons beyond the benefit to the pup...for instance, if someone is harsh or abusive and they are wearing a Gabby Jack Ranch cape, then it looks like we, as a company, condone this type of behavior...so our emphasis is to place a puppy early and to teach clients how to relate to and communicate with that puppy...paying attention to what the dog is trying to communicat to them too.

[tuffystar]

I only have a couple of min. before the Dr. appointment but I wanted to say I love this post! I just spent an hour with my sister from CA and we talked about this very subject. She told me that she is glad we have a split level home because it makes me exercise! She doesn't get that I have joint problems, she just gets that I am fat. She also thinks because I go to the store without Tia right now that I don't need her. She doesn't get that I spend hours in my room trying to handle the triggers after I go out on my own! Oh well I have to go but thanks for all of the people posting on this subject!!!

[SamsonsMom]

Originally Posted by tuffystar

She also thinks because I go to the store without Tia right now that I don't need her.

So sorry to hear this! My Grandmama spent YEARS going to the grocery store and walks by herself. That does not mean that you don't NEED a SD, that just means you're doing what you have to do before you receive and/or train a SD. I can say from watching my Grandmama pre and post service dog that she has a lot more confidence in crowded areas, stores, out in public, etc since getting the SD. Not to mention she now has a constant companion when home.

Originally Posted by lindamarie

I would like to also say a word about PETTING the SD. When Bogart was still in traning, there was no way he could be petted by someone when working.

The organization my Grandmama got her SD from made that rule for Grandmama also. They told her to not allow others to pet and/or give commands to the SD until he was fully accostumed to listening and responding to my Grandmama in all situations. They told her it was because in any situation if another person is touching or giving commands to the SD that the doggie needs to know to listen to Grandmama first and foremost when working.

Jac - I smiled so big when you said that your SD dogs have to be treated with love and respect at all times....these wonderful SD's provide something so and it's a lot of hard work - Service Dogs deserve nothing less than to be loved and respected at all times. I know I couldn't do their job.