Service dogs

[Eagle3]

Unfortunately, Service Dogs are often confused with ESA's, even by mental health professionals. What the others have said is very true. I'm currently training a Service Dog for myself, and have made it abundantly clear that he's not a Service Dog yet (because he hasn't had the specialized training, we're still working through basic obedience and socialization). My apartment management has been very understanding, and my psychiatrist gave me the letter for him, but until he's had that specialized training he is not vested, touted as a SD, or taken anywhere but where I am allowed to bring regular dogs. Once he passes his Canine Good Citizen test I will get him his vest which clearly marks him as a Service Dog In Training. This is when public access and specialized training will happen.

What you have described for yourself is an ESA, not an SD. Fake SD's and uninformed "professionals" make walking the legal tightropes very tricky (especially for those of us triggered by confrontation). When speaking legalese, semantics make a huge difference. Please, call a spade a spade (or in this case an ESA and ESA) and help end the misinformation and continuation of bad info. It would help the entire community, of which you are part.

 

[laurainalameda]

Go to the website anythingispawsible Google for exact url and there is info there about training your dog to do tasks that will make him a service dog. There is no registry. I trained my dog with the help of a trainer who specialized in training service dogs. They don't need to come from a program they do need to do tasks. Mine maintains the perimeter around me if people are standing too close, intuit panic attacks and flashbacks, and gives calming deep pressure therapy on my abdomen on command. (There's research behind this). There is a split in the SD community if dogs can be trained outside of a program. My feeling obviously is that they can providing your dog has the correct temperment. This is where you need the help of a professional, in evaluating if your dog can be "bombproof" in the face of all the stimulation they will face. I think train at home is better for the bond. A program dog is raised by a puppy raiser, then kennel ed and trained, then given to you. 3 homes in 2 years. If your dog is suitible, your already bonded, and the training bonds you further. My dog is retiring in a few years and were on call for a puppy from a breeder who breeds for service dogs. We will be the puppy raisers, then work with trainers, then slowly ease the old guy into his retirement with us. Pm me if you have questions . Laura

 

[DharmaGirl]

I also trained my SD. She already woke me from nightmares, gave deep pressure and intuited oncoming panic attacks herself. I trained her to "check the house" when we came home to see if it was safe. She also maintains the perimeter around me, when I hear a noise, I tell her to "go see", and she checks it out. I hate when people in public are confrontational about her. Well, it only happened once, and I am afraid to bring her with me anymore so I don't go out much.

 

[laurainalameda]

Does she wear a service dog vest? I find that when my dog is wearing a bright red vest proclaiming service dog that most people just glance and move on. Laura

 

[DharmaGirl]

She wasn't at the time since we were just out for a walk. She is a mastiff, and these kids under 5 wanted to pet her so I told the parents that it was ok, she's a service dog. We were in a public park, but she asked me what services she provides and I should have said she keeps me from biting you, since she really had no right to question me in a public park. She has a vest and wears it when we go out and she is officially working.

 

[laurainalameda]

Psychdogparteners google for exact url is another good resource. We never go out without a vest or his collar that says service dog. No one is ever allowed to pet him. I just say nope I'm sorry he's working. If they ask what kind of service dog he is I look confused and say " did you just ask my medical history, cause that would be awkward ". A business is allowed to ask what service he provides, and I tell them, but not what my disability is. Even my husband or best friend doesn't pet him when he has his vest on. I just remind him, "working" and pet him myself. I have a never pet rule because the general public is so ignorant and uninformed that I think consistency is important to help them learn, and because his job is to focus on me. He's legally medical equipment. You wouldn't ask to pet my wheel chair, would you? My other favorite (not) situation is when people say I wish I could have a service dog! My answer to that came fom my 13 yo son. He looked at the idiot and said " really? What disability would you like? I can offer you a head injury" then we both cracked up. Laura

 

[Maverickwingman]

I have found out how to get my dog registered as a service dog for PTSD I was wondering if anyone els...

Just remember a legal service dog must be trained tasks to mitigate your disability. Just having him there is calming yes, but only an ESA, just touching him samething.
My service dog of 7 years alerts to my rising anxiety and will use his body to push me away from what is upsetting me, he will put his head on my chest and lay across my lap for grounding, he stands a few feet from my side or back when I stop to give me space from other people, he paws me when I start going blank to break the spell and wake me during nightmares.
He was a shelter dog and self trained. Yes that is legal.
Remember using a fake dog (ESA or therapy dog) you will be breaking federal law

 

[Gerdi]

Service Dogs are wonderful! I trained one years ago, but had to medically retire him due to bad hips. I fin...

So did u train your service dog?and what do I need because I have a service dog that I'm training

 

[Eagle3]

So did u train your service dog?and what do I need because I have a service dog that I'm training

Yes, I trained him myself. Actually, he knew what to do, I just encouraged him and shaped the behaviors to get him consistent, then trained him for public access.

I personally have a system I use to train my SD's. The first step is getting their Canine Good Citizen certification. I may concurrently train tasks and work while getting them prepped for the CGC, but I generally don't take them into non-dog friendly places until the CGC is attained. After the CGC, they are given a vest with SD-In Training status and trained for working in public. Once they are rock-solid in public manners and doing the job no matter what the distractions, they are graduated to full Service Dog status. The CGC is a good thing to have, because its an independent verification of a certain level of training, which can be useful for legal matters. The most important thing to remember is to keep RECORDS of all training, as well as a letter from your doctor stating the need for a Service Dog.

If you have any more questions, feel free to message me here.