The advantages/disadvantages of service dogs.

[JustBe]

It really stinks that people that abuse the system make it harder for those of us who need to have our dogs with us. The questions can be demoralizing. We shouldn't have to defend or explain ourselves.

 

[DharmaGirl]

When people ask, Springer, I say PTSD from child abuse. That usually makes them stop. They don't know how to respond to my bluntness. I don't really want to say that anymore to strangers, but I guess I could say that she keeps me calm. Another reason I wanted to take her out was to teach her to keep people from getting too close.

 

[Springer80]

You could say she helps you with your overwhelming desire to bite strangers!!! :devilish: :giggle:

 

[Barberian]

An ADA info brief - http://www.ada.gov/svcabrpt.pdf

Delta Society, non-profit service dog advocacy and information. Link on "What is a service dog - http://

Delta Society's Self written guide of "Minimum Standards for Service Dogs" a non-binding (no legal status or requirements) guide Service Dogs should meet (in their opinion). [DLMURL]http://www.petpartners.org/document.doc?id=170[/DLMURL]

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. Another non-profit Service Dog advocacy organization. SERVICE DOG TASKS for PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. Another guide for Service Dog Minimum Training Standards for Public Access http://www.iaadp.org/iaadp-minimum-training-standards-for-public-access.html

[Edit] I hit post on accident too soon.

Pet Partners - part of Delta Society. Service Animal FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) http://

 

[The Albatross]

Barbarian, National Public Radio (NPR) just had a discussion about therapy/service dogs this morning. If you go to their website you can find the discussion. I was enroute to an assignment so I don't know what show. I only got to hear one part of the segment.

 

[Barberian]

Thanx, I'll check it out.

[Edit] looked all over NPR's site, couldn't find it. :arghh;

 

[Springer80]

When people ask, Springer, I say PTSD from child abuse.

On a serious note though, good for you to pluck up the courage to be honest and to raise awareness and not deny the truth of the situation even though it causes discomfort. I do think it's a shame though that having Nugget to help you go outside means you need people to stay away. I know you must only do what you can cope with but Nugget is lovely and people come and talk to dog owners because they are lonely too.

Another reason I wanted to take her out was to teach her to keep people from getting too close.

Do you think this is possible?

 

[Barberian]

Service dog keeping people at a distance

There are also other ways a dog can keep people at a distance. Currently I'm training my dog to walk in a circle about a foot or two around me. This is to keep people from getting too close in crowds. Another tactic is to have the dog sit or stand about a foot or two behind you so when your in line, people don't stand in "your space" behind you.

The dog should not face the person, but keep it's back side to the person it is trying to keep at a distance so it is not be intimidating, or intimidated by that person.

 

[JustBe]

monster1977 said: ↑

Another reason I wanted to take her out was to teach her to keep people from getting too close.

Do you think this is possible?

Absolutely! Kira greets people and keeps me in a 3 foot "bubble". She keeps people away by her presence and by "claiming" the space around me. If not for her I'd never make it through the checkout!

 

[Springer80]

She keeps people away by her presence and by "claiming" the space around me.

Oh I see, that lovely alert waggy-ness distracts them from focusing on you, so you don't get scared about people being too nosey!

 

[DharmaGirl]

I will teach Nugget to walk in a circle around me and to do the stand/stay behind me so people don't get too close. I did like the overwhelming desire to bite strangers, lol. I would take her to therapy, but alas, I fired my therapist again. Maybe I'll take her to my next therapist.

 

[Springer80]

Maybe I'll take her to my next therapist.

Maybe you could do therapy sessions in the park with Nugget?

I mean with your new therapist not with Nugget as a substitute, that would definitely attract attention! Good luck with her training.