WHETHER YOU HAVE A DOG or will be getting one, your research will leave you knee-deep in a world with its own language. Recognizing and understanding words, phrases and acronyms surrounding the world of service dogs will take some of the mystery out of the process and hopefully speed you along your way. Alert. A … Continue reading Defining the world of service dogs
Owner-training: does it work?
Training your own service dog isn’t cheap, it’s not easy and there’s no guarantee of success. THE AVERAGE PERSON who wants a service for him or herself or a loved one and decides to owner-train, likely has a 50:50 chance of succeeding. That's not scientific. It's an observation based on my career as a service dog … Continue reading Owner-training: does it work?
Invisible disabilities
The Invisible Disabilities Association defines invisible disabilities as a physical, mental or neurological condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities and is invisible to the onlooker. YOU'RE AT WALMART. You see a dog wearing a vest that says "service dog in training". You're a dog lover, so you start talking to the dog and approach … Continue reading Invisible disabilities
Ruffwear for service dogs
SOME OF THE BEST DOG GEAR around comes from Ruffwear. The company is clearly a supporter of working dogs, as they have a "pro" plan that you can apply for and if approved, you will get significant discounts on all of their products. Here's an example. GripTex boots are regularly $74.95. With a pro discount … Continue reading Ruffwear for service dogs
Service dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support animals
WHICH OF THESE KINDS of working dogs fits your needs? A service dog, whose rights are provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be obedience, task and public access trained. There is no legitimate service dog registry, so don't buy into the internet scams offering service dog registration, ID, and "papers". They're all bullshit … Continue reading Service dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support animals
