Some dogs do not make good service or therapy dogs. They have to have a certain personality and training to be successful service dogs. I recommend you not train the dog, but get them professionally trained. Also, I recommend obtaining an older dog, as it’s hard to predict a puppy’s personality to know if it’s trainable, until it’s older. Just my two cents for what it’s worth.
@anon55031185 I don’t know if I could afford a pre-traned service dog but I can eventually afford some pro training I plan to save $2k at least for my dog before even getting it
In general Yorkies are easy to train according to my pdoc and Google
I think the professional training classes are best. @anon55031185 is right about personality. One test is the vacuum test. Read up online and watch videos about dogs with the best personality for service dog training so you can select the best possible dog for your needs.
@LilyoftheValley how about shelter dogs??
Also I was thinking maybe a bigger dog is better?? When I have a panic attack I need to be lead outside away from people… On a shelter dog I can kinda see the temperament of the dog and take my time picking the dog?? Idk maybe I should just pick a pure breed?
Yes. Shelter dogs can become highly trained too. It’s more about natural personality. If you need the dog to lead you away I’d look for a medium to large sized dog.
@LilyoftheValley okay I know the perfect shelter!
We gotta move out first though…
Here’s a link with some very basic info:
Thanks @LilyoftheValley I really appreciate that
I hope you get a service dog
@Twialine
I think u should get one only if u can care for it and if u have someone u can trust to care for it if u end up in the hospital. Dogs can also cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Especilly if they end up with a medical issue.
A CGC is pretty straightforward. I’ve done them with a local training club who tested. I would 1000% work towards one. I have grumbly issue with pet store training, but for an average dog with no issues, I think they’d be fine. The real issue will be socializing and doing new things every day, constantly with your pup. And beyond the CGC (which really shows they are good in public- I can’t recommend one enough!!!), training those specific tasks that will help you with your disability. Those can be tricky. I don’t know how to train all of the things I’d want a pup to do for me, but I bought a book just to see if it had some ideas. If you can get a CGC (not until one year old and up) and plan to train the other tasks on your own, maybe a book? Heck, a youtube video will give you an alright idea if you find the right ones.
I am honestly so relieved you plan to work towards that CGC! Yay for you and future puppy!!!
Almost forgot- don’t be taken in by groups that say you have to license your dog or that will license your dog for you or put it in a registry. There is no required licensing in the US per the ADA, so you would literally be wasting money on a plastic ID that means nothing.
Sorry I keep coming back, but I almost forgot something important. Are you familiar with the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT)? It’s a good indicator of future temperament.
A service dog might help. Keep us updated @Twialine. ![]()
@Happy_H I appreciate all the information
@HollyHobbie I’ll keep y’all informed it might not be for a while that I get one though
Oh weird I just made a post about this
Service dogs can do wonders for mental illness
If you have TikTok look into psychiatric service dogs , some people post videos of their dogs in action.
I’m training my dog to be one, I had her temperament tested when I got her and she was fit to be a service dog according to the trainer.
It’s a lot of effort no matter what route you go with how to train, unless you have $20k to drop for a fully trained one, which is ideal
I like that I’m training my own but it’s been a lot of learning and trial and error
Also I do suggest researching a lot, join groups on Facebook if you have Facebook, look into different training styles and find one that you like and find a trainer that does specifically that.
The first trainer I hired ended up being into prongs and ecollars and that is a huge controversial thing but I am more into the positive force free training and I did not like his methods once I learned more and more.
YouTube videos can be super helpful too
I might be getting a dog!!!
@Moon @Happy_H @HollyHobbie @irrelevant @LilyoftheValley @anon55031185 @Rainstorm @ThePickinSkunk @Airparticle
He is 5 and from a shelter!! He’s pure black and they think he’s a labadoole
That is fabulous!!! In my opinion, adults are easier than puppies. Don’t forget to pay the dog tax!
ETA: Both of those breeds are also very intelligent and highly trainable. At 5, he has settled down some in energy level, and his personality is considered to be established. That’s a GREAT age. I got my Mojo at 4, and she was beyond amazing.
I personally am refusing to get a dog even though my elderly father wants for us to get one.
Why? Because dogs in general are a lot of work and because I suffer with fatigue and lots of negative symptoms.
But if you can handle a dog then more power to you @Twialine!
I just know I can’t deal with a puppy or dog right now.
My cat Colette gives me enough love and joy!