No, I would guess its that you have to maintain a high level of training to keep them trained properly? Lots of practice?
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You mean a service dog requires more training?
I would imagine so.
Plus you probably have to continue to go over old training ot keep it fresh in their mind.
I remember that one of our neighbors had this super well trained dog when I was a kid. I think he was some kind of performing dog, not a service dog. But he would go over commands every morning.
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As I am going through the application process, I’m already having some doubts about the whole thing. I initially thought the dog would be trained and I wouldn’t have to do most of the hard work, but it seems like it will be even more demanding than I expected. Also, the dog will be owned by the charity and can be taken away from me at any point. I’m not sure I want to continue with this, but I feel bad about even applying.
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Hmmm having looked into this more I see children also can have an assistance dog … It’s not just for adults …
Service dogs will help with special assistance depending on your needs. Mine I trained to recognize when I am having anxiety and positive symptoms to lean on me to calm me down, take my PRN.
@Bowens yes, training is on going reinforcement but it becomes second nature for them.
Also service dogs are not allowed to bark have anxiety resource guard behaviors. No marking territory and no pooping and peeing unless on command.
My experience if you get a dog young it’s easier to train than older.
I am allowed to take my dogs to all my doctor appointments and all the hospital departments.
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I will say sometimes having a service dog with you makes anxiety worse not better. Because you have to constantly pay attention to another living being. They might be trained well but nothing prepared me for all the unwanted attention having a service dog brings upon myself. People constantly staring, pointing, trying to pet her, asking you questions that can be very personal like “why do you need a service dog?”
She does help me with things while we are out and about but access issues also are a thing. Just yesterday there was a new employee at my gym who stopped me from entering demanding to see an ID card(in the USA there is no official ID card or registration for service dogs) which I of course didn’t have because those registry sites are scams. I had to educate him on the ADA laws and he eventually let me in. But circumstances like those make it super hard on my anxiety. I have a hard time speaking up for myself sometimes.
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Agreed.
I have encountered this situation with small businesses.
I am considering printing a card to explain the law and the law requiring all businesses to comply.
My state California issues an official service dog id tag, which helps legally even though it is not necessary, it’s just added protection in case. It is not a fake organization.
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I am going have to go down this route because as I am going through the application it is saying I have to get professional opinions for me and the other person looking after the dog (my partner)… meaning we have to find processionals who are willing to support us in the application!
that sounds more anxiety causing. and going out with a dog causes a lot of anxiety to because u will have people looking. u will have people judging. u will have people wanting to pet the dog. people asking u about the dog. i would never take part in a stupid program that gives people dogs and then takes them away because that would be hard on the dog.
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I’m not sure what to do, my other half is really encouraging me to go ahead with it… we definitely want a dog, but I’m two minds abut doing it this way.
maybe the charity will only take back the dog if they feel the dog is not being cared for well. makes sense they want to make sure the dog is safe and if its a good match the dog will be permanent
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Yes the checks are extremely thorough, I mean they won’t just get professional opinions from my GP, but from my partners GP as well. They are literally asking every question under the sun, including his work details, his managers details, etc It is a tough process.
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this could be a good test.
maybe their decision will help you know if you are ready
or what you need to do to be ready
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It’s a tough process because service dogs are a HUGE commitment financially and time wise. Especially for the people training. It takes years
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