Quote:
Originally Posted by gemy  Flying the Friendly Skies with a Fake Service Dog | Best In Show Daily | 2015
I wholeheartedly agree with this article, and I would go further, an emotional support dog should undergo very similar training to a service assist dog. They the dog need to be under control agreeable, not barking, yapping, nipping etc - and certainly not dog aggressive.
Dara has been in training since 8wks old - and she is still a little unknown as to her suitability for my personal assist service dog. We shall enter a program shortly after her full osteo work up is done. But she is and has been trained in basic obedience and will shortly earn her CD title.
She will learn carting as a prelude to pulling a wheelchair - and we have ordered a specially made harness for walking assist. She is being trained to lift me up from the ground. To open doors - To steady me down the stairs. Etc Etc ETc. People who try to take advantage of the system are quite despicable, and give a bad name to service dogs! |
I hate when people do this....they are going to RUIN it for so many people that actually do need this service! I agree therapy dogs should be required to be certified as a service dog....and NOT a certificate you send $25.00 to Acme Ultimate Dog and Monkey Training School at some post office mail box, and you get the certificate, a little badge, a little vest, a little iron on patch, and a glow in the dark stripe you peel and stick on the vest so you can go out at night!
True service animals must be properly trained because of where they ARE allowed to be present....can you imagine a dog like Dara, going absolutely crazy in a fully packed passenger airplane cabin, just because YOU decided she was a great traveling companion so you ordered all the little "accoutrements" that "certify" her as a "trained therapy/service dog"??? She would
clear that plane at 35,000 feet!!!
But, you are right....you always have thieves and crooks and lairs that scam the public and ruin a great idea for people that REALLY need a particular service. It makes me crazy!!