Quote:
Originally Posted by Mayzoo  Since your pup is being trained as a service dog you need to know the general ADA guidelines state service dogs need to have all four feet on the floor at all times in public places regardless of size. They are to walk at a heel with their handler everywhere they go. They should not be carried, put in carts or anything else that does not require all four of their feet to be on the ground at all times.
They also not permitted to be on couches or chairs in public unless they are actively performing a task such as grounding or alerting. They are to lie under the chair or at the feet of their handler. We allow Mario on the furniture at home, which is as a rule, discouraged in general. However, in public, he is never allowed on any furniture unless kiddo is getting a blood draw and she needs him in her lap.
Some dogs become confused by the two rules of home and public, but I have worked with him extensively and at home with his harness on, he is never allowed on the furniture. That is how he tells the difference. Harness on, all work. Harness off, play time. Mario does well with the difference, but if he did not, I would have to ban him from the furniture at home in order to comply with the ADA recommendations for public behaviour. |
Thanks, Mayzoo. That part about all four feet on the ground, I unfortunately did know. I just can't at this point. It's one of the reasons why the trainer is coming to the house for a few visits- the treats and coaxing isn't going fast enough. Add to the fact she's so high strung, we have to get her used to going out of the house. It's a fine line. Not being defensive, you've been patient and very helpful, trying to get you to understand my thought process. She shakes leaving, shakes walking, and any upset in her routine is a big problem. Thankfully the trainer I chose is very good with high strung littles, so I have very high hopes. We put her on the ground whenever we can, so we'll keep trying. She'll get it eventually.