|
Need Help Please... Hi, we want to look into getting Lulu into being a service dog of some kind. But we don't know how to go about it at all. She helps my girlfriends anxiety 1000%. She is great with other dogs and she is beyond great with people. We are totally new to all this and would love any insight, tips, opinions, anything at all. |
Good question. I have a Yorkie that is a Therapy and Service Dog. I get challenged all the time about her being a Service Dog because she is small. There is a difference between Service Dogs and assistance dogs. Therapy Dogs are not considered Service Dogs by the ADA (American Disability Act). Service Dogs perform a service that is specific to a disability (according to the ADA). Therapy Dogs generally go through a basic obedience course and then take a Therapy Dog course - there are several organizations; Delta Society, American Red Cross, etc. PetSmart also has some classes. Also, local dog clubs are a good source of information. Getting a dog Service Dog trained is a little more difficult but possible. Check with your local dog trainers. This can be expensive, however. Good luck! |
I myself am interested in training my future shorkie to be a therapy dog. I found several dog training facilities near me that informed me the dog needs to attend formal obedience training classes as well as for therapy training then pass a test. I think it's an awesome thing to do. Good Luck!:) |
For Lulu to be a service dog, as I under it, she must perform some act that your girlfriend is unable to do for herself. Most people think of service dogs in reserve thinking "how can get I my dog to become a service dog". What you need to actually be asking is "what actionable task can my dog perform to make XYZ better for my girlfriend who suffers from anxiety". Although I completely agree that just having a pet near you when you are experiencing a panic attack can make the situation better or pass faster, it does not fall into the disability act. Also, the task that they perform may also not be a task that is specific to being at home. For instance, if you suffer from depression and your dog is trained to be persistent at waking you up when your alarm goes off so you arouse to take your medicine would not fall into the category of "service dog" to be allowed in public places where most dogs are not allowed since that action is home specific. I believe you are wanting Lulu to be allowed to "no dogs allowed" venues, correct? Hope this helps a little. |
Quote:
|
This site may be able to answer some of your questions: Delta Society - Become a Registered Pet Partners team Good luck! |
Quote:
|
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 09:40 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2003 - 2018 YorkieTalk.com
Privacy Policy - Terms of Use