Service dog

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

This thread has some great info in it. I just wanted to add that the law has been expanded recently to include emotional support dogs who need very little training other than the standard socialization and obedience behaviors. The owner just needs a letter from a mental health professional stating that the dog provides them with emothional support and allows them to live a more normal life every day. Also "signal" and "alert" dogs are already innately "trained" to detect the disorders of their owners intuitively and require less training.

It is perfectly acceptable to train your own dog too or to use a professional and yourself is ideal. Depending on your disability your dog may not need "professional training" and the law does not require it. I have trained dogs in obedience since I was a child. I am not a professional trainer but I am more than qualified to teach my dogs some of the behaviors they need to learn. There are great websites that teach you how to train your dog yourself.

In addition, as soon as a dog is "in training" to beome a service dog, he or she is afforded all of the rights and privileges of a service dog under the law.

My dogs are all service dogs and will continue training of varying forms for their entire lives, but even 8 month old Ava is allowed in all public places as she learns to be a service dog. It is actually part of their training to become accustoned to different environments and surroundings including airplanes, large buildings, crowds, etc. She has been "in training" since she was 12 weeks old and learning the basic behaviors of sit, stay, walking on a lead, etc.

Becoming a service dog gives the animal a "job" in life and makes them feel good. It is GOOD for the dog and the owner. The dog is able to always be with his/her master and the bond is very strong as a result. Yorkies make wonderful service dogs since they are so small and travel so easily. I would encourage anyone with a "qualifying disability" under the law to make their dog a sevice dog for their benefit and yours.

I am always glad to help so PM me if you wnat more info on the actual law and the process. It is very easy actually.

[teri88]

I registered him as a service dog in training, to see how he would do, but they would let you just get the service dog patch, and no one questions it.