Let’s face it. Dogs make our lives better. And assistance dogs? They provide a level of freedom and safety that allows their handler to accomplish tasks and go places they might not have been able to do otherwise.
But how does one go about getting a reliable service dog? Most organizations that offer pre-trained dogs have huge waitlists and hefty price tags associated with the dog, with good reason. It takes time to properly screen, train, and test a reliable assistance dog. The cost of medical clearance (hips, eyes, elbows, heart), routine vet care, equipment, food, and hours of training all add up quickly. And then a dog must be matched to a handler. Not all dogs are compatible with all people. They have likes and dislikes and a team bond must be established.
So a reasonable alternative? Working with an experienced individual or organization to help with the training process and evaluate/test for accuracy and reliability.
Can every dog be a service dog? Unfortunately no. The wash out rate for dogs professionally trained is about 80%. Service work is incredibly challenging and requires the dog to be calm, focused, able to work for extended periods of time, and be adaptable. The added bonus for an owner-trained team is that the dog usually has a wonderful bond already with the handler and oftentimes will be aware and responsive to medical changes as they occur.
It is advisable to work with a professional to help guide you. Each state has their own regulations regarding access (service dog vs service dog in training) and it will make the process easier to have a reliable source guiding your progress. They can also help with:
Housing laws
ADA laws
Transportation laws
Travel preparation and planning
Access to public areas
Development of disability skills
Public access training
Problem solve training issues
Final evaluation for team certification
All and all, an experienced trainer can be a great support system. Their experience, skills, and knowledge will help you and your dog become a solid team. Look for someone with experience, an established client base/business, preferably insured, and industry certifications/diplomas are a plus.
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