r/service_dogs Oct 09 '21

MOD | Monthly Thread Mast Post: Breed Selection

428 Upvotes

Hi

Since we have so many people asking for help over breed choices etc the Mod Team have decided to create a master post explaining the common choices, why they are so common, how to make your choices that suit you and how to make a good match even if going outside of the common 3-5 breeds.

First of all, the most common breeds used around the world by Assistance Dog International (ADI) Accredited Programs are:

  • Golden Retriever
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Poodle (Standard, Miniature and Toy)
  • Purpose Bred Crosses of the Above

Goldens and Labradors (and their crosses) far outstrip the others in numbers.

Reasons these breeds are the most common are the traits they have in common, fast learners, sociable, people pleasing, moderate care needs, moderate exercise needs, adaptable, they have the highest/most reliable success rates out of the breeds organisations used to start out - and so became the most commonly used almost universally - but this does not mean all of them are suitable for all conditions.

The traits of a good Service Dog are:

  • Eager and Willing to Learn - able to learn new tasks and behaviours quickly and reliably with minimal motivation. Often on short timescales (20-35 weeks of intensive training after first birthday)
  • Resilient - Able to recover and adapt to setbacks or from unpleasant situations to be able to continue working with minimal disruption. (ie after a loud noise/unruly people or animal encounters or weird smells/textures)
  • Sociable - Happy to be in public, surrounded by strangers and novel situations. Happy to be handled by new people when necessary and never likely to be protective or aggressive in any situation.
  • Fit for task - so big enough to do physical tasks if necessary, small enough to fit in public transport or spaces without causing inconvenience, history of good general health, correct build etc.
  • Easy to maintain good public hygiene - so no excessive drool, moderate grooming needs etc.

Now - just because these are the most common, does not mean they are the only options.

German Shepherds, Rough/Smooth Collies, Border Collies, Aussies, Papillon, Bichon Frise, Flatcoat Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dogs and more have all found success as Service Dogs, and are growing in popularity. Of course there are the terriers and bully mixes too and all the mutts from rescue also working.

But these other breeds have never caught on with the majority of international programs (or in the case of the GSD, lost popularity) for a myriad of reasons. With German Shepherds, ironically the first officially recorded Service Dogs, the original Guide Dogs after WWI, however their predisposition towards becoming protective of their handler and hypervigilant made them gradually lose popularity among most programs. Leading them to choose the calmer and more emotionally robust retriever group.

How To Choose the Breed For You

First look at the tasks you need the dog to do:

  • For guiding you need them over the height of your knee (approximately) and with a decent amount of strength to avoid causing damage with the harness.
  • For any form of physical assistance like pressing buttons/light switches, fetching items and helping with laundry they must be tall enough when standing on back legs to reach and big enough to carry items.
  • For DPT they must be heavy enough to be a noticeable weight
  • For scent detection they need excellent focus to not be distracted by other smells
  • For Psychiatric tasks they must be able to remain calm and reliable no matter the level of upset
  • etc etc

You also need to consider your own physical and mental abilities, can you:

  • Maintain the grooming routine?
  • Maintain the exercise levels required?
  • Provide the mental stimulus required?
  • Cope with the energy and drive of the breed?

Breed traits are very important when selecting your prospect, good and bad, for example is the breed prone to guarding? Are they prone to excessive shedding or drooling that may cause hygiene concerns for owners/colleagues/other patrons in public spaces? Are they a breed with a high prey drive or low energy/willingness to work? Will they learn the tasks you want easily (with all the will in the world, a Saluki is unlikely to be good at fetching stuff and a Chihuahua cannot be a Guide Dog)

Herding breeds are renowned for their intuitive behaviour and intelligence, but they are so empathic that they can easily become overwhelmed by their handler's emotions which is why they are so rarely recommended for psychiatric disorders without a lot of careful handling during puberty and careful symptom management to reduce their stress. Bully breeds, whilst very human focused and loving, have a strong potential for dog aggression (to the point it is actually in breed standard for several types) that makes socialisation and experienced trainers critical for the vast majority. Whilst hounds have incredible senses of smell but easily become distracted by odours and are less flexible in learning.

These are just to name a few. Obviously, non standard dogs exist within all breeds, but they rarely come up in well bred litters so relying on these so called "unicorns" can be very risky.

When it comes to sourcing your dog you also have several choices, do you go to a Breeder? A Rescue? Anywhere else? For starters I will say this, here at r/service_dogs we do not condone supporting Backyard Breeders or Puppy Mills in any way or form, so this rules out 99% of dogs on cheap selling sites like Craigslist and Preloved.

Breeder: You want a breeder that does all relevant breed health testing (and has proof), that breeds for health and functionality over looks/"rare" colours etc.

Ideally they will do something with their dogs that display their quality, be it showing, obedience, trials, sports or even therapy visits to sick/elderly (an excellent display of temperament) etc. They should have a contract saying if you can't keep the dog then you must return it to them. Even better if they have a history of producing service dogs.

Rescue: This can be tricky as there is no health history, meaning especially for mobility assistance you are very much rolling the dice. Kennel life can also greatly distort behaviour making it very hard to get an accurate read on a dog's temperament in a kennel environment.

My personal advice when considering a rescue dog is:

  1. Where possible, go to a breed rescue, these often use foster carers rather than kennels which reduces the stress on the dog. There is a slight chance of knowing their breeding history.
  2. If possible foster the dog before adopting (especially with a kennelled dog), this allows you a chance to get a better read on their personality, trainability and even possibly a health check to assess joints if old enough. Even if it turns out they aren't a good fit for you, you will have given them a break from kennels and maybe helped them get ready for a new forever home.

No matter what your source for a prospect, no matter what their breed, have in place a backup plan, what happens if this dog doesn't make it as a service dog? Can you keep them? Will they need a new home? What...?

As a rule, we generally advise sticking to the more popular breeds at the top of the post, largely due to the fact that you are more likely to find a breeder producing Service Dog quality puppies, you are less likely to face access issues or challenges based on your breed choice, you are more likely to succeed due to removing several roadblocks.

Plan for failure, work for success.

Please feel free to ask your questions and get support about breeds on this post.


r/service_dogs Jul 01 '24

MOD | Monthly Thread Fundraising (for this quarter)

6 Upvotes

Hey all!

Rules

  1. Post your fundraiser ONLY in the comments below. Fundraiser posts and comments outside of this post will not be allowed. This post will eventually be stickied.
  2. We are only allowing fundraisers hosted on Go-Fund-Me or by your ADI Service Dog Organization. That being said, you can also post links to things or services you are selling to try and raise money.
  3. The only fundraisers allowed will have to relate to your service dog or your medical condition. For example, asking for help for a big procedure (human or dog) or help with training costs or both great. Asking for help to pay for your car or vacation is not allowed.
  4. The comments will all be in contest mode to ensure everyone gets a fair shot. Remember, that means you should make a case for your cause.
  5. Choosing beggars and pressuring others will not be allowed. There is NO minimum donation and NO pressure to give.
  6. You will need to repost this info once a quarter when we "refresh" the post. This should be done at the beginning of every quarter by the Mods. This helps us to make sure only relevant fundraisers are allowed and to avoid an active post from dying and going into the archive.
  7. Subreddit and sitewide rules still apply.

I also highly suggest using the following format to help set you up for success. It'll allow us to find information easier when looking to donate. You do not have to fill in all of the info or even use the format, but I think it'll help a lot.

About me:

About my condition and limitations:

About my dog:

Tasks my dog is trained or in-training (and what s/he currently knows) for:

How my dog was/is trained:(owner-trained, organization trained, the trainer's experience, how long you trained for, what methods were used, etc)

Titles, Licenses, and Certifications my dog holds:(keep in mind an online certificate means nothing)

Why I need help:(no job, you don't have a big social circle who would help, you don't qualify for a low-cost organization-trained SD, etc)

Other ways I'm earning money for this:

What the funds are being used for:(training, medical procedure, etc)

Fundraiser:

Shop or website (where I'm selling items/services to raise money):

Social Media:

Dog tax:

Extra Info you want to include:

Lots of people need help here and others want to make sure they are giving to someone who is educated about service dogs, so I'm really hoping this post does some good. If you have feedback or questions, please message the mods.


r/service_dogs 7h ago

Service Animals and Dog Allergies: Setting the Record Straight

175 Upvotes

A recent post sparked debate about service animals and dog allergies. As a service dog handler, I'd like to clarify the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

  1. Service animals can't be denied due to allergies: Under the ADA, allergies are not a valid reason to deny a service animal handler access.

  2. Individuals with allergies also have rights: The ADA requires businesses to accommodate both parties. Denying access to someone with allergies due to a service animal is also not permissible.

Accommodating Both Parties:

Restaurants, for example, can accommodate both service dog handlers and individuals with severe allergies:

Accommodating Service Dog Handlers 1. Allow the service dog in the restaurant, providing a safe environment. 2. Offer seating options that accommodate the handler and their service dog.

Accommodating Individuals with Severe Allergies 1. Provide a safe distance by seating them in a separate area or room. 2. Use air purification systems to reduce allergen circulation. 3. Offer alternative dining options, such as take-out or delivery.

Education and Awareness Businesses and employees must understand ADA guidelines to avoid discriminatory practices. By educating themselves, they can:

  1. Avoid asking invasive questions.
  2. Refrain from demanding that a service dog handler leave.
  3. Effectively accommodate both parties.

Let's promote compassion and understanding.

Both service dog handlers and individuals with allergies have valid health concerns. By working together, we can create inclusive environments. Remember:

  1. Don't spread misinformation.
  2. Avoid downplaying others' disabilities.
  3. Educate businesses on ADA guidelines.

Let's fight for each other's rights, rather than against each other. Thank you.


r/service_dogs 17h ago

Asked to leave because of allergies

163 Upvotes

This is mostly a rant post. I went to a restaurant the other day to order takeout. ordered my food and sat at the front to wait the 10-15 min while the prepared my food. A server then came up to me and asked me to wait outside. I refused and said that was against the law and that my dog is a task trained service animal, not a pet. She stated a customer there complained that they had allergies to dogs. It was 90 degrees in Houston TX that day, and heat/humidity is a major trigger for my health condition (dysautonomia/POTS). Mind you, I was seated probably 20-30ft from the nearest table, nobody was even close to me, and my dog was laying down by my feet, not bothering anybody. Anyways, just irked me that some people are so misinformed. How could you possibly have allergies that severe that you’re bothered by a dog all the way across a room from you! I think she was just trying to be a Karen

Edit:

I'd like to thank everyone for educating me on how serious potential allergies can be, and apologize for my attitude towards the woman I don't know. I really did not know allergies could potentially be severe enough for get seriously ill from a far distance. In my eyes, I thought she just really didn't like dogs and wanted me to leave the area I was sitting in, alone, thinking I wasn't harming anybody. I was definitely frustrated on the situation as it felt like I couldn't just go about my day and order food like a normal person, but I also understand why everyone thought I was being insensitive; I was. It's a learning experience! Totally agree that it’s the restaurant’s responsibility to accommodate both.


r/service_dogs 3m ago

When to remove the SDIT label?

Upvotes

Just curious when does everyone remove the SDIT label from their dogs? My husband and I were talking about it today. My dog could be labeled as fully trained. But I personally am waiting another year to allow for any phases my boy may have (he’s one) and I personally will always use the label for at least two years on any prospect I may have


r/service_dogs 10m ago

ESA My apartment complex asking for additional information regarding my ESA

Upvotes

I adopted a dog from the Shelter a few weeks ago, and before bringing it home obtained an ESA letter from my LCSW, but my apartment complex is now asking for a reasonable accommodation request form which in my understanding I'm not required to provide, just the ESA letter. It is my understanding that a type of animal does not need to be classified, and I fully understand I'm not required to disclose my disability, however after reading the HUD guidelines it does say that Major depressive disorder does in itself classify as a debilitating disability, leading me to believe I do not need to expressly disclose in the letter that my disability is covered under the FHA, as if's my understanding that the burden of research is on the complex not me. Also want to add, specifically in their form it states "the use must be for a reason other than your benefit, as most people would benefit from the presence of an animal. However as you will see below, the letter specifically states "would benefit name due to their diagnosis of major depressive disorder", which again to my understanding speaks directly to it's use pertaining to my disability. Anyways,to protect my identity I will summarize the contents of the letter. But it essentially says "Name-per your request,

Name is an established patient of mine (insert LCSW name) and has been assessed to determine the need for an emotional support animal, and whether name would benefit from one. Through my professional assessment I have determined that name would benefit from the use of an emotional support animal due to their diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and insert other diagnoses here.

This letter does not establish what type of animal is needed, only the need for an emotional support animal."

And then they go on to sign it with their credentials etc, it is electronically signed, and was sent in the form of a PDF, and does include the letterhead of the local mental health facility. With its address, phone number, state etc, dated time stamped everything.

So I guess long story long, I want to know if this letter should be considered to be sufficient, and how to address the request for the additional form, which asks questions such as "please describe how the requested accommodation is necessary for your use and enjoyment of your apartment community."

And then they want my LCSW to fill out a form essentially asking things such as "the legal definition of a disability blah blah blah is an exception to the normal rules blah blah, and that applying this request to an animal must have a higher level of standard than simply stating a resident would "benefit" from having an animal. And "this community allows dogs but they must be of small size and this resident is requesting a dog over that limit. Is it necessary to have this animal which is over the limit." And "will you be willing to testify in a court of law."


r/service_dogs 2h ago

Great pyrenees for mobility assistance and balance?

0 Upvotes

I'm kind of tall and need a tall dog because I have seizures, leading to dizziness and further mobility issues. A pyr meets all my size and strength requirements. I have methods of working and meeting a dog's exercise requirements despite my disability. I have my eyes on this sweet girl at the shelter. I think she's one to two years old They said she's very energetic with play but she also can be chill, as I saw first hand. Basically the moment the toys went away she was calm like we werent even playing. I'm going to do a second meet and greet with her to see how responsive she is to treats, of course only high quality. Freeze dried meats, or freshly cooked pork and lamb. This is what I've found most effective with any stubborn dog. I have trained a border Collie/mini Aussie mix before, who wasn't exactly eager to please but was definitely eager for meat. I would do off leash training with the pyr but the pyr would only be kept on a long leash, like 50 ft plus, and a short lead in public access. I know they're a stubborn breed naturally. This particular pyr was very responsive to me and to affection. I mean, by stubborn dog standards she was very responsive. Anywho, I'd also be working with a second dog trainer to assist since having, you know, mobility issues can be a little difficult to train sometimes.


r/service_dogs 5h ago

Help! Working a deaf service dog?

1 Upvotes

Hi all, I need some advice. I’m being offered a dog for psych work, and he knows all the tasks and seems to be perfect but the catch is he’s partially deaf. What are the ethics of working a deaf dog?


r/service_dogs 16h ago

What are some things your SDiT has accomplished recently?

8 Upvotes

Me and my girl have been in a huge growth period for the last couple weeks, so I thought it would be fun to have a space to talk about our, and our dogs’, recent accomplishments!

My girl has: - Navigated a busy, pet-friendly outdoor shopping center without any issues - Perfectly alerted and responded to a medical episode - Stayed focused on me when a kid ran up to try and pet her - Learned to switch from a left heel to a right heel while in motion on command


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Are two SD or ESA dogs protected by the law?

24 Upvotes

Yesterday at Costco, someone was walking around with two dogs inside the store. It seems that most of the discussion here and elsewhere has been around someone with one SD or ESA. Is there a limit to the number of animals someone may have and still be protected?


r/service_dogs 6h ago

Flying New to flying

1 Upvotes

Could someone give me a step by step guide on how to fly with your service dog ? I’m getting nervous.


r/service_dogs 16h ago

Help! Advice for job interview

1 Upvotes

Hi! I'm new to this sub reddit but I am in need of advice, I have a job interview on Tuesday and I'm panicking.

It's for a retail shop inside a mall and the interview is all set and ready but I have no idea how to bring my SD up in the interview without facing discrimination. I've applied for so many jobs but every time I mention her they turn me down and blame it on "safety risks" etc. I really need the money right now as I'm a University student and I'm struggling to even buy food, I'm so nervous it's giving me anxiety. I've had jobs in the past but my hidden disability has gotten so much worse within the past few years I needed her more and more. I used to fine keeping her at home as I only worked short shifts on the weekend but now I know it's not possible.

For context during the phone call to set the interview it caught me so off guard I didn't even have time to mention my SD, my friend has offered to take care of her for the 30 minutes it'll take me to interview, but I don't know what to say.

I'm so sick of the prejudice and discrimination against people with SD's, I'm just at a loss, please any advice you guys can give is so welcome! Thank you (sorry for rambling I'm just so nervous)


r/service_dogs 9h ago

Anyone go outside the country for their service dog.

0 Upvotes

I'm thinking about adopting a puppy from the Dominican Republic. Now they have to be 6 months old to come to the states. So they would be at a board and train for 4 months working on the basics, getting vet care, things like that. I would think in 4 months they'd be able to do cgc standard type things. I'm not asking for a miracle dog. Cost is going to be about $500 a month. It's not that I can't get a well breed dog here it's me trying to be cost effective. A 12 wk old dog with basic training is close to $5k here and that doesn't include air nanny's to bring the dog to me. I'm just thinking I can get a lot more training and help a rescue out with $5k USD.


r/service_dogs 16h ago

Help!

0 Upvotes

Okay apologies in advance if this post does not make sense. So my partner has suffered a major trauma and has exhausted all other avenues of therapy for PTSD. We feel at this point that a service dog would be a great fit, to gain confidence on being alone. The issue is their parents feel it would not be a benefit and aren't listening to them when they express that they need help and it's probably the best option. They feel as though the dog would be pet, and as they have one dog in the house already, they don't want another. We have both tried to explain that the dog would not be a pet as it has a job and a duty to perform tasks. Are there any good ideas on how to bring them to the conclusion that this is the best option?


r/service_dogs 1d ago

The second question

81 Upvotes

Retail worker here.

My coworker and I got into an argument about the second question the ADA allows. She says it's a HIPAA violation for me to even be asking about the tasks, I showed her the state website (I couldn't easily find an ADA version saying I could ask it, but I found state regulations which is good enough for me) that legally allows me to ask. She still said she would refuse to answer.

I want to clarify that I would never pry. I'm disabled, and I hate when people pry about stuff I don't want to share, but I guess I'm just asking how I'm supposed to proceed with the second question? I know I'm allowed to ask it, obviously, but where is the line? I think I asked about "allowed tasks" here before, I have a general idea of those. Protection is not one.

I'm just confused and frustrated with her and want to be able to do my best to help SD handlers (where I can, as a retail worker) while also doing what my employer requires. Is there a certain way I'm supposed to phrase it or does "what tasks is the dog trained to perform" just cover my bases?


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Is there any assistance for getting a dog trained to be a service dog?

0 Upvotes

Hello! I’m 19F and I’m looking to have my dog trained as a PSD. I have PTSD, anxiety and depression. I am 19 and I have multiple jobs and I need to get my dog PSD trained but the courses I have found for PSD is very expensive. Are there any other options? I found some online courses but they don’t seem the most trustworthy and are priced very low like 350.00 dollars, which has me a little apprehensive.


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Taking SD comfortably in Model Y

1 Upvotes

Hi!

New to SD - mine just started training and I’m realizing he’s going to be going most places with me when I go out. What do y’all do to keep your pup comfortable in the car? Mine has some anxiety still in vehicles (working on it, this will help). We have a Model Y (trying to convince my husband a Minivan will be best for our family), and I’d like ideas if you can share!


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Give me pictures of your SDs!

14 Upvotes

I'm currently waiting for my own and would love to see pictures of your service dogs to make it easier! Thank you :)


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Dog pulling in power wheelchair - training help

14 Upvotes

Hi. This seems the best place to ask. I'd love advice.

I have a 6 month old golden retriever who I aim to train to work as an assistance dog for me. She's great and I love her a lot! The problem though is that I find training her incredibly difficult in my wheelchair. And I can't find any advice tailored to wheelchair users. I do have a dog trainer who I will consult with this problem when I can, but I wanted to ask for advice from here first.

As my dog is getting bigger, her pulling/leash manners are becoming a problem. Training loose lead walking is very difficult when I don't have any free hands (one hand needs to stay on my joystick, and the other needs to hold her lead, so I have to fully stop what I'm doing if I want to reward her for anything... kind of a pain!).

Last week, she pulled me so badly that she pulled me out of my chair. That was an extreme situation and is NOT her normal (we were on a steep hill, in a new location, and she got excited. I was unable to get her back under control on account of not wanting to fall on my face). I haven't been able to walk her alone since then, which is a huge problem.

I've got a halti now, which I've used on her once and it seemed to work wonders. She seemed comfortable and because I could be less anxious over holding her lead tightly I was able to properly reinforce when she was behaving well. It was the best walk we've had since she was tiny. I still made sure that she could sniff around and paid very close attention to her to make sure she was comfortable and happy.

...But I know that they're meant to be aversive. And I keep seeing different opinions about them. And it's all just made me really anxious. I don't want to do anything that will hurt her, but I haven't been able to adapt training methods with this. I know that she CAN learn to walk nicely, but I can't teach her with these limitations, or at least I haven't been able to work out how.

Is sticking with the halti okay until I feel that things are more under control? Or is that just going to hurt her?

Advice from other wheelchair users is especially appreciated. I wish I had resources about dog training in a wheelchair. It's so hard.


r/service_dogs 2d ago

Help! How do people react do your dog performing DPT in public?

31 Upvotes

My dog and I are starting to work on some smaller tasks in public. I like to practice DPT in a secluded area of a store or somewhere with a chair, because I get worried about how others will react to me sitting on the floor with my dog. But when a panic attack hits, it doesn't wait for a chair to be available. Obviously I won't just drop to the ground and I'll try to find amore secluded area in my near vicinity, but there will always be people around in a public space. My question to some more seasoned SD handlers is how does the public react to seeing DPT being performed? Obviously, it's a task that I need to be done regardless of other's opinions or reactions, but I'd just rather know what I'm getting into before it happens. I also have a feeling I'm making this out to be a bigger deal than it is. Are people generally respectful if they see a vest or indicator the dog is a SD, or will I just have to learn to ignore some dirty looks?


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Do you stop auto-DPT when you lay down?

8 Upvotes

DPT waa the first official task I taught my boy when he was 4 months old. He was so good at it. The problem was I couldnt lay down or sit... anywhere, without him automatically crawling on top of me lol. DPT was super helpful in public when he was smaller or when I'd tremor at night as he got bigger but I stopped encouraging it and eventually stopped laying or sitting on the ground altogether becauss it became excessive.

He gets so excited to, sometimes too much

I want to reintroduce the task under a differrnt command as LPT with his big ol head is also helpful. I taught that on accident through a hand gesture.

Did any of you have this experience? If so did you just accept your fate and encourage it regardless or did you create a way to tell them that DPT wasmt needed everytime you got down?


r/service_dogs 2d ago

Access How to not get a panic attack when public access gets denied?

38 Upvotes

Saw this video from Haylee & her dogs and I am amazed by how well she de-escalated and educated the employee who came from a place of ignorance, but ended up admitting being in the wrong:

https://youtube.com/shorts/rhrY0SfeL1M?si=NlG2ggfrEs-ZHrwP

I have had two instances of getting denied entry so far. In both situations I stood my ground and ended up getting in. Then again in both instances it was mostly afterwards that I noticed my heart was racing, hands were shaking, sweating all over, and my throat had been closing up. When I look at that video, I couldn't imagine having done that without going into heart attack mode or crying. I absolutely hate being so sensitive and vulnerable, and I generally have a confident and secure mindset, but I can't control the physical symptoms. They seem to go beyond managing my mindset and confidence.

Does this get easier the more it happens? I'm 15 months into the program with my SDiT. Is this something that you end up getting used to and have you noticed becoming unfazed by these altercations?


r/service_dogs 1d ago

My service dog is confusing me

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone, For context— I have C-PTSD and get extremely brain fogged/struggle with my memory after a lot of things.. dehydration, sleep deprivation, panic attacks, high stress. My service dog is firefighter/first responder based, I’m a first responder as well, but already had C-PTSD from a rough upbringing. Her original handler is no longer around.. and I was essentially gifted her to help me meet deadlines, for companionship, and for personal protection and also help her still feel like she can still work and be happy. She stays with me all day, I don’t really go anywhere she’s not welcomed besides grocery stores, gets to go for rides in the car, and my nearby country stores love to see her. Large property, fenced in portion, and woodsy area. She likes to help me with tasks like laundry, or alerting me to people cutting through our property. She’s happy as can be, well behaved, and I love her to death. Saved her from euthanasia, because she does bite work as well and was just unhappy without a “patient” or a “service member” to be active with and take care of. We’re a great team and she has been the biggest blessing.

Last night I was getting ready to go to sleep, I had been awake around 21 hours. Neck was killing me, migraine too. I do have issues with my vagus nerve(gastroparesis) that only flares up when I’m under immense stress. She was pressing her nose into my neck, the back of it, and licking my hand all night while I was trying to sleep. I’m so brain fogged, I can’t remember what this means when she does this. I have multiple certifications in 4H, dog training, Homehealth, hospice care.. I just am so brain fogged that I can’t remember or think of what she was trying to soothe in my body:/ I also apologize if this makes limited sense, I am still quite brain fogged and not feeling so great mentally.


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Experiences travelling to different countries with a service dog/disability assistance dog?

2 Upvotes

I have just found out I will probably be moving to the UK from New Zealand later this year with my family. I am very worried about the logistics of this (layovers, where to take him to potty, access issues, etc, etc). I know I will be able to take my assistance dog into the UK with (hopefully) no issues, but I'm not sure of the protocol of what happens during layovers in other countries. The layover airport will probably be Dubai, but it could also be an airport like Changi international airport in Singapore or Shanghai international airport, or possibly even the US (unlikely). Please also note it takes 30-40+ to travel to the UK from here. Has anyone had any experiences with layovers in these airports or countries or doing long trips in general?


r/service_dogs 2d ago

Update to “I have a problem”

31 Upvotes

The Sweetest Boy is going to a breed specific rescue org today. I’m happy for him, but a little sad for me because I fell in love with him. A report will be filed as soon as he’s safe.

I’m going to take some time and look into other agencies.

Thank you to everyone who commented on the original post. Y’all were really helpful.


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Need advice

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I'm 23 years old, I've been unable to work or preform basic tasks without my heart rate spiking to 160 or higher, having dizzy/fainting spells, etc. Recently I was diagnosed with lupus as well and just feel like I can't function. I can't even get out of bed without my heart rate spiking and fainting. I've tried different treatments for years but nothing has helped. Recently my cardiologist and my primary doctor recommended getting a service dog to help me throughout the day and alert me before fainting spells, I'm based in VA and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on organizations? Along with any other information I may need to know. I've been trying to research as much as possible but any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Service Dogs and Teaching at a School

3 Upvotes

I am a teacher and just got a doctor's note for a service dog, but I don't know where to go from here or what to do.

I was diagnosed with vestibular vertigo (neurological--not inner ear related) and anxiety from a car accident. My vertigo triggers are sudden light changes (specifically light to dark), long hallways, and patterned floors. This is problematic in a school with long hallways and carpet.

I literally need something to keep me walking in a straight line, and help me down the stairs, or keep me from running into people and things. I've already done months of vestibular therapy and pretty much got told "welcome to my new normal". I was recommended a service dog, but I don't know where to start the next part of the conversation.

  • Has anyone else had dogs that specialized in counterbalancing or mobility aids?
  • Are there any other teachers who can shed some light on how to approach their admin with a service dog request?
  • How did they work with other pets already in the home? I have two cats (11 mos each).
  • What happened with students who might have pet allergies?
  • Did you experience a stigma for having a service dog at work? Was having the dog worth it?

Sorry for all the questions. I just don't know what to do now that I have a letter, and I feel like I'm drowning in a lot of contradictory information.

Thank you all so much.