Service Dog Resources
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updated Thursday, 21-Aug-2008 19:39:47 MST
One of our founding members has two service dogs. When she got sick, she mentioned to her case manager that the only thing that calmed her down was putting her face into her dog's fur. The case manager encouraged her to train the dog as a service animal and pointed her in the right direction.
One goal for Carrot of Hope is to train "social" [psychiatric] service dogs. It makes a difference to always have that friend, comfort, safe "person" with us wherever we go. Since people focus on the dog, it makes it easier to navigate through strange places and be in public. With PTSD often leading to agoraphobia, it is important to provide tools to help people feel comfortable leaving their homes.
There are 2000-3000 requests for service animals every year. Unfortunately, only 200-300 dogs are trained by official organizations. This is why the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows for individuals to train their own service animals. Service animals are not required to be certified or wear identification. Having a clearly marked vest or backpack makes it easier for the public to understand not to handle the dog. It also makes it easier for the owner to gain access without challenges.
It is important that your service animal be properly trained before going into public. Service animals that cause disruptions can create prejudice and lead to future changes in the law. It is a good idea to wait on handling your dog in public places until you have already trained your dog to sit, stay, down, heel and come with consistency. When taking your dog into public for the first two years, we recommend using an “In Training” patch. This informs the public that the dog is new to service and may be inconsistent with commands.
Remember, no matter how old we get, we can still be surprised by new situations. This is also true with veteran service dogs. Therefore, perfection at all times is an unrealistic expectation.
What you will discover is that each dog will teach you how to train him or her. For example, we have one service animal who is trained to alert. Unlike our other dog, we found that she would “sit” on command in public, but she would not “down.” Forcing her to “down” created resistance for her and added stress for us. We eventually realized the reason for this behavior. She was staying alert to the new surroundings. Once she became familiar with the surroundings, she would “down” on her own and move to a “sit” position as a way to alert. The key to working with her was asking her to “sit” and allowing her to “down” on her own. Once we accommodated this behavior, we found her ready to down with confidence whenever we asked. While many would have decided she was not an ideal service dog candidate, once we adapted to her needs, she turned out to be one of the best.
When training a dog, remember that they are individuals and, therefore, need to be trained and treated individually just as one would do with a human.
Although ID is not required for service animals, it may be helpful to carry a card or brochure that summarizes the ADA law. Not everyone is informed on how to interact with service animals. Some people are not even aware that there is an ADA law. By carrying a card that summarizes the law and informs who to contact for additional information, an individual can confidently enter public carrying the card as a tool to avoid potential conflicts.
A service animal is there to provide freedom for a person with a disability. Being asked about your disability is not okay and literally against the law. If someone asks, just politely explain that if you had to tell everyone your disability every time you left your house, you would never leave and that would defeat the purpose of having a service animal. Everyone I know who has been told this has responded politely and found this explanation makes sense. If pushed, just let the person know the question is unlawful and hand them a card. We recommend walking away and not engaging in further conversation. We want YOU to feel comfortable in public, which is why you have a service animal in the first place.
If you are denied access, remember to record the name of the individual and the company’s information. There are organizations out there that will advocate for you. There is no reason for the experience to be a traumatic one for you.
Airlines do have different regulations, although they cannot require you to pay additional costs or deny you services any more than anyone else can. We will be adding a section dedicated to explaining travel with a particular focus on airlines. The reason for the difference in regulations is the abuse of the system by persons without a disability.
While it is not required, this is one reason why we encourage you to get a letter from your doctor. The purpose of a doctor’s letter is to provide you with additional rights and protection from discrimination/conflict. We do not encourage you to show the letter, as it will encourage a misconception that a letter is required. Please use the service dog cards provided below, the ADA brochure or the law cards. However, having a letter from your doctor dated before you obtained a service animal and updating it each year will give you an extra line of defense should a dispute arise in court. Such action is unlikely, as most businesses understand they would have to pay you significant fines if they discriminate. Please do not let this discourage you from getting the assistance you need. Remember, this is an extra line of security, allowing you to obtain a service animal with confidence.
A doctor’s letter should be simple and should not disclose your disability. It need only say that you are disabled and that he/she has recommended the use of a service animal as part of your treatment.
This section is dedicated to tips and advice on owning and training a service dog.
Service Dog Organizations
Delta Society: Service & Therapy Animals Psychiatric
Service Dog Society (PSDS) International
Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) Frequently Asked Questions Delta Society: Facts You Should Know About Service Dogs Delta Society: Housing & Travel Rights Delta
Society: FAQs Training a Service Dog PSDS: Training
(Task Chart) IAADP: Service
Dog Tasks Video
Recommendation: “Train Your Dog: The Positive Gentle Method” Service Dog Supplies
Recommendation: Backpacks – A more affordable & useful option to vests. Recommendation: Patches Recommendation: Patches Recommendation: Patches Service Dog Cards Official ADA Pamphlet ADA Law Information: Optional.
Alternative to above cards. Created by Delta Society’s National
Service Dog Center®.