Service dog edition:
So, you have a dog that you love and you want to take it everywhere with you. Hey, I get it. Me too. But you know what? We are in the USA not Germany. Dogs just aren’t allowed in most places.
Oh but wait, “if I say it is a service dog I can take it anywhere I want! Right?” Wrong. If your dog isn’t a legitimate service dog, you don’t get to pretend it is. You’re only hurting those people that actually need a service dog.
You have seen it on the news, that dog that bit someone on an airplane, yeah, that “service dog” that didn’t have proper temperament to be a service dog. Most of these dogs don’t even have proper obedience. Just because you can train a service dog yourself doesn’t mean you should. Also, some people who are trainers, shouldn’t be training certain types of service dogs. I’ll leave this subject for another day.
Will I get a Diploma?
If you’re taking a class from Precision K-9 Services, just to get a diploma, because you think that will be good enough to show someone that your dog is trained (for any reason) but you have no intention of putting in the work, you will be disappointed. Yes, this has happened, a couple of times.
You must…
– show up for class, and not habitually cancel or constantly change training days
– put the effort in and work the dog (this will be obvious if you haven’t)
– make a good team
– complete the class
– do any extra exercises that are suggested such as walking /exercising the dog, working under distractions etc…
If you pass the class, you will get a diploma. But, if in the eyes of the trainer, you fail at any critical step you will not receive a diploma.
Do you need a Service Dog?
If you need a service dog you should go to a training center that specifically trains for that particular need. Going to a trainer that has not been adequately trained for the service dog you are looking for, tends to lead to mediocre results.
A must for service dogs.
I have had calls from people who have received service dogs from trainers, and the dog could not perform the tasks that they were trained for. A lot of money had been spent on these dogs.
We have seen many “service dogs” out in public. Very few had decent public access training.
There are obvious signs when you see a “service” dog in public that is not performing its duties correctly. In many cases the dog is either self-trained by the handler or has been trained poorly by the trainer. In some cases the owner and dog were properly trained but the owner is doing things it shouldn’t be with the dog.
If you want to take your “pet” into businesses call ahead to see what their policies are. It could be a “pets are allowed” or “service animals only” store. If your dog has ANY aggression whatsoever, keep it at home! Your failure in public can effect numerous people who depend on their service animal.
Learn more…
Here’s a link to our information on service dogs https://www.precisionk-9services.com/ServiceDogs.html and emotional support dogs. https://www.precisionk-9services.com/Emotional%20Support%20Animal.html There is a difference.
FYI- pets and emotional support animals (ESA) are not generally allowed in stores, restaurants, or other businesses. Check state laws.
If you want a well trained dog for any reason, and will put in the work, you can sign up for a class on our site! http://www.precisionk-9services.com
*Cover photo is a puppy in training (potential Hearing Dog).
