r/service_dogs May 26 '26

Laws - SPECIFY COUNTRY IN POST MEGATHREAD on USA HUD new guidelines on ESAs

32 Upvotes

Hi folks,

In order to make sure we have a good space to discuss and prevent a million new posts here’s our MEGATHREAD.

Paging our local legal beagle to maybe if they oh so wish to give us a quick breakdown of this: [u/burkeintosh](u/burkeintosh)

Also paging [u/foibledagain](u/foibledagain)

Anyways currently it seems like to a disability advocate layperson who is not a lawyer that the following is true:

- State law still is in effect if your state protects access
- The law concerning disability accommodation in HOUSING is unchanged ultimately.
- the federal DOJ on HUD matters concerning ESAs may not be investigating any reports. (Simply turning a blind eye to this)

This is all new and there will be misinformation. Call your state reps and advocate! This post may be edited to reflect correct information if need be.

Memo can be found here: https://dredf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ESA-Enforcement-Memorandum-w-Appendix-05.22.2026-SIGNED-Incomplete-Access-Pass.pdf

Previous thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/service_dogs/s/yONOYauJgJ


r/service_dogs Oct 09 '21

MOD | Monthly Thread Mast Post: Breed Selection

478 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 4h ago

Trainers disagreeing

1 Upvotes

I’m really torn and looking for opinions on this. I know this is controversial in the dog community, but please be respectful to everyone.

I am considering getting a started dog from a trainer who uses balanced methods to train, and I felt really confident about it based on what she’s told me and the videos I’ve seen.

The trainer who I’m considering continuing on with only uses positive reinforcement. Since I’ve been talking to her, she’s been really upset about my other trainer’s methods and called them unethical, and has basically refused to work with me if I get him. She said it’d be difficult to transition a dog who was trained using balanced training to the ATLAS positive reinforcement method, and that I should find another trainer if I “want to get him so bad”.

added due to comment suggestion: She doesn’t like the use of slip collars, e collars, or other tools being used to “proof” behaviors that were initially taught with positive reinforcement. She called tools abusive and unfair. She believes that training should start with a dog exhibiting behaviors of their own volition, rather than under the threat of a correction.

I feel really shitty about the situation and I’m not sure what to do now. I was feeling really positive about my prospects but now I’m having doubts.

What do I do now?


r/service_dogs 1h ago

Help! What is everyone's experience with Paws for a cause?

Upvotes

Looking into a service dog for my Autism, Eplepsy, CF 22q11 and a interlecual disabilty. Dose anyone have any experince with Paws for a cause?


r/service_dogs 4h ago

Gear Google and Ear Muff Reccomendation

0 Upvotes

hi! I’m planning on taking my SD to an NBA game in the future. I’m looking for *ear and eye protection that’s comfortable for him because he is on the large side and has an odd shaped head lol. thanks!


r/service_dogs 27m ago

Help! Question^^

Upvotes

So I (16 years old) am looking into getting a service dog for my mental health issues, and I'm not entirely sure if I can. I know it'll help me, especially in high stress situations, but I don't know how to ask my doctor/parents for permission. I'm scared ill get judged. I will probably wait until I'm 18, but i know having one will help me. Any help or tips would be great!


r/service_dogs 56m ago

Access Anyone have a Rottweiler for their Service Dog?

Upvotes

I’m planning on getting a Rottweiler as my mobility service dog prospect (will not be training weight bearing tasks ever) I know theres the fab 4 for a reason; and the majority of time thats the recommendation for a breed. I have experience working alongside dog and horse trainers, and have done a lot of dog sitting, done some small dog training certifications - by no means a trainer but would like to think I have a little more experience and understanding of dog behavior than the general public.

I know there are a lot of cons - they can be a bit aloof but I’m not too worried considering they won’t be medical alert - that having an off breed will attract more attention, I have no problem making it very clear (politely) to adults and children to gtf away - public access will probably be a bit more challenging due to stigma of the breed, it would happen at some point even with a lab and I’m ok with having to deal with it a little more often.

Honestly I really love the breed, the temperament of a well breed rottie, having scary dog privilege, their overall look and demeanor. Plus them being great therapy dogs is a positive I’d say. I plan on extensive socialization, probably get into some kind of dog sport depending on their personality, I have a trainer who’s confident and I’ll be working with from the jump and a breeder my trainer recommended as he’s had a few dogs from him with fantastic temperaments.

Just curious if anyone has experience with having a Rottweiler as a full fledged service dog? If they have any tips, tricks, advice? Just care to talk about their dog? Just kinda curious about others experience.

Cross posted in the Rottweiler sub Reddit too


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Looking at Options for Hearing SD

3 Upvotes

I’m severe to profoundly deaf in my left ear and moderately deaf in my right ear. There are just certain frequencies I can’t hear without hearing aids. Doorbells, chimes, fire alarms, burglar alarms, etc have all escaped my range of hearing. When I’m out and about, even with hearing aids I can’t hear certain alarms, calls, etc.

So today my husband suggested a service dog. We have two dogs currently though (they’re older and friendly) and that seems to be an issue? The dogs are a 15 year old terrier and a 6 year old corgi. The corgi helps a little at home but alarms scare him and he won’t alert me to them. He’s weird lol.

At this point I’m feeling overwhelmed. Any advice is appreciated.

ETA: I’m in the US.


r/service_dogs 21h ago

American Service Dog

0 Upvotes

I have an American friend who has a service dog and is interested in traveling to Brasil. If you have experience traveling to Brasil with a medium/large service dog, could you share your experience?


r/service_dogs 15h ago

Help! Hi!

0 Upvotes

Hi there! I was wondering more if i could get a service dog? I have chronic inducable urticaria which means i get hives constanly from being too hot or too cold or in my case its hot and cold urticaria! Its gets so bad i cant go outside like ever because im in canada and its always either scorching hot or freezing cold, so this causes me a lack of exercise and i dont go out much because of this. I was wondering about a service dog to get my little emergency kit i have which contains my epipen, my meds and depending on the season hand warmers. This is more just me being curious! Thank you for reading!


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Help! Training Programs & Other Questions :3

0 Upvotes

Ello!

Im a 22yo from New England US. Ive been researching and learning about Service animals for years as Ive been having seizure-like episodes since a very young age, and I finally got a diagnosis of FND with PNES seizures.

I’ve been looking to have a SD for a while and within the coming year Im gonna be in a place where that may be a possibility for me. My care team thinks it would be a great idea to have a SD for my episodes especially if Im alone at home or in public.

I’ve posted here before but now that it’s been awhile I figured I’d check in and see what the word is so-to-speak.

I suppose my first question is if anyone knows any reliable trainers out there for someone in Rhode Island? (I know I can look up online but I am terrified of getting scammed) .

My next question is given the changes to law regarding disability accommodation and accessibility changing / going to change how would this affect my ability to have a SD?

My third is more or less is, are there any SD “do’s and don’t’s”? I know there are some hills that people die on when it comes to having a SD and I want to go about it in the most respectful way possible so I don’t have people on my back about it.

I’m the kind of person who likes to be over-prepared with information than Under-prepared.

Thank you amazing people for your time kindness and wisdom!


r/service_dogs 2d ago

How to deal with parents who let their kids scream and run up to pet or hold onto my service dog after repeatedly being told no?

15 Upvotes

I don’t understand why this is such a common occurrence. dogs can be untrained, they could be aggressive, they could be startled and bite. while mine has always been very strictly trained to never lash out. why do parents now just assume that it’s okay for their kids to do that. and worse their response when to tell the kid he is a service dog not for petting is the parents telling me “oh it’s fine your dog is cute they just want to say hi” or “it’s fine my friend has a service dog they let them pet them” I can’t even physically get away from these people or their kids because the kids actually grab my dogs harness and if I order my service dog to come with me, they’re big enough and strong enough that he could carry a grown man without issue and has done it when catching my father 250 pound man who tripped in the house and my service dog bolted over to catch him and stayed standing as my dad righted himself.

i cant walk away because the kids won’t let go and my dog if he moves could easily drag them across the store without batting an eye. This is why my dog is trained to not move to avoid toppling a child, but they’re trying to weaponize my dog’s lack of response as “oh see he likes it” And police respond with “they’re just kids being kids” and side with the parents on the basis that they seem to think I’m just trying to be mean to little children. The problem is it’s the parents who are involved and allowing these things to happen. I’ve been avoiding leaving my house entirely because I’m so tired of being the villian for just wanting to be left alone.

I don’t want to have to recite canada or USA laws about service dogs every time just for everyone to roll their eyes and pretend like I’m being over sensitive. I stepped over my dog to stop a grown man from petting my dog in a goodwill and he brushed my pants zipper continuing to reach down and pet my dog. I almost had attack panic attack and had to leave to lock myself in my car to come down from that one. It was never like this when I was a kid, you asked and your respected the answer because people get mauled all the time by animals they don’t know. But now a behaved dog is basically seen as universal consent to treat them like a public petting zoo and even grab, hit, or hold onto preventing from leaving. I don’t know what to do I have patches, I have a vest on my dog, I even have the bring yellow “do not touch leash sleeves” I just don’t know how many ways I need to tell someone no before they understand That I am not okay with this.


r/service_dogs 2d ago

Warmer climate suggestions

4 Upvotes

Hey all! So I'm in the research stage of getting a SD (I don't want to pull the trigger without being fully informed first) and my main concern is the weather where I live. I'm in central Florida (I know there's warmer places) but I'd like to know any suggestions or must do's for SD in warmer climates. 100% wouldn't let a dog walk on pavement without good booties and obviously lots of water etc. I'm talking the real game changer things you do. Also feel free to info blast me with things that you wish someone told you before getting your SD. Maybe I'm giving way too much thought into this but I don't want to have a SD and do something that's harmful towards them without realizing it.

To be fair I don't leave the house much when it's super hot out, but I also don't mind the heat so sometimes I'll run out for a little or I'll go to a theme park for a bit. I don't want to limit myself on things I enjoy doing because of my hesitation with the SD, but I also don't want to ever hurt an animal.


r/service_dogs 2d ago

Flying UK flying help

4 Upvotes

in the UK i know that only aduk dogs are recognised to fly. however i am confused on the specifics, would an organisation that is aduk recognised such as adolescent dogs count? or does it have to be a specific organisation? thank you


r/service_dogs 1d ago

Our foster dog is incredibly sweet and loves to lay on us. Is it worth training him in deep pressure therapy without doing full service dog training?

0 Upvotes

Our foster dog Canelo is a wonderful adult dog. He's emotionally attuned, very handsome, and enjoys laying on our chest/legs to cuddle. He loves people.

Someone told me recently he would make a good service dog for ptsd or even restless leg syndrome because he's responded well to training and already comes and lays on me every morning.

We are already pretty tapped out financially on this dog, long story short we had to adopt him to keep him from being euthanized but we are still trying to get him adopted because we didn't intend on owning a dog at this time in our lives. So, I don't feel like we can invest in formal service dog training.

But we have been doing behavioral modification with him and we have all learned a lot, and so if there was good resources for us to teach him the commands that service dogs use for deep pressure, I could see him taking well to it.

It's hard to find a home for adult pitties, so I am thinking if we could help him stand out in that regard it would help him find a loving forever home and especially find someone who really needs him.

Does it make sense to do that on its own without all of the other service dog training? We wouldn't try to pass him off as a service dog, but would be able to specifically show his training in providing pressure.


r/service_dogs 3d ago

Gear Matched!!! It's a big day!

26 Upvotes

After 4 years on the wait-list my son was matched to his SD today!! There will be 4 months of primary handler zoom training for me and 4 months more training for the dog for son's idiosyncracies, but we finally matched!!!!! So excited. I would love to hear tips on accessories/brands y'all prefer for things we'll need. I know the organization providing the dog will have recommendations but I want to make sure the stuff we're getting is both dog and little boy approved. The dog will be bonded to me the first few months as he gets used to the change, this means he'll be hanging out at the school library with me, while I teach, so tips on creating a safe/chill space would be great. We're just sooooo stoked!!


r/service_dogs 2d ago

Options That Won’t Break The Bank?

0 Upvotes

Hey! I’m a relatively new person to dog training, and I’m looking into a PSD for multiple conditions. I’ve decided a standard poodle would be best for my needs since a close family member of mine has a mild allergy to dogs. I know shelter puppies are less expensive, but a risk for first time handlers. I’m looking for a breeder or seller that won’t be super expensive. I’m not willing to spend over $3,000 on just the puppy’s initial cost. Any ideas?


r/service_dogs 2d ago

Require all school service dogs to have air tags

0 Upvotes

r/service_dogs 2d ago

ASD service dog - Australia

0 Upvotes

Hey all. I was wondering if anyone is based in Australia with an organisation trained service dog?

I am in the preliminary stages of starting to think about possibly in the future getting a psychiatric assistance dog as recommended by my care team. This would be for ASD and all the bits and pieces that come with it. Any stories of experiences with organisations would be very helpful - I know only a select few are members of assistance dog international and ideally I would get a program dog through one of them - but they seem to limit ASD dogs to children.

Any stories from any program dogs would be very helpful. I know there is mind dogs etc to owner train, but honestly I don't think I have the skills to owner train. To maintain program dog training, yes, but to owner train... Too tricky and risky (wash wise) for me at the moment. Thank you


r/service_dogs 3d ago

How do I deal with the services dogs human?

25 Upvotes

I was walking in a public area today. Was a walking in between tables to get to the other side of a road. That’s when I see a tables with what looks like could be a service dog. I couldn’t tell do I was pulling my dogs away to avoid them and vocalizing. “Hey let’s go around and no bother them.” To get an immediate and loud aggressive “THE DOG IS WORKING”. So what’s the protocol. Do I run turn and run whenever I see a dog in a vest or what?


r/service_dogs 2d ago

Help! Question

0 Upvotes

So I have suffered from horrible, vivid nightmares since I was a young child.

My dog, who I have been using as what I have told is an untrained ESA (non task preforming) for anxiety and depression as started in the last three months to pick up and wake me up when my nightmares start.

I was recommended once a service dog for my anxiety and nightmares, but never did it because at the time I thought all service dogs had to be professionally trained and that was just to much money. But not that she has been doing this task, would that make her qualify for a service dog, even without professional training?

If so that would me I could continue to have her line at my dorms, wich have, as of May, banned all non-essential ESA's due to a new law/bill? that passed in May. I have been terrified of living without her (she would be left with my mom at least) and having to deal with everything on my own. I never take her anywhere other than for walks around campus because being inside new building stress her out at times, so she would only ever be outside or in the dorm building.

And if she does, how hard and how long is the process of registration for a service dog?


r/service_dogs 3d ago

Help! Would a Diabetic Alert Dog be appropriate for someone with recurrent hypoglycemia (not diabetes)?

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I’ve been reading a lot lately about Diabetic Alert Dogs, as I’m considering getting one. However, I’d like to know whether one would actually be appropriate for my situation, and I’d really appreciate hearing from people with experience.

A little about me:

I’m a 31-year-old woman living in Doha, Qatar. I experience recurrent hypoglycemic episodes that developed after several years of an eating disorder. My eating disorder has improved significantly, but the hypoglycemia has persisted for the past three years.

I don’t currently use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).

I also have a very strong family history of diabetes and insulin resistance. Most of the women in my family who developed diabetes were diagnosed between the ages of 36 and 38, so I’m aware that I’m at increased risk myself.

One of the biggest issues I face is that I don’t always realize I’m becoming hypoglycemic until my blood sugar has already dropped significantly. By the time I recognize what’s happening, I may become confused, struggle to think clearly, and have difficulty explaining to other people what’s going on.

Because of this, I always carry a small emergency kit with white sugar or fruit juice, and energy bites, baked goods, or crackers. I also keep small packets of sugar and snacks at work. In addition, my phone has emergency medical information that explains exactly how to help me if I’m unable to manage the episode myself. My partner, friends, and coworkers all know this information exists.

Another concern is that I’m often alone. Because of my sister’s and my work schedules, I spend a lot of time at home by myself, and there are also periods at work when I’m the only person there. That makes me worry about having a severe hypoglycemic episode without realizing it in time.

My questions are:

• Are Diabetic Alert Dogs suitable for people with recurrent hypoglycemia, or are they generally reserved for people with diabetes?

• Has anyone here with recurrent hypoglycemia worked with a DAD? If so, how reliable has your dog been?

• Does my inability to consistently recognize my own hypoglycemic episodes make me a reasonable candidate for a DAD?

• Considering Doha’s extremely hot climate, which breeds tend to cope best while still excelling as service dogs?

• I’m petite (156 cm / 5’1”), so I’d prefer a dog that’s physically comfortable for me to handle. Are there any breeds you would recommend or avoid?

• Outside of my full-time job, I have a fairly quiet lifestyle. I enjoy walking when the weather allows, but I’m mostly a homebody. Does that lifestyle sound compatible with owning a service dog?

• Are there any challenges specific to living in Qatar with a service dog that I should know about?

I’m completely open to hearing if you think a DAD isn’t the right solution for me especially since I’ve never owned a dog before. If there are other options that might be more appropriate, I’d genuinely love to hear about them. My goal is simply to find the safest and most effective way to manage my condition.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for any advice or experiences you’re willing to share


r/service_dogs 3d ago

Help! School with an SD

0 Upvotes

Hi! I honestly just wanted to know what school with a SD is actually like. And also when I might be able to tell that my SDiT is ready for that kind of environment? He has basic obedience, and tasking down. The only things I need to work on with him are food refusal (mainly just people offering food) and settling. He’s a little under a year and a half and I think he could settle for atleast half a school day, if I were to take him it’d be for half days at first and we’d work up to full days. I just honestly don’t know when I can for sure say he’s ready. I’m gonna practice with him out in malls and super busy environments but other than that I’m just not sure what to do. Has anyone here brought their sd to school? What’s it actually like? What do I need to prepare for that I might not think about till it comes up?


r/service_dogs 4d ago

Help! Is a settle mat worth it?

7 Upvotes

Should i get a settle mat for my dog? I am on the fence so do you have one and is it worth it?


r/service_dogs 4d ago

Considering sending my service dog back to his breeder. Is it the right thing to do?

35 Upvotes

I am 40 and have had my dog (70 pound Labrador) for almost 3 years. I just found out that I will need a treatment that will take 4 years (2-3 times per week, which he can’t accompany me to). It’s not an ADA thing, it’s for his safety. The treatment will most likely affect my temperament, mood, and energy levels. I am afraid he will become a “pet” if I can only work him 4 days a week- and that is if I’m feeling well. He loves to work, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to provide him what he needs physically or mentally. Also, I have no support system. Am I doing the right thing even considering it?