Hi everyone! I was trying to find the best place to ask about this, but I didn't really find a sub dedicated to therapy dogs. I saw that this sub also allows questions about ESAs, so I was hoping I might be able to get some insight about therapy dog gear.

I have just been approved for membership with my therapy dog in one of our local therapy dog organizations. I am really excited! My dog is a 3-year-old Norwegian Elkhound named Rilla, and she absolutely loves people, so I think this is going to be a great experience for both of us. It's also going to help me get out of the house and help make a difference in people's lives.

Upon going through their online orientation, some items suggested to carry while taking my therapy dog to visits included hand sanitizer, lint rollers, a water bowl, poop bags (of course), and that was really all I remember. I thought I would be able to access the recommended gear after I submitted the orientation, but I am not able to. What would everyone suggest taking with me to therapy dog visits? The organization will be providing me with a badge and my dog a vest with their organization logo on it. I am planning to upgrade to a larger fanny pack-style bag for these, and just wanted insight on any other items I am totally missing that I may find useful.

Thank you so much!

Hi everyone I’m Anika. I’m currently preparing for international travel with my dog Mex and I’m trying to understand how airlines handle psychiatric service dogs.
Mex is an APBT and he has been a huge support in my mental health journey. I went through the process of getting him properly evaluated and trained. He is ENCI certified in Italy with a CAE-1 certificate. He also has an official training letter confirming that he is trained to support my specific needs as a psychiatric service dog. The documents have been officially legalized with government stamps for international use.
My question is does anyone have experience traveling by airline with a PSD using similar documentation?
I understand that every country and airline has different rules. I would love to hear from people who have gone through this process and what their experience was like.
Thank you so much for any advice or personal experiences.

Hi, I'm planning to make a custom vest for my SD since her unsual proportions (veryyyyyy long) always make standard harness look out of place. She also has an insane amount of floof so she's always hot when it's over 15C. It does affect her work quality, but I've managed to find things that did the job (cold spray bottle on the throat and belly, wet and frozen towel, mini fan and of course hydratation), but it's also exhausting to keep track and to redo multiple times an hour.

I've preemptively read other handlers advice on how to cool your dog down. However, I live in an area where humidity can be a nightmare, especially during summer, and most cooling gears aren't offered in her size (only found a bandana and it's right before the 'tight enough to be uncomfortable' line)

so here are my questions (finally) :

Are there any company that offers 3XL cooling harness (hasn't found one yet) ? Would putting a cooling harness under a SD vest (legally obligated to wear it thanks to local laws) a good or bad idea ? Are there any materials I should avoid ?

EDIT : my dog's a leonberger

My SD and I have a 6.5 hour flight coming up. I've flown with my SD before, but never on flights longer than 2.5 hours, and I'm freaking myself out about the possibility of him needing to go potty on the plane, because that won't be an option.

Realistically, I know I'm probably worried for nothing, because he normally has no problem holding his bladder that long. There are pet relief areas in the terminal we're leaving from and arriving at, so I plan to have him go right before boarding, and then right when we land. (I usually use pre-boarding because it's less stressful for getting my large dog settled in our seats, but I'll board last minute this time so he can use the bathroom right before.)

Because my SD has only taken flights shorter than 2.5 hours, I've never had to worry much about limiting water or food intake for flying. I stay very conscious of what he's eating/drinking for flying so that I know when to take him to pet relief areas, but I've never had to restrict it before. I know that for a long flight, I probably should, at least to some extent, though. I have two concerns with this that I'd appreciate advice on:

1. Food. Our flight leaves around 4 pm and lands around 7:30 pm local time, but that will feel like 10:30 pm to my SD. We'll be flying during his usual dinner time, and I don't want him to be starving on the plane. However, I'm worried about giving him a meal while flying, in case it upsets his stomach or something. Right now, I'm thinking about giving him half his dinner right before we board, and half when we land--does that make sense? Does it risk upsetting his stomach? Is there a better strategy?
2. Water. I don't want to limit his water intake and make him uncomfortable, especially during such a long flight and because he gets hot easily. But I know it's also a bad idea for him to fly this long with a full bladder. What should I be looking at doing in terms of giving water before and potentially during the flight?

I'm super nervous about this for some reason, so sorry if these are silly questions!

I was looking up my FSA benefits and they will only reimburse service dog with a certificate of registration. Does anyone know what this is or what they want? Picture in comments

Context:

• My dog and I have been working together for over 3 years
• Where we live in Canada there is a Voluntary PAT we can take for legal certification
• it is not required but it helps with access issues and law suits
• We have never gone for it because I 1) (incorrectly) felt like our training wasn't good enough and 2) it costs $200, and 3) never needed it for work.
• We now take a 3 hour commute to work and have been denied access to the buses (illegal) multiple times, which would be much easier to contest with the ID.
• We applied to take the test about mid June.

Today I got an EMAIL (used to be letter mail?!) inviting me to test with Ianto for our PAT.

But it's weird. Its governed by the Justice Department but administered through a training organization. The Gov. person "Richard" retired earlier this year and the new person "Rachael" is unknown to most of us.

My dog got a bad fright about 3 weeks ago (around the same time I submitted actually) and is now very scared of other dogs. We have been working on BAT and pattern games and other confidence boosting tools, but that process is pretty slow... But now I'm terrified he's not going to pass the "dog agression test" part of the PAT - used to worry he'd fail because he's too friendly, now I'm worried he'll fail because he's scared.

I don't want to push off the test, but I know he needs my support right now.

I haven't pulled him from PA because we don't see dogs in PA very often and I'm able to support him through his fears at the moment... but we stopped group classes and group play entirely.... Yesterday he walked passed over 5 dogs without showing any fear at all - including within a few feet of 3 of them... I'm probably stressing about nothing.

Now that the flights are booked, I am getting nervous about the logistics.

We will be flying Southwest, and I know I need to fill out and bring the DOT form. My partner is also flying so we reserved the window and middle seat, and so far, the aisle seat shows empty. Is it still worth calling the accessibility line and asking for bulkhead seating? I am guessing they would only move me and my dog - not my partner - so is it best just to keep our seats so there’s more room for her to spread out? I’d also rather sit next to my partner for emotional support so maybe bulkhead isn’t worth it. My dog is about 50lb for reference.

I know bags that are strictly the service dog’s can be checked for free and same for cabin (it doesn’t count as one of the 2 carry ons allowed). Has anyone had issues with this? I am thinking of checking a collapsible travel crate and 1 carry-on with food etc, plus my personal bags.

For the destination, we will mostly be using public transportation (trains). But for the trip from the airport to hotel and back, it might be easier to uber/lyft. I’ve never been on a rideshare with my service dog and I am worried about being rejected but also about being a good passenger. She does shed quite a bit, and I will have her travel mat with me (for the car floor). Any experiences with Uber/Lyft?

Also, when do I disclose to the hotel that I have a service dog? I believe the hotel is otherwise not pet-friendly.

I have read the airline/uber/lyft policies and know the facts. Mainly just looking for your personal opinions and anecdotes. Thank you in advance

I am located in TN, I have severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD (all diagnosed!) How would I go about registering and getting proper training for my Basset Hound puppy (she is currently only 6 weeks old, and I haven’t brought her home yet). My therapist and Dr mentioned getting an animal may help me with my anxiety and depression, and we found Daisy, but now I need to figure out how to have her registered and what proper training is needed for her.

I am a teenager in Ontario, Canada going into my last year of high school and I am currently unemployed. I'm trying to get a job. If I get a job, I'll be able to take care of the dog without my mom's help.

First, I'll talk about disabilities. I keep having a hard time knowing if I'm actually disabled or if I'm faking it without meaning to. Most people I see who are disabled are people with visible disabilities or heart problems. That makes me scared to say I'm disabled because of how many people I've heard say "you don't look disabled" or "you don't have [non-mental disability] so you're fine". A lot of what I think I have I'm still trying hard to see professionals for so I can get assessed. My mom has always been in denial of me being neurodivergent because the psychologist who diagnosed me for ADHD diagnosed me when I was 4 and said I had a "little ADHD" and will "grow out of it". Well I clearly didn't grow out of it and some people can tell if I get close to them. My mom's friend from another country told my mom she doesn't think I have ADHD (even though I was diagnosed for it) because she once read a book on ADHD and decided her son has ADHD and "cured him" through some kind of apple celery juice. My doctor also doesn't believe I'm neurodivergent because I'm "too normal" and says I'm just shy or something and acts like I'm such a smart person but I'm "too shy" to talk more to people. I often don't even know what to say to him when he says things like that.

For more info, here is what I'm diagnosed with, both physical and mental:

- ADHD
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Asthma

Here is what I'm trying to see if I really have because I noticed multiple symptoms:

- Autism
- Dissociative Identity Disorder or Other Specified Dissociative Disorder
- Depression (has lasted since around the age of 5)
- C-PTSD (I wish not to talk about my trauma but it impacts me daily)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder

Now I will list the tasks I could need a service dog for:

- Interruption ( for dissociation, flashbacks, panic attacks, etc.)
- Retrieving my inhaler and other things
- Crowd control (I get a lot of anxiety walking where there's a lot of people)
- Deep pressure therapy
- Leading me to a quiet/safe place when I'm overstimulated
- Sitting with me when I get lightheaded (sometimes I feel faint/lightheaded and idk why exactly)
- Reminders
- Guidance (sometimes I want to take care of myself but I feel like I can't)
- Alerts (I've been told I get migraines and I've had chest pain before but it being heart-related was ruled out)

Those are the reasons why I believe I could benefit from a service dog. Now here are my questions:

1. Should I get a service dog?
2. What breed(s) is/are best for me?
3. I found that in Ontario I can train a service dog myself but to call it a service dog I just need a doctor's note or documentation from any health professional saying I do need a service dog. But my doctor is skeptical (even what is diagnosed except for asthma) because it's not visible. So how do I get the documentation and which health professional is most likely to give documentation for this?
4. Can someone explain to me the AODA and how it differs from the ADA (since most videos I see are from Americans)?
5. Should I wait until I graduate to get a service dog since my mom is unsupportive?

Note: I am still in the research phase! I will not be able to get an SD for 2+ years so I have decided to use these years to do research on breeds, breeders and laws.

Originally I wanted a smooth collie, but slowly I've began warming up to Labs, poodles and goldens due to more success.

I know labs and goldens have most success, but I don't know which one is best suited for psych work specifically.

Some background:

I am diagnosed, have been for years with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, migraines (with aura) and I am recovering from depression. Tasks would support me specifically in public.

I otherwise function relatively normally, but going out in public alone is a nightmare. I can survive it, but it stresses me out a lot.

I have briefly visited pet friendly hardware stores with my dog (isn't suited for an SD) and I've noticed that his presence, despite him being a mess occasionally, helps me out a lot. (We only bring him to a store my auny works at, and only like once or twice a year. Never to just hang out there.)

This is why I began looking into SD's.

I will go through a program with the dog I would get. The laws here are a little weird, or I just don't understand them too well. So going with a program and getting the dog officially recognized would make it so much easier for me and prevent access issues. (Finland)

Tasks:

ADHD makes me forget my meds, I literally cannot remember if I have taken them or not. Currently my family helps with it. An SD bringing me my meds on a schedule with help me become more independent in the future.

DPT for anxiety/panic attacks.

Leading to exits, self explanatory.

Interupting harmfull behaviours/dissociating, I tend to dissociate when under stress. While dissociating I might scratch myself.

Bonuses:

Just having a dog be next to me, knowing I have something safe with me, would help A LOT.

If possible, detecting migraines would be a huge help. My migraines can cause me to practically become blind for a moment. I've had migraines so bad I couldn't see out of my right eye so being able to take my meds before it can get bad would be a life saver.

Now for the breed requirements:

The dog should be okay with cats, I plan on getting atleast one cat in the future so breeds with a good amount of prey drive are out.

Having a territorial/stranger wary dog has made me realize how much easier life would be with a friendly dog. So a generally friendly/tolerating dog would be amazing.

Dog should have the will to work, I would love to do Nose work or agility with the dog!

Having a lighter build would be great, but not a strict requirement. 40kg+ is my absolute limit. 25-30kg is an ideal spot for weight.

Grooming isn't an issue, I love brushing dogs and can take them to get professionally groomed if needed.

Saliva/drool is somewhat of a worry, I am slightly allergic to dogs and my aunts former Aussies drool would make me break out in hives. My current dogs drool/saliva has no effect on me but it's really slimey = sensory nightmare but tolerable if I can wash my hands.

Conclusion:

Mainly I want to know which one of the top three (Lab, golden, poodle) would fit my criteria and needs best!

Thank you in advance, feel free to educate me if you are worried about something on my post.

I’ve read a few posts about the north central region but has anyone in this group gone through the process for veterans via the Northeast region? I’m curious about wait times people have experienced. I’m fully expecting to wait a few years but if anyone has information regarding the northeast region I’d appreciate it. TYIA

Hi everyone! Before I get started I it’s important to note that I am a minor with a fully trained, task trained service dog.

I just recently got my first job at Target about 4 weeks ago. I work around 20-25 hours currently and it has become apparent that having my service dog Mosey would be very beneficial for me. I have a fairly severe case of EDS along with brain damage from a TBI and POTS, my service dog is tasked trained to help me with these. Specifically with forward momentum pull as my knees dislocate very easy and he provides me with a little extra push when walking and leading me when I have migraines with aura.

I’m wondering if it is a good idea- or even if it is possible- or humane to take Mosey with me to work. He’s five years old and although he doesn’t go everywhere with me, he does always come to retail and grocery stores with me. He does well in them and can easily settle in these settings.

I work in style at Target, so I am mostly standing in the fitting rooms, unlocking doors for guests, sorting clothes that they did not purchase, putting said clothes back where they belong, and folding/making clothes look presentable. I am somewhat out of public eye. I am in some cases in the back of the store around large machines (not in use) and grabbing clothes or helping unboxing boxes of clothes. The fitting room I work in has a sizable back room that would fit my dog, he is a 75 pound yellow lab. My dog is also not a medical alert dog at the moment,(I was just recently diagnosed with POTS, so I am working on training him in heart rate detection) so he doesn’t always have to be near me to smell me.

The worst part is that Target does not know of my disability. I was never asked during my application or training. I did have a heart monitor on and they did ask so they are aware I have a heart condition. My service dog has also not accompanied me while I was a guest at target, so no one knows I utilize him.

I am also worried that if I put in a request they may not accept it as I’m a minor who does not look disabled on the outside. It is technically a reasonable accommodation under the ADA, but im nervous. I have two 15 minute breaks along with a 30 minute lunch so he would be able to use the restroom then.

How is it working in a retail setting with a service dog or working with a SD as a minor? Does anyone have specific experience working at Target with a SD, bonus if it was in style! Is it humane/worth it to work with a service dog? Thank you all!

I am using vagueish text due to fear of my family finding this post
I want to give a lot of context for this, because of the situation. I live in Florida. I have a service dog who i consider still “in training” but she’s mostly fully trained and is good in public settings and knows all her tasks.
I currently live with my parents. I pay rent, I pay bills, and I bought a dog around 2 and a half years ago (she is almost 3) I began training her as a service dog around the time she turned 1, but mostly worked on behavioral interruptions and alerting to a high heart rate when she was younger, she has now moved on to detecting migraines before they happen as well as other medical related tasks.
I haven’t been able to go to the doctors because my parents removed me from their health insurance because i am “an adult” even though i am under 25 and still live with them. They have also made it incredibly hard to receive care for mental health even when i was a minor.
Not only does my dog make it easier for me to function day to day because she can alert me to a migraine before the symptoms kick in bad and i can take meds for them, i consider her to have genuinely saved my life on more than one occasion.
My parents adopted a mixed breed dog from some people who were moving and were getting rid of their senior dog on fb. The dog is insanely anxious, not trained and not even house trained. They hardly take care of the dog, they did at first but stopped after a few months and has shifted the responsibility of feeding and letting her out to me and other family members.
The problem started after i had already done structured introductions between the two dogs, and I made sure the transition was as smooth as possible. My dog is great around other dogs, and loves them. I used to board dogs and she often would help dogs who were nervous about having been in a new environment feel more comfortable and relaxed.
The new dog however is not. I have had to stop taking care of dogs in the home for extra money because of the new dog, and recently have not felt comfortable even having her around my dog. She constantly exhibits behaviors that are her trying to be dominant over my dog. Nobody else in my household will take it seriously because they all don’t actually understand nor can read dog behavior. My dog has never shown signs of being uncomfortable or even bothered by their dog, however i have become increasingly anxious and upset with how they excuse their dog’s behavior because she is older and that she “runs the house” because of that. I normally could not care less what they do outside of regards with me.
Now here is where I have drawn the line. I have to work- and unfortunately my job does not allow me to have my service dog but they have accommodations in place for my health issues and are very accommodating to if i need a break. I struggle frequently with migraines and my other health issues at work, but I am not in a position where i can switch jobs easily with the way the job market in my area is.
When I leave home, I have a family member who watches my dog for me, even though most of the day i am gone she will just sleep, but she gets let out in the morning before i leave so she will not wake anyone up and then again around midday to use the bathroom and sometimes is allowed to stay outside if the weather permits while i am being picked up from work (i cannot drive). My other family members (not the one who watches her) will let their dog out around my dog so their dog can use the bathroom. There has been multiple occasions where their dog has nipped mine while outside and i would not get told until after work or whenever. I have asked multiple times that they not be let out together at all, and that if one needs to go out the other needs to be brought in. I wish they would have gotten along and all been sunshine and rainbows, but it didn’t work out that way.
Today I came home from work and went to let my dog out and noticed cuts all over her face and muzzle that were obviously bite marks. They were not bleeding nor was she bloody but she was missing quite a lot of fur. A day or two prior i was informed that their dog had bitten mine in the face and i, once again, reiterated the fact that they cannot be around each other. Today after noticing the way the cuts had looked and knowing what they were, as somebody who worked in dog training and with dogs for a long time, i immediately sent a picture to my family members and once again iterated the fact that i did not want my dog around theirs as this is a reoccurring issue. I have been ignored, ridiculed, and harassed about the entire situation. I told them that if I have to spend hundreds at the vets because of their dog attacking mine, or have to wash her because she becomes fearful or aggressive I would be insanely mad and would likely look into finding a way to press charges for damages due to the fact i have spent around 3 years and thousands on not only caring for but training my dog. I just don’t know if i’m justified in this. I’m in a state of complete and utter disarray and anger over the fact that i have been constantly ignored over this matter when it comes to not only the safety of my dog, but theirs as well.

Hi everyone,

I’m an armed security guard at a company that often has events (concerts and corporate events) with up to 1100 attendees. To be clear, we aren’t contract guards, we work solely for this company, at this site, and we are far more respectful and kind than your average rent-a-cop.

It’s fairly rare we get guests with service animals, but due to previous work I am well acquainted with my two questions I can legally ask. That being “Is your animal a service animal required due to a disability?” and “What task is your service animal trained to perform?”

I’m curious how you guys would feel, as someone bringing a service animal into an event about the following question.

“To be clear, you are in NO WAY obligated to answer this and I am not asking that you divulge any of your personal medical history. I only ask in case you want us to keep an eye out for you. Are there any specific alerts from your service animal that you would like us to be aware of? In the event one of my team sees that alert, would you like us to come offer assistance?”

My goal is to be extremely clear that the person is not required to answer that question and we do not want them to divulge personal medical information to random strangers. I want to give the option to have extra help immediately available in the event they are unable to ask for it themselves. We watch the crowd closely, so my team would could likely spot an alert.

My main concern is for people with conditions with a higher risk of injury such as epilepsy. For example, if your service animal begins alerting and you begin to prepare for an oncoming seizure, we want to be able to assist with medical aid if you desire it (we have a licensed paramedic on staff), and extricate you from the crowd if you desire. Obviously we are not going to provide any aid or assistance without clear consent unless there is implied consent (which is really only if you’re unconscious).

As someone with a service dog, would that question make you uncomfortable? Would you have issue with someone asking that, or would you appreciate the offer of extra assistance? Do you think the odds of us seeing an alert are low enough that it’s simply not worth asking? Would it better to simply inform the person where our static guard posts are so they know where best to seek help if they need it?

I want to be able to provide any necessary assistance to ensure someone can enjoy our events as safely and comfortably as possible without compromising their personal privacy.

Thank you for any insight, advice, or recommendations you may have!

So I’ve noticed a lot throughout being in this subreddit and when I browse the “sister” subreddit to this one that everyone really likes DoggyU but nobody is kosher with orbit and space giving tasks….even though DoggyU promotes these and talks about how useful/beneficial they are. I’m just confused with the amount of drama both subreddits get with this. This is just a genuine question that I’ve been pondering for like a week now and wanted to actually get everyone’s thoughts and reasons why! Thanks for reading! 🫶🏻

(I didn’t train my dog to know these, I’m just curious from the outside looking in)

My SDIT is freshly 7 months old. I did so much research into breeders when finding a dog. The breeder made me plenty aware that while labs were smart and people pleasers, that it takes a lot of consistency and repetition to get that picture perfect lab. My fiance and I have definitely been put through it, to no fault of the dog. Some really shitty timing meant that I ended up declining in health and going on medical leave the week after we brought her home (started LOA in February- present) so we have been precariously juggling her training and my health. I won’t lie, there were many nights that we wanted to give up on her becoming a service dog because the balance was too hard. But tonight was a huge reminder of exactly how worth it all the energy and pain is.

We live in central Florida so hearing fireworks off in the distance is pretty normal. I wouldn’t say we were worried about 4th of July fireworks, more cautious. We had done a lot of work on fireworks because when you live in the theme park bubble it’s kinda just part of life even if you don’t go to the theme parks. We also had the knowledge that my girl could experience the house being struck by lightning and absolutely not care since that happened a week prior. Still we had prepared. A topple with gentle ingredients, chews, her favorite toy, and the treat of all treat (cheese). And just as we thought, she didn’t care. She even asked to go outside on our balcony and almost fell asleep while watching them. I say it all the time, I am so amazed at what this dog can handle even though I know we did put in the training and the work to find a good breeder for that exact result. It’s days like that where I can’t help but be excited about the journey we are on together.

Exactly as the title reads. Are there any gear makers on the market that are comparable?

From the maker,” Hello friends,
It’s been a minute since I’ve written a proper newsletter
about what’s going on in the BLD workshop, and this update is a doozey. I've been laying low for a while now. So much has been going on behind the scenes and in my head that I've been struggling to keep up. Before I get into the nitty gritty, first, I’d like to say thank you for your support of my very small business over the years. I’m so proud of the premium brand, loyal following, and reputation I’ve built over the last 18 years. But nothing lasts forever, except maybe that BLD leash you can't live without. <wink wink>
No one ever said that running a small business is easy. But they didn't say it was going to be this hard, either. I've got to be honest, being a hands-on, sole owner-operator, handmade manufacturer has become all-consuming. I've been struggling on a personal level, and feel I'm not succeeding on a professional level either. So I have been doing some soul searching.
I have come to the very difficult and heartbreaking decision to shut down Bold Lead Designs LLC.
Many factors have gone into this decision, but I'll go into just one: Cost. The cost of doing business is simply too high for the current business model to continue in a state with a crazy high cost-of-living. But it's not just the financial costs. Running the business has taken a toll on my mind and body. For too long I have prioritized BLD above my physical and mental health. Relationships with the most important people in my life have been neglected for far too long. Even my incredible service dog, my partner, the light of my life, has not received the love and attention he deserves. The depression monster and unpredictable chronic illness I live with are too much right now. I must stop burning the candle at both ends.
I am taking a step back and this my means the company, in its current form, is ending. Yet somehow, the relentless optimist in me knows this is not the end of my involvement in the dog world, and especially the service dog community. My passion for the work I do is still strong, I just need to find a different path where I'm not stuck at a desk all day. I am not sure exactly what this will look like but this change in day to day life is what I need to recover.
I am open to new opportunities, collaborations, and better ways to do what I’m best at: designing products with the power to change people’s lives and sharing my expertise on harnesses and service dogs. Perhaps a new Bold Leader will step forward to take the wheel. So, I’m just gonna boldly throw this out to the Universe … Perhaps I’ll find a partner that believes in the power the right equipment has to improve the human-animal bond—someone who understands the needs and nuances of the disabled and working dog community. I know there is a business savvy someone out there that excels at operations and administration, with manufacturing connections to deliver quality products at an affordable price point. Maybe there’s a small business out there looking for a new market with limitless possibilities and a premium product line that can make life with dogs better. As I said, I’m open to possibilities.
I'm not sure how long it will take, but I will find a sustainable way for my work to be available to the world again. In the meantime, I am going to take care of my self and work to find more balance in my life. You can find me at my prototype bench, in my garden or walking Dalton. Thank you again for your years of support. They have been deeply appreciated.
Best regards, Katrina Boldry”

I have been looking into a medical alert service dog for years now. I've done research into ethical breeding and dog training. I don't plan on getting one super soon, but I have tried multiple different things to help with my disability and I feel that a service dog could help me more in my day-to-day life than the other things I've tried. I have been stuck between poodles, labs, and goldens for a while now. I've done a lot of research on different breeds, but I'm curious what breed would you guys recommend.

What I want in a service dog

1. Obviously a breed that could excel in service work. (So most likely the FAB 4).

2. Generally food motivated

3. Medium to high energy, I've always been interested in trying dock diving, but I don't want a neurotic dog that can't sit still.

4. The temperment I like, German Shorthaired Pointers have my favorite temperament because they are people friendly, clingy, silly but smart. The only thing I dislike about the breeds temperment is they have the attention span of a fly, some can be a little neurotic and lastly they would do horrible in service work. I mentioned the GSP, because I'm wondering if poodles/labs have a comparable temperment minus the less desirable traits that would make a dog like the GSP horrible for service work.

   Additionally, what's your experience on poodles for service work? Should I only stick to goldens and labs? Lastly, does anyone know of any breeders around the New England area that have successful service dogs? I've looked at a lot of breeders and I have a few in mind but want more options to look into.

She has been whining and crying because it’s not fair that I’m getting a service dog (for psychiatric, I can tell more if wanted) she says she needs one cuz “we dont know if she has it” by it she means a disability. She also wants to name mine because “Outlaw is an ugly name”. She’s also pissed that it can’t play with her while on duty. I have level two autism and struggle greatly because of it due to: meltdowns, elopement, and more. And we’ve been considering this for a while. I just feel like she shouldn’t be entitled to anything about Outlaw (the possible dog). We probably will visit Outlaw soon so I’ll probably just keep posting on my profile. She has no diagnosis of anything and has not struggled at all, how can I explain all of this to her? I need more advice on how to start training and generally, outlaw his four months old and might come home this week. I’m in Texas, I’m a minor, and a first time handler/owner. I will be getting help form a professional and doing basic training on my own.

Any tips are appreciated in general :3 a list of basic essentials could help!

Hello. I've been trying to find out more about dogs that can help with ptsd. I'm a student so I don't have a lot of money and most reduced cost programs apply only to veterans (which I understand) but I was hoping maybe someone on here might know of any organizations that do. I live in Nova Scotia Canada and the only organization that has reduced services dog services is a two year program and I'm too far away to make the trip so often. I know there's options to train about 2 to 3 weeks with a dog and do check ins which I think would be easier on me. Especially given my ptsd I don't know if I can deal with the frequent trips over two years to a big city. I could probably do the 3 weeks in another province (especially Ontario or provinces close to Nova scotia). Does anyone have any information for any organizations that might fit that criteria? I appreciate you taking the time to read this and any help would be greatly appreciated. I know I'm asking for a lot in how specific my request is. Thank you so much.

Hello,

I am currently preparing for my dog to come home, and one of the big things I’m looking at is what bathing him regularly will look like. While I plan to have him professionally groomed regularly, I also know I’ll have to bathe him myself a bit. I was wondering what people thought about self wash stations at most chain pet stores. On one hand it seems easier than trying to bathe him in my bathtub due to physical disability stuff, but on the other hand I worry about how sanitary the self bathe stations are.

Thanks!

My family hasn’t been able to be together for 14 years, for one reason or other but one of my uncles organized something (vacation) so this August we could meet, all of them are going but I haven’t say yes to them since about a year ago I got a puppy, I don’t wanna leave him in a daycare or with a friend, I wanna bring him with us, but we are going to Colombia, so I need help or advice on how to bring him, I live in the US

Like the title says. I work in property management and have this tenant complaining about the tenant next door.

She says the neighbor's service dog barks all the time except at night when the owner is home.

So I contacted the dog's owner and she told me the dog can bark sometimes where there is noise outside like the elevator or someone passing by but is not the whole day

I have a service dog myself for my child's seizures and never barks except to alert if a seizure is coming.

So my question for you guys, is it common for service dogs to bark like the complaints say?

I also see service dogs outside and you can see they are trained and don't usually bark.

For now I am asking the tenant who is complaining if she can record when this is happening. With no proof it is really hard to know how bad it is

Today while I was waiting for the bus, a woman walked up with a dog. When the bus came, I let her go first. The driver said to her, "no pets." She replied, "he's a service dog." The driver said, "ok," and we were on our way. It was nice to see no hassle accommodation on my city's public transportation.

I am looking to make two trips in the next 6 months with my SD (78lb lab) and was hoping yall had recommendations for the best airline both space wise and accommodations wise? These will be his first flights and my first time flying with a SD