Saturday, August 20, 2011

Service dog Prospect - Help from the Community

Poodle and a Pitbull (congrats to being Karen Pryor training partner!) mentioned the fact that she would love to get involved in Service Dog work.  I was going to answer her in a reply. . .but well, it just got too long.

Now I admit that I am limited in my hands on knowlage of SD work and training.  George was my first (all Owner Trained) and Spirit my second (I would say about 80% done by his trainer and then tweaking him to what I needed), so please take what I am saying with a grain of salt.

George was a "rescue" (mom was rescued but he was born in a home) and did great for about 9 months being my active SD.  He had an incident with a little girl that ruined him for indoor work - he still comes with me to the barn and horse shows 'cuse Spirit is a big woosie.

Through being on boards and listening to others chat getting a rescue dog for the SD life has its good and its bad points.  For a mobility dog I would probably pass since I would like to know the history of hips, elbows and breed health concerns.  I would save up my pennies, research breeds of dogs and breeders, talk to see if they would be willing to wave the cost of a puppy or donate a dog 8 - 15 months old, etc.  If the dog was not doing strenuous body work, but had to use its brain more I would keep my options open to a rescue.  

There are so many reasons why dogs are rescued.  It is a cold hard fact, but many of them are there due to some type of abuse or neglect.  And while the wonderful creature that is DOG is very forgiving for what man has done to it, we have to respect and acknowledge that some mental damage might have been done.   This is why you need to really use an objective eye when looking at the dog for Service work.  What might be acceptable or workable with a pet dog just cannot be risked with a Service Dog prospect.  Some dogs have triggers, like men in baseball caps, or anyone with a beard.  I've met one woman who wanted to make her dog into an allergy/asthma dog but it lunges and snaps at white women (it is about a 5 lb Chihuahua, but still not acceptable behavior), but a rescue pitty who is a terrific wheel dog for a woman in a wheelchair.  This is where those of you out there with hearts of gold could step in and use your skills.

There are some stats out there on SD schools that have breeding programs, the wash out rate is still 99 out of a 100 (or 49 out of 50 depending on who's stats you use), so you know they are still doing something wrong (or we have to accept that breeding programs just don't work).  On the other hand I know a private trainer who has the eye and skill to not only pick out and train a variety of SDs but match them to the most appropriate handler for success.  I think she has about a 80% success rate from dogs she picks - both from breeders and rescues.  She has the added luxury to know the specific person before she matches or looks for a dog for them.  

About 1 in a 1,000 dogs have that special "IT" that makes them an excellent Service Dog.  I think that some dogs do the work for the love of their partner and if not exposed to specific stimuli can have a good working life.  We have to acknowledge that being a Service Dog is stressful, just ask George, so even with good intentions they just stop working.

If anyone is interested in helping owner trainers I would get involved with local groups, either in real life or on the boards.  If you have actual training knowledge that is demonstrable, you can offer them your skills and help network with rescue groups to see if there are any available prospects.  One of the hard aspects of selecting or training a dog for a person with disabilities is our health and energy levels.  Some days we just can't make it out of the house let alone out of bed.  This puts a huge monkey wrench in scheduling visits or appointments  If they had someone they could count on (to even just drive them to an appointment) and that could use their critical eye for looking at the dog they are out to see - that would be a big help.

It is a long road out there to find and train a SD.  I know of a woman on one of my boards who is being careful doing her search.  I believe it has been almost a year now that she has been looking.  Part of her issues is that she does not drive.  If there had been someone knowledgeable in selecting a dog and had been willing to drive her to look at prospects, there might have been a match if she could have extended her search parameters.

On the other edge of the spectrum I have heard of/read the stories of others who were not as careful in their search.  Some have gone through more than 5 dogs while looking for the "one".  Others didn't take time (or money) to have proper testing done and after 12+ months of time, training and love they have had to "wash out" their dogs due to temperament issues, structural issues or general health concerns that would have been caught earlier with the proper tests (be it from a vet or a temperament test). 

As much as our dogs are "durable medical equipment" according to federal law (and the tax man), we can't just run into a medical supply store, state our needs and pluck what we want down from the shelf.  These amazing creatures take time, energy, money and tears to show up on our doorstep ready - and willing - to put their best paw forward.

40 comments:

  1. Wow! Thank you so much for this post. I'm going to have to pick your brain some more in the future. Right now my plans are very hazy because I'm saving up for a move to the PNW from NYC where I would start doing the SD work with rescues, and that won't happen for at least a year or so.

    I am so completely aware that the major aspect of this plan is my ability to select appropriate dogs for their partners - the training is almost secondary! I would love to know more about the private trainer you mentioned, maybe pick her brain a bit too when I'm closer to planning stages.

    Any SD forums/lists you recommend? Feel free to e-mail me privately if it gets too cumbersome for the blog - ettel_e@yahoo.com.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Let me know when you get up here (I'm in the Seattle/Tacoma area), would love to get together and chat some time! Just be prepared for the drizzles. . .nothing like the torrential downpours that have been happening lately on the east coast.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Drizzles are easy! Throw on a rain jacket and keep on hiking! I'm very attracted to the mild winters and summers - the last year in NYC has been almost unbearable weather-wise (especially for someone who spends most of my day working outside).

    I'll definitely look you up when we get out there. I'm eyeing the Eugene/Bend, OR area. Planning a trip for early November to check it out and see if there's anything I don't like (which I doubt there is).

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very interesting post! I recently discovered your blog, it's really good! Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I know this website offers quality dependent articles or
    reviews and additional data, is there any other web page which gives such stuff in quality?


    Here is my web-site: helpful Golden retrievers health issues Information

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is really fascinating, You're an overly skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and sit up for looking for more of your great post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks

    Also visit my weblog: good the golden retrievers details

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a great tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.

    Brief but very precise info… Many thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

    Check out my blog post ... quality information golden retrievers material

    ReplyDelete
  8. Greetings! Quick question that's entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone. I'm trying to find a
    theme or plugin that might be able to fix this issue.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. Appreciate it!


    my site :: terrific pictures of golden retriever pups material

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you for any other wonderful article. The place else may anybody get that kind of info in such a perfect way of writing?
    I've a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.

    My weblog: important source

    ReplyDelete
  10. Good day! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new
    updates.

    my web blog :: Get More Info

    ReplyDelete
  11. There's definately a lot to learn about this topic. I really like all the points you've made.



    Feel free to visit my web blog lose weight

    ReplyDelete
  12. This piece of writing will assist the internet people for creating new webpage or even a weblog from start to end.


    Feel free to surf to my blog post: Read Full Report

    ReplyDelete
  13. Does your website have a contact page? I'm having problems locating it but, I'd like to send you an email.
    I've got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

    Here is my web blog ... Read Full Report

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at your blog in Opera, it looks fine
    but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!


    Feel free to visit my web site discover more

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely eager of reading this web site's post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant data.

    Feel free to visit my website ... find out more

    ReplyDelete
  16. Attractive component to content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to claim that I acquire actually
    loved account your weblog posts. Any way I will be subscribing for your feeds and
    even I success you access constantly rapidly.

    My homepage - helpful resources

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hey very nice blog!

    Also visit my website - full article

    ReplyDelete
  18. Does your site have a contact page? I'm having trouble locating it but, I'd like to shoot you an e-mail.
    I've got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

    Also visit my website ... get golden retrievers puppies tips

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi there superb website! Does running a blog like this take a massive amount work?
    I've very little knowledge of programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, if you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I just needed to ask. Many thanks!

    my web-site Click This Link

    ReplyDelete
  20. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than
    just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all.
    But think about if you added some great pictures or videos to
    give your posts more, "pop"! Your content is excellent but with
    images and clips, this blog could certainly be one of the very best in its field.

    Amazing blog!

    My site ... more helpful hints

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hello it's me, I am also visiting this web page on a regular basis, this site is truly nice and the viewers are actually sharing good thoughts.

    My web blog ... great labrador golden retriever puppy details

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your website by accident (stumbleupon).
    I've book marked it for later!

    my website :: Read Full Article

    ReplyDelete
  23. You have made some good points there. I looked
    on the internet for more info about the issue and found most people will
    go along with your views on this web site.

    Have a look at my blog - golden labrador retrievers

    ReplyDelete
  24. This post presents clear idea for the new viewers of blogging, that in
    fact how to do blogging and site-building.

    Here is my blog :: outstanding crate training golden retriever puppy stuff

    ReplyDelete
  25. Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
    It is the little changes that produce the biggest changes.
    Many thanks for sharing!

    My homepage - click for source

    ReplyDelete
  26. Heya! I know this is kind of off-topic but I had to ask.
    Does managing a well-established website like yours take a large amount of work?
    I'm brand new to writing a blog however I do write in my journal daily. I'd like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and feelings
    online. Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or tips for brand new aspiring blog owners.
    Thankyou!

    Feel free to surf to my page - click for golden retriever yellow lab info

    ReplyDelete
  27. Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to understand so much approximately this, like
    you wrote the e-book in it or something. I feel
    that you simply could do with some p.c. to pressure the message home a bit, but other than that,
    this is excellent blog. A great read. I'll definitely be back.

    Also visit my blog; article source

    ReplyDelete
  28. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
    Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
    Plz respond as I'm looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thanks a lot

    Feel free to visit my homepage helpful resources

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi! I'm at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!

    my blog: helpful the golden retrievers info

    ReplyDelete
  30. Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post!

    It is the little changes that make the most significant changes.
    Thanks for sharing!

    My webpage golden-Retriever-Guide.Com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks for the good writeup. It in fact used to be a entertainment account it.
    Glance complex to more delivered agreeable from you! However,
    how can we keep in touch?

    my web-site - cool retriever Training forum tips

    ReplyDelete
  32. Good day! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it's new to me.
    Anyways, I'm definitely glad I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back often!


    Stop by my blog post; golden retriever lab mix pictures

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog.
    Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep
    up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to see a great blog like this one these days.

    Here is my web page: handy good golden retriever names info

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello, i believe that i noticed you visited my website thus i got here
    to go back the desire?.I'm attempting to find things to improve my website!I guess its good enough to use some of your concepts!!

    Stop by my site; full report

    ReplyDelete
  35. Howdy terrific website! Does running a blog such as
    this require a large amount of work? I've no knowledge of computer programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, if you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject however I simply needed to ask. Cheers!

    My blog; great dog names for golden retrievers facts

    ReplyDelete
  36. Highly energetic blog, I loved that a lot. Will there be a part 2?


    Here is my blog post - golden retriever and lab mix

    ReplyDelete
  37. I know this site offers quality depending posts and extra information, is
    there any other web site which offers these
    kinds of information in quality?

    Here is my web-site cool yellow lab vs golden retriever content

    ReplyDelete
  38. When I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments
    are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the same
    comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are
    able to remove me from that service? Cheers!

    Also visit my site ... golden labrador retriever puppies

    ReplyDelete
  39. Furbaby Family pet care, Ballwin offer private dog boarding residence where your dog has the luxury of staying in a home away from home.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Very Nice blog. Along with this I'll recommend you to be assign for a dog services course that will help you and your dogs. Thanks to written this amazing blog.

    ReplyDelete