| I always thought assistance dogs were for blind or | | | | training "Autism Dogs" if you are looking for this type |
| hearing impaired people. As I began to learn more | | | | service. Only a few programs throughout the country |
| about these dogs, I realized they also offered a variety | | | | have this program. |
| of help to people with disabilities. Now my interest was | | | | - Does the organization provide services only to a |
| piqued but to know my next step took a little research. | | | | certain territory? You want to make sure you are in |
| It is my hope to help you skip that confusing stage and | | | | their service area if they have a limited territory. |
| begin taking strides toward achieving independence. | | | | - What are the costs to the recipient? Some |
| This article will assist you in learning what help service | | | | programs are free where others charge a significant |
| dogs can provide, guide you in evaluating the different | | | | fee. |
| assistance dog programs, and introduce you to the | | | | - Is there an age restriction? Some programs take |
| training you will receive. | | | | children and adults and other limit how young the |
| What Service Dogs Can Do For You: | | | | recipient can be. |
| Service dogs can be trained to find or retrieve objects | | | | - How long is the wait to get a dog? |
| that are out of reach, pull a manual wheelchairs, open | | | | - How long is the training camp for you with your dog? |
| doors and turn on lights, obtain help, assist with dressing | | | | - What are the costs to you for the camp? Some |
| or undressing, push buttons, open and close doors, and | | | | programs pay for training camp costs such as room |
| many other everyday tasks that may be difficult for a | | | | and board and, others, leave these expenses up to the |
| person with a disability. In addition, assistance dogs can | | | | recipient. |
| be specially trained seizure response dogs, and there | | | | - Is there support after the training camp? |
| are dogs trained to offer a person counter balance | | | | Many organizations will allow you to apply online; |
| when ambulating. One less tangible benefit is the | | | | however, if the website does not answer all your |
| constant companionship and unconditional love | | | | questions, there is usually a number to call. |
| provided by each dog. | | | | Service Dog Directory |
| These dogs can actually expand your world by giving | | | | Inspirational Service Dog Video |
| you opportunities to meet people and get out in the | | | | What's a Training Camp? |
| world. My service dog, Dottie, and I take walks around | | | | Training camps offer a time when the recipient learns |
| the neighborhood every evening. Each evening, | | | | to work with their dog. The dog is trained - now you |
| between 5:00 and 6:00, she brings me her leash | | | | need to be. Service dogs know many commands |
| wanting to take a walk. (Unfortunately, rain presents a | | | | before being paired with the physically limited person. |
| problem. Try to convince a dog that you can't go for a | | | | Camp teaches you how to train your dog to perform |
| walk because it is raining.) We never come home that | | | | tasks specific to your needs. Camp runs about two |
| we have not socialized with people we encountered. | | | | weeks and the cost to the recipient for lodging and |
| Interactions are usually prompted by Dottie and then | | | | meals can vary. Some programs pay for this so there |
| switch to me. | | | | in no cost the person getting the dog. |
| There are programs that pair specially trained Service | | | | After leaving camp it did not take me long to realize |
| Dogs and children with autism. Autism Service Dogs | | | | one of my specific needs. My dog left her toys all over |
| are selected specifically for their stability, calmness and | | | | the floor and, being in a wheelchair, this made it very |
| steady reaction to loud noises and constant motion. | | | | difficult for me to get around. Using the command |
| The dog's presence offers a calming influence and | | | | "clean up", I taught Dottie to pick up her toys and put |
| provides a sense of security to the child and the | | | | them in her toy basket. Her little trick really impresses |
| parents. Attention span increases and emotional | | | | young visitors AND their parents. |
| outbursts occur less often. All of these factors, plus | | | | Is a Service Dog Right for Me? |
| many others, help to make each day a little easier for | | | | An important question to ask yourself is if you are |
| these children and their families. | | | | prepared to be a responsible dog owner? These |
| Evaluating Service Dog Programs | | | | animals are wonderful companions but they are still |
| There are various programs throughout the country. | | | | large dogs that need to be let out to toilet, managed |
| Some programs serve only a particular region and | | | | for fleas, brushed to control shedding, and taken to the |
| others do not have a defined territory. Costs vary; as | | | | veterinarian for routine health maintenance. Additionally, |
| do lengths of waiting lists. To help you assess if a | | | | training reinforcement is an ongoing responsibility. |
| program meets your needs, here are some questions | | | | A service dog can make possible the things that are |
| to ask when choosing a service dog program: | | | | sometimes taken for granted. In this way, they can |
| - Does the organization offer to train your dog or does | | | | enhance people's lives with a new sense of freedom |
| it train only their dogs? | | | | and independence. There is a lot to consider before |
| - What kind of assistance is their service dog trained | | | | making the leap in that direction but, if you decide this |
| to provide? Specifically check to see if groups are | | | | path is right for you, it can be life changing. |