Loving Guidance, LLC
Service Dog Training Program cost dependent on training needed
If you are in need of a Service Dog to help you with your disabilities and limitations, your perfect match may already be right in front of your eyes. I can help assess your dog's character to see if they would make a sound and reliable Service Dog for you and your needs. Once the assessment is done, and your dog passes a health check by your veterinarian, we can devise a training program customized for your dog's level of training and desired tasks you will need. (Length of training varies depending on the individual dog and handler and can take as long as 18 months)
*A current prescription or letter from a licensed physician or psychologist stating you would benefit from a Service Dog is required.
*Cost of Service Dog training is dependent on dog's current abilities and tasks needed to be learned. Quote will be given at time of Evaluation.
Behaviors I can teach your dog:
* Retrieving Items * Mobility Support * Helping you get out of a chair or off the floor * Wheelchair awareness * Public Access * Open and close doors * Grounding and Deep Pressure therapy
Therapy Training and Certification
If you are interested in participating in a local therapy dog program such as Love on a Leash, I can help you and your dog prepare for, and pass, the assessment test. From that point you will be able to do the required hours of observation with a local chapter of your choice.
*Every dog must be at least 9 months old to start the training and pass a behavior evaluation to start. Therapy training programs are based on the dog's current knowledge and are usually completed in 4 or 6 private lessons.
What is the difference between a Service Dog and a Therapy Dog?
A Service Dog is a dog that is specifically trained to help an individual with tasks they are not able to perform on their own without great difficulty. To name just a few, Service Dogs can be trained to help hearing impaired individuals, assist an individual with limited mobility issues, help guide the visually impaired, alert an individual with a medical condition such as seizures or diabetes to an oncoming episode, help those suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and children with Autism. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only dogs are recognized as service animals and there unfortunately isn’t any required testing for said title. However, the best organization that is trying to oversee the training and qualifications of service dogs is Assistance Dogs International (ADI). They have created guidelines and assessment tests for all service dogs being trained and placed by accredited organizations. The ADA states that service dogs must be allowed in most places the handler goes with very few exceptions (i.e. surgery rooms). There is a great page on Facebook, The ProBoneO, that allows anyone to post a question regarding service dog laws and requirements that I encourage you to check out should you have access issues with rental agencies, business establishments, etc. Also, if you are paired with a service dog, I recommend checking out International Association of Assistance Dog Partners.
Therapy dogs are NOT service dogs and do not have the same rights. Therapy dogs provide a service to many people by visiting hospitals, convalescent homes, children’s libraries, assisting in children’s court cases and more. I think the most important fact to share is therapy dogs do not have the same public access right as service dogs. They are not allowed in stores, restaurants, doctor’s offices, etc. If you are interested in having your dog evaluated for this great program, I recommend contacting a local Love on a Leash chapter. It is so rewarding to see your dog bring a smile to a stranger’s face and brighten their day just by walking in to the room or being able to run their hands over your dog’s fur.