Jessa Parker answers our most asked questions about Service Dogs
Service Dog Q&A
Q: “What really makes a service dog a service dog?”
A: The real answer is hundreds and hundreds of hours spent training that animal as well as the person holding the leash. Service dogs as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) are dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. “Doing work or performing tasks” usually means that the dog has been specially trained to do something for this person who is disabled that they cannot do for themselves safely or at all. In addition to task training, a service dog needs extensive public access training; to ensure the dog is calm, under control, and as unobtrusive as possible.
Q: “What’s the difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal?”
A: There are a few very important differences between a service dog and an emotional support animal. The first difference is the kind of animal. Only dogs and miniature horses can be used as service animals with public access in America. The law that recognizes a person’s right to use a service animal is called the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA states that an animal whose sole function is to provide emotional support is not considered a service animal, and the handler is not allowed to bring that animal into public.
Q: “What kind of training should a real service dog have?”
A: A whole lot of it. In all seriousness, service dogs need training so they can enjoy working in stressful public environments and be good at their job. Most service dogs are raised from puppy-hood over the course of several years to become a working service dog. All service dogs need lots of positive socialization with public environments, and advanced obedience training. Service dogs need to stay calm around intense distractions, while also being focused on their handler and performing their potentially lifesaving task work. The task training depends on the type of service the dog provides. There are guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing-alert dogs for deaf individuals, medical alert and medical response dogs which can include psychiatric response dogs, and mobility assistance dogs.
Q: “What qualifies someone to use a service dog?”
A: The first and really only qualifier is that you have a life-altering disability. If a service dog can be trained in tasks that mitigate your disability and provide more independence in your life then you qualify. A service dog is essentially a type of medical equipment. Service dogs require special handling, continued training, and are actually a whole lot of work. It is up to each person to determine if the assistance of a service dog is worth the effort of handling and maintaining the service dog.
Q: “Can any dog be a service dog?”
A: Yes and no. Any breed of dog could be a working service dog, it would depend on the person’s needs and how their disability affects their daily life. However, most dogs do not have the right temperament for public access work. A lot of dogs can be trained as home-helpmates and learn to do tasks for their owner at home; but these dogs may not be able to work reliably in public due to a potential for fear, reactivity, or aggression.
Q: “What is the deal with fake service dogs?”
A1: There is no such thing as a fake service dog. There are only irresponsible humans that are bringing untrained or uncontrolled dogs into public places where these dogs misbehave. When someone enters a non-pet friendly store with a dog they are essentially stating that the dog is a service dog required because of a disability. It is up to the service dog handler to maintain control of their dog while in public. If a service dog is out of control, damages property, or is not house broken; a business can ask the handler to remove the dog.
A2: The deal with fake service dogs is actually irresponsible humans. Unfortunately, when you see a dog misbehaving in public the dog is either a real service dog who needs more training or re-training, or it is a person’s untrained pet. This person is actually impersonating someone with a disability to bring their pet into what is a very stressful environment for the animal.
Service dogs are incredible animals who help their handler’s achieve new levels of independence. Anyone can work on training their dog to be a helper at home, and teach them to be calm around distractions. If you would like to learn more about service dogs and dog training in general, contact us at AZ Dog Sports.
Jessa Parker is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) working at AZ Dog Sports in Paradise Valley.
Jessa has been training service dogs for the last five years, specializing in mobility assistance and diabetic alert dogs.
Carla says
Hi Brandi, We do have a board and train option available. Your situation sounds very unique! Please give us a call so we can help you. 602-237-6775
Thank you!
Brandi says
Is there any board & training for psychiatrist service dog training ? my dog has done some obedience training already he just needs to learn the tasks & a more eye contact leashing training on & off the leash . I was going to try to do it myself but I want him to be able to learn a little more & I’m in college at the same time so it’s better he goes to training. he’s already got an E-collar he does pretty well on it , sometimes you have to say his commands to him a little more than usual so i don’t know if i’m doing it wrong. he’s also house broken .
Carla says
Hi Ascher, your situation sounds very unique. Can you please give us a call at 602-237-6775 so we can help you out?
Thank you!
AZ Dog Sports
Ascher says
Can you board and train here? And after school my daughter can come work with the service dog, she does not have time to train it at home or take private lessons from home.
Amber williamson says
Been training my now 1year old dog to be my service dog i have noticed my problem is she isnt aggressive she just wants to play when ever she sees another dog she barks and wants to go over to them. I dont bring her in store as she is not ready just walks outside. I was wondering what i could do to help stop her barking and trying to play when evere she sees another dog i have had her since she was 7 weeks old
Carla says
Thank you for your question!
It is actually up to the apartment complex itself and your landlord. They are not obligated to allow a service dog “in training” as there are no laws pertaining to this like there are that protect fully licensed service dogs. Feel free to call us to speak to a service dog trainer if you have any further questions. 602-237-6775
Kimberly eaton says
Are service dogs in training aloud in a no pet apartment?
Carla says
We would love to help answer your questions, Megan. Please give us a call at 602-237-6775 so we can discuss your situation.
Thank you,
AZ Dog Sports
Megan Bishop says
I have a laundry list of diagnoses but long story short I have had chronic pelvic pain from 20 years. At times it interferes with my ability to walk as my hips often give our when the nerves are so compressed. I am really wanting a service dog. How do I go about doing this? What is the cost? And does it have to be paid all up front? Do I get a puppy and send him off to be trained? Any information would be helpful
Carla says
Hi Susan, We would love to help you and Romeo. Please give us a call at 602-237-6775 so we can discuss your specific situation and tailor a program that works for you. Thank you!
Susan Parkins says
I’ve been working with Romeo, but I think his going with his name.! He has his card and vest, and is almost 4 years old.
I need to know how long it would take, and about how much.!
Thank you,’
Susan Parkins