Why Service Dogs Need Space to Work

Talking to, touching, feeding or deliberately getting a working dog's attention can interrupt its task or distract its handler.

April Childers
Published June 22, 2019

Examples of Service-Dog Tasks

Service-dog work is individual. These examples show possible trained assistance; they are not a universal task menu or proof that any dog can safely perform every…

Kea Grace
Published June 16, 2019

Planning Your Dog’s Vaccinations

Vaccination helps prevent infectious disease. Plan it with your veterinarian using the dog's age, records, health, location and likely exposures.

Olivia Williams
Published June 5, 2019

Choosing a Service-Dog Candidate

Start with the assistance you need, the environments the dog will encounter and the care you can arrange. Selection reduces uncertainty but cannot eliminate it.

Olivia Williams
Published May 31, 2019

Homeless Dogs get a Second Chance as Service Dogs

This is AP’s dated reporting about shelter dogs and named organizations.

Bev Thompson
Published May 25, 2019

Unique Service Dog Names: Ideas for Your Next Partner

Browse unique service dog name ideas, try a shortlist aloud and use AP’s name finder to explore options for your next partner.

Kea Grace
Published May 19, 2019

Insurance for Working Dogs: Questions to Ask Before Buying

Compare pet insurance for a working dog: role restrictions, exclusions, deductibles, reimbursement, claims and the costs you may still need to cover.

Olivia Williams
Published May 17, 2019

Five Questions to Consider Before Partnering With a Service Dog

These questions can help you compare a service dog with other assistance options.

Kea Grace
Published May 15, 2019

Trained Service-Dog Tasks and Natural Behavior

The ADA requires individually trained work or tasks related to a person's disability. Comfort from a dog's presence alone does not meet that definition.

Terry McCormack, CDT
Published May 10, 2019

A Practical Plan for House Training

House training works best with frequent opportunities, supervision and rewards.

Olivia Williams
Published April 23, 2019