Handling a Service-Dog Access Challenge

An access challenge can be stressful. You are not responsible for educating everyone or representing every other service-dog team.

Lisa A Faulkner
Published June 3, 2022

Service-Dog Behavior in Public: Practical Expectations and ADA Rules

Public work requires a dog that can remain under effective control and perform its trained assistance.

Kea Grace
Published December 20, 2021

Why is so hard to admit you have PTSD?

This is Shawna’s dated personal account. The events and program details have not been independently confirmed.

Shawna Mayo
Published October 29, 2021

Fireworks, PTSD and Thoughtful Celebration

Fireworks can remind some people of a traumatic event. Combat is one possible source of trauma, but PTSD can also follow other experiences.

Kea Grace
Published June 2, 2021

2017–2018 Service-Dog Travel Guide: Current Rules

This guide retains its original publication date. Use the current guidance below rather than the airline policies that applied during 2017–2018.

Kea Grace
Published November 22, 2017

5 Common Service-Dog Myths

There is no federal minimum training-hour requirement or compulsory public-access certificate under the ADA.

Kea Grace
Published January 13, 2017

We Need Service Dog Pictures!

In August 2016, AP requested service-dog photographs for an author’s book project. The call for images is historical.

Kea Grace
Published August 18, 2016

Five Areas to Assess in a Shelter Service-Dog Candidate

A shelter dog may be a suitable candidate, but one visit cannot predict a working career. Shelter stress and unfamiliar surroundings can change behavior.

Kea Grace
Published March 14, 2016

Service Dog Quest: Practicing Position Cues in New Contexts

A dog may know a cue in one setting and need practice when the surroundings or handler's position change.

Kea Grace
Published March 19, 2014

Service Dog Quest: Measuring Current Training

This exercise revisits Week Two of AP's 2014 challenge. Its purpose is to identify what the dog can comfortably do now and what needs more teaching.

Kea Grace
Published January 14, 2014