How to Handle a Service Dog Access Challenge from Start to Finish
Federal law stipulates that a Service Animal is "any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability" and that a Service Dog teams are allowed to enter areas where the public is normally allowed to go. However, a Service Dog team's civil rights may be occasionally challenged by well-meaning people trying to keep pets out of the establishment. While stressful, these challenges are typically easy to handle. Sometimes, though, a little more work is required.
Being prepared to answer questions about Service Dogs in public
It was just a quick errand and you thought nothing of heeling your Service Dog in Training (SDiT) into the store. Her behavior is always excellent, she responds beautifully to your verbal commands — and you were just grabbing a couple of things. But when the manager approaches, your palms began to sweat. Even though you know that your state allows SDiTs and you’re doing everything correctly, answering questions about Service Dogs in public isn’t your favorite thing in the world.
Traveling with a Service Dog, a Complete Step-By-Step Guide
It's that time of year again that many of us begin to think about traveling. While traveling with your trained and well-behaved Service Dog is your privilege, there are some steps you need to take to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Orbiting the Giant Hairball: Dealing With Service Dog Shedding
Having a Service Dog means a lot of things: independence, hope, mobility, confidence — but it also means something else: DOG HAIR and dealing with Service shedding.
Hearing Dogs provide a link to the environment, for sounds both big and small
Take a moment to sit down, close your eyes and listen to your environment, what do you hear? The world is full of buzzing, beeps, rings and whistles. Those sounds are not included in my world.
Get a free copy of the children’s book about the making of a Service Dog, "A Job for Arabella"
In this joyful book for children Pat Nowak shows us the long, challenging, emotional and deeply rewarding process of training a Service Dog. We were proud to be able to give away 25 copies of this book in support of Canines for Service.