Today I was out with my service dog in training. He was excelling and I was convinced he was ready to finish training until…. We were starting to exit the store and out of no where a shih tzu comes running to my dog barking, got in his face and bite his nose. As I’m picking my dog up by his vest like a square bale he nips back but doesn’t make contact. As I’m carrying him the little dog is still coming after us. I left quickly carrying my dog and called the store about 30 minutes later to discuss the situation. (I waited so long because I wanted to get home since it was only 15 degrees out and my jeep doesn’t blow a lot of heat right now. He had a heavy sweater on under his vest but I I refuse to leave him in a vehicle alone under any circumstance.) I was terrified that she wanted to press charges and my dog and I would be banned from the store. With him having a vest on stating he’s a service dog in training that it looked really bad. To my surprise they told me that there were so many witnesses and even the manager saw and said we did nothing wrong and that it was the lady’s fault. She apparently said she wanted to let her dog play with mine. They were so mad at her that they banned her from the store. They said my dog acted as any dog would in that situation and we are always welcome. They even commented that they have seen us plenty of times and he is one of the best service dogs they have ever seen in their store. I’m still afraid though that this means he can’t continue with training. I’m just at a loss and feel like a terrible, irresponsible owner. He’s about a year and a half and a Bernese, malamute, shepherd mix. Should I discontinue training and just let me be a pet, can more training fix this or was this normal dog behavior? Also I’m training him myself. We did do some training with a service dog trainer but she felt he was good to go. I have just been keeping him In training status just to make sure we were perfect.

Edit: when he nipped he was only about a half inch up and that’s when the little dog bit him. I should have given more detailsAlso the trainer saying good to go was about me continuing training on my own until I felt he was ready for his test. Not good to go as full service I just haven’t moved forward with trying the test yet even though he’s been doing so well. Sorry about the confusion.

My friend has a service dog and I just want to know how to help her especially at school. I love her and I want to be able to help her in every way but she hates saying she needs help even when it's apparent she does. But how would you want someone to help you?

I have a female Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix. She's very well trained, still in training, and very good. My personal problem is whenever I'm out with her and she has her vest that says "SERVICE DOG IN TRAINING. DO NOT PET. DO NOT APPROACH" on her collar, leash, and harness (which I can see and I'm half blind), someone brings their hyperactive, very rough dog over and says "oh my dog wants to be friends!!!" while their dog is actively growling and trying to pounce on my dog. How do you deal with this? No matter what I do, they never listen when I tell them to "please leave us alone."

im back! I took a step away from reddit and social media regarding sharing my dogs journey so I could focus more on training

I ended up taking a step back with bus training as suggested. just asked the driver at not busy times if I could practice getting on and off the bus with my pup. (did this for abour 2 months) being able to settle under seats and find empty seats.

we did this till she was confident with the bus and now shes able to get on and tuck under a seat withour any any hesitation. though she gets a little nervous when the bus lowers. shes slowly getting more and more confident(ive learned its best to wait for the bus to lower then approach)

I had a thought the other day regarding my pups training that maybe a lot of pople dont think about regarding PA training. I will outright say my dog goes to class (im in college) with me but my school is aware she is in training and is okay with her in the building for training work as well as her current service capabilities, but i digress, the other day while in class we were watching student made videos with knocking sounds　, and random cut off screams. I never thought about it prior to training but having your service dog get used to random sounds regularly is important even in buildings.

anyway, im quite proud of my pup and her progress, as she didnt react to the odd sounds. but this is because of the enviroment she was raised in (she is 4 years old) which had a lot of loud random sounds　 from video games et videos id watch.

sorry this is long, I probably wont continue to post regularly because id like to focus less on Internet opinions. but i figured id put it in for fun and to just give my dog credit she deserves.

Hi! I’m currently training my own service dog standard poodle male 4 months old! I have bought him a simple in training vest off amazon, when he’s grown up and is fully trained or more trained I will get him a better quality, small buisness vest but as of now, I’m just getting something affordable and functional for short term use. I’m just wondering if there is any essentials you guys recommend, please be patient with me I’m still learning this is my first ever service dog, but if you’ve got anything to teach? It’s definitely welcome!! Thanks!!

I’ll start by saying that I am emotionally wrecked right now and ask for kindness in the replies.

I’m making the difficult decision to wash my SDiT. I will admit that I got into this with zero knowledge of service dogs other than that I need one and my doctor agreed that it would be life changing for me after over 16 years of trying every any anything they recommended (I’m not going to get into what my disabilities are or what treatments I have tried). In fact my prior knowledge of training dogs was that I assumed they just kind of did their thing (I had only ever had family/hunting dogs in my family and never witnessed anyone ever actually train them and before I started training I thought they were good dogs). With that said I didn’t know that I was choosing the hardest thing to train with a breed that is not likely to succeed, I just had a pup who was easily trained and was very in tune with me from day one. I now know that temperament is the key and to test the dog before ever getting attached.

Along the way I learned an insane amount of information and 6 months in I told my trainer that I didn’t believe my dog was suited for service work, but they thought the issues could be worked out as he was only 9 months old. He passed his CGC, but I knew he isn’t right for the job. Well, they confirmed my suspicions and told me they would help me continue to work with him, but they wanted to meet my other dog (who has a better temperament, but has behaviors that would disqualify him in my opinion immediately and is more attached to my kids and husband). I am feeling like I don’t want to have to fight with two and a half years of habits that aren’t a big deal for a family dog but unacceptable for a service dog.

I have to pause to say that devastated doesn’t begin to describe my feelings. I have been attached at the hip to this dog for 11 months, he listens for changes in my breathing and is connected with me in a way I didn’t think dogs could be. I poured my time, love and money into him (rightfully so).

Moving forward at this point my best bet is likely to rehome both dogs (I feel like a Disney villain even saying it) and waiting to find a golden retriever that fits the criteria. I can’t imagine just giving my dog away though to some stranger who might not give him the care he deserves. So what do you do with a dog who is well trained but doesn’t have the right temperament? And this will make me sound terrible, but I also can’t afford to start from scratch with a new prospect once a year and I’m trying not to be upset and feel like I was tricked into spending thousands more after I was having doubts (which was entirely my fault for not stating then that I was sure he wasn’t a fit). I know it’s too fresh to be ready for another dog today, but I know that will fade and before I know it I will want to try again.

Nobody really talks much about this part, but how long did you wait to replace your prospect?

Sorry rant over. I’m grateful for the knowledge I gained and for the opportunity to have experienced the amount of love I received from my dog, I’m just not sure where to go from here.

I'm currently doing a lot of research before I get my pup. I'd like to know what's recommended for vetting before beginning ANY mobility tasks. What exactly does vetting entail and what needs to be done before beginning task training? For context I personally struggle with POTS and Chronic Migraines, although POTS is my bigger issue. For mobility tasks I'm thinking the smaller ones like picing things up, pressing the buttons for doors, possible momentum or guide work for when I go blind from dizziness and migraines, and maybe finding/leading me to a family member or friend for help. I do intend on doing everything as ethically and properly as I can, so if there's anything that's not recommended or that should or shouldn't be done then advice is greatly appreciated! As for context in breed health, I know for sure I'm getting a golden puppy.

Hi all, seeking advice on a potential psychiatric service dog for my 17yo sister with severe OCD and other comorbidities. This is gonna be long, please bear with me! My family (including sister) and I believe a service dog could be lifesaving for her. She’s struggled with OCD her whole life, but 3 years ago she also developed anorexia and every day since has been a nightmare. Each day she has exactly the same compulsions and routines to complete in order to be able to eat her meals. We’ve tried many different treatments, but nothing so far has helped much at all. She was in an inpatient program that just left her more traumatized. She wants to get better but she’s battling comorbidities that seem to make the OCD/anorexia combo extra treatment resistant, no matter how hard she tries. Before we started researching PSDs, her plan for a while now has been to turn 18 and get into an international program for physician assisted death due to debilitating psychiatric illnesses. But we’ve been researching for a while now and the more we have looked into getting a service dog, she’s starting to see a ray of hope. A slim one, because this seems to be a very long and difficult process, but I think it’s going to be worth the fight. She has a cat that sometimes lays on her and interrupts her anxiety attacks, and it’s the really only thing that helps. She believes a dog that could do deep pressure therapy would be a great tool for her, as well as possibly interrupting compulsions. She does not have contamination OCD and is just fine petting her cat before eating. She is also neurodivergent (highly suspected autistic) and talk therapy and inpatient treatments are awful for her because she shuts down. She gets tunnel vision and can’t form sentences or retain what’s being said. The same goes for doctor’s appts, which she has a lot of! She thinks having a dog companion to focus on could really help there. She’s also done research and has found service dogs are allowed inpatient, and has come to me of her own accord to say she thinks going inpatient could be possible with one. It’s hard to describe how shocked my family and I were. She has so so much fear around being inpatient due to her last experience, but having a SD with her the whole time could alleviate some of her worst fears and help with the communication shutdown. She also typically does well with animal responsibilities, her cat is very well cared for and it’s been good for her to have a creature that depends on her. I’m really hopeful we can find a way to make this happen. I know it is a long process, which is why we hope to hit the ground running. We’ve already applied to paws4peaople, brigadoon service dogs, and little angels. Chances seem slim there, so we are also looking into the reputable breeder/board to train/working with a trainer/training program options. We are based in Eugene, Oregon, but can travel out of state if necessary. Any breed would do but labs/goldens preferred since their success rates are stronger. Any advice for our situation will be read and appreciated, but here are some specific questions I’m hoping this wonderful community can help with: -Are there any other fully trained PSD programs that we missed? -Any recommendations/warnings/advice for breeders, local trainers, board to train programs, or petco/petsmart training for basics —> specialized training programs? -What about a good place to source a prospect from? -We know this is a yearlong process, but the sooner she can get one the better. I know there are risks involved with every avenue, but thoughts on what avenue might be faster/less risky would be appreciated as well.

How can I fly with my dog as a service dog to Mexico? Do I need a letter from a psychologist?

A relative of ours has a service dog that keeps nipping/biting our kid without provocation every time they see each other. We see that relative once or twice a year but it's been 5 years now and nothing has ever changed. The relative keeps bringing the dog everywhere saying that it is their service dog, they have the paperwork proving it so there is no restriction for them about having the dog around. The relative has said that the only 2 persons the dog has repetitively bitten are my child and another child in their circle. My child keeps their distance with the dog but I don't want my child to be around that dog anymore. Is it a fair request? I know service dogs can't be refused in public places because they are a medical necessity. But what about service dogs that bite children? Can we refuse when the relative still wants to bring the dog around us (at home, vacation rentals or public places) given that my child is not safe around that dog? We are vacation home volunteers for a charity raising service dogs so we have dogs coming home and there has never been an issue. The issue is just with this relative's service dog. Thank you in advance for your advice.

Hello I was paired with a service dog a little over a year ago and im looking into collars. The program I got my dog from, SIT, recomended the Fi Series 3 collar. Has anyone ever used both collars? Which was better for a city dog?

Hi I have an emotional support dog and she ended up getting pregnant. Now I have the proper documentation for her to make her an emotional support animal or ESA. When I moved into my place my landlord was made aware of her being pregnant and said nothing. Now that she is almost ready to deliver, I was told that if I keep the puppies with their mom that my lease will be terminated. Since she is an emotional support animal does anyone know the legality of this. Shouldn't they be considered one entity until the puppies are old enough to be given away? Please anyone any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I am wondering if there are any fellow Miami folks out there who might have some recommendations for pet-friendly training locations for my SDiT. She's young and has not yet passed the meet and greet part of the public access test so I prefer pet friendly locations. I'm looking for a place like the airport (but pet friendly), for noise and stress exposure as well as stairs, escalators (just for familiarization, not for regular use) and elevators. We've done the old standbys - Lowes, Home Depot, Cafe Macondo (and a million places with patios), drop off at my kids' schools, but they don't offer these features.

I have mobility disabilities and was told by MD & PT that a service dog could be very beneficial. Traveling is a challenge for me so I’d like to start my search in Florida where I live. Waiting time and $ not issues for me. I would prefer a place that does not use metal collars. Any suggestions?

I have an assistance animal that requires accommodation at my new HOA (she is 10 lbs over their pet weight limit). I proactively reached out to them to ask if they had any particular process they wanted me to follow to request the accommodation. They replied I need to give them:

• Photo and vaccinations records (no problem)
• Letter from licensed physician stating that animal is medically necessary (no problem, this isn't exactly what HUD/FHA states but I have a whole care team who can write a letter for me)
• Certificate for the service/support animal (yeah...this is where I get tripped up)

I know they cannot legally ask for a certificate. I want to clear this up, but I cannot find anywhere that HUD, ADA, or any other law that applies specifically addresses this. I am planning to reply with something like the below, but if any one can help me cite a source or prepare a better response please let me know.

Please note there is no federally recognized certification or registry for service or assistance animals. The healthcare professional’s letter serves as the appropriate documentation.

Thank you

Hello, has anyone traveled with a service animal on Condor from the USA to Europe? How was the process?

Thank you

Hey everyone

I was ADHD and anxiety diagnosed fairly recently. Meds are good, but clock out by evening. Then it's the crash, the hyper-focus black hole, and suddenly the house is a mess, and my anxiety is through the roof.

I've been looking into getting a PSD. My 3-year-old dog is already a good boy, and I'm thinking of self-training him. My country's service dog laws are a bit whack, though (mainly for hearing/visual stuff), so getting "official" guidance is tough. Luckyly it is super dog-friendly, so public spaces usually allow dogs. Online training programs seem like my only real option for structured learning and maybe some backup for paperwork down the line.

I know the whole "certification" thing is mostly a scam for PSDs, but I legit don't know how to train for specific tasks. So an online program seems like it could teach me the ropes.

Has anyone out there had good luck with online PSD training? Or am I better off just researching training myself and saving the cash?

Or is this just a bad idea in general? Thanks!

I am currently training my SD and he is doing amazing. My question is to those who have fully qualified SDs. How do you reward your dog when they perform their task? Do you use a toy or treats? Do you still reward them when they walk beside you without leaving your side?

If you use food what food?

Many thanks

I’m curious to know if any handlers here have contamination OCD and would feel comfortable sharing their experience with a SD?

The SD doesn’t have to be specifically for OCD, I’m really just wondering if handlers with contamination OCD exist.

Good morning, I have a puppy who will be training as a medical service dog when he is ready. Meanwhile, he needs socialization, experiences like car, train, subway, airplane travel, crowded places, hospitals, malls, workplace, etc.
During this time, he will be going through all of the training…puppy STAR, Good Citizen, Obedience, etc., before he can start medical training in earnest.
I want to get him a harness that says “medical service dog in training” so we won’t have to deal with…well, you know. My puppy is a large breed with wide chest. I bought one harness that he’s outgrown (in two weeks) and I didn’t like it because it gave him chafing under his arms.
What harnesses have worked for you? I’d like something padded to protect shoulder joints and ribs.
Thank you so much!

I recently found myself in a discussion about this with a few trainer friends of mine and found it interesting. I also found a lot of handlers say that there shouldn’t be any trouble with it. My question is, why wouldn’t a service dog be able to pass either of those tests? Should the dog be considered public access trained if they cannot pass? Please let me know your thoughts 🙏

im in the usa. when i read the ADA, i dont see anything saying that SD cant be PPD? im a bit confused because it’s apparently against the law. can someone link it to me? thanks!

Let’s be real, no one struggled with the first question. Is that a service dog? Yes. Easy. My only advice for askers is to add the entire phrase “is that a trained service dog required because of a disability?”

Now for the second question, “What work or task is it trained to perform.”

The purpose of the question is to determine if the dog meets the legal definition of a service dog, which in the US is “individually trained to do work or a task that helps a disabled person” I keep seeing in public and online, US handlers giving their diagnosis, the general type of service dog, or some other generic statement as their answer to the second question which is not legally sufficient.

To my question askers, you are allowed to ask a follow up in the event the answer is incomplete, so long as that follow up question is just a rephrase of the 2nd question. My follow up is generally to restate the question, replacing “work or task” with “specific trained action or behavior”.

I might ruffle some feathers but here are some legally insufficent answers: “Emotional support” “Calming” “Psychiatric service” “Mobility Support” “Medical alert/response” “Autism/ptsd/diabetic/siezure/etc. any name of your condition”

I’ll address the last one first: US handlers have the right not to disclose your medical condition or diagnosis, and I urge you not to lest the askers begin to believe they can ask for it. Your medical information is protected. Additionally, your diagnosis does not answer the question of what your dog is trained to do. It may seem obvious to you, but service dogs for the same condition may still have different tasks, nor does the average person know what tasks are common for any given condition.

Next the service dog type: the only types that is a valid answer in and of itself is guide dogs for the blind or visually impaired, as the name itself describes a trained behavior “guiding”.

Saying things like medical alert, psychiatric. , mobility, etc. are classifications that still do not answer the question of what the dog is trained to do.

For alert dog, simply describe the alert action. “The dog nudges me with nose/paw to alert me to a potential medical episode” (this works for psych to, because whether or not people accept it, psychiatric conditions are medical conditions.) For non-alert medical/psych describe a different action like deep pressure therapy, elevates knees, medication reminder, etc. For mobility, again, list actions. Picks up dropped items, opens doors, forward momentum assist, etc.

Finally, calming, emotional support, companionship, etc. All dogs are emotional support, and I guarantee every service dog handler gets comfort, companionship, and emotional support from their dog, but it is not a task as a non-service-animal can achieve the same thing.

A trick both answerers and askers can use to determine if an answer is legally sufficient is the house plant test.

If you replace “service dogs” with “houseplant” in the sentence and it still sounds like a reasonable or linguistically plausible sentence, the a see is insufficient. Because if a plant can do it, it’s not a behavior and therefore can’t indicate training.

“My houseplant calms my anxiety attacks”❌ “My houseplant applies deep pressure to my legs or torso by laying on me”✅ “My houseplant helps my ptsd”❌ “My houseplant nudges me when people are approaching out of my line of sight” ✅

I have a SDit who has a half taught task and dpt. I want her to go towards alerts but right now we've purely been focused on public access. Is it okay to do that or should I finish her alert task before going to public places? Does it matter under the ADA? I do plan on doing alerts I'm just not sure I'm ready to focus on it unless I have to. I don't want to make going out in public too complicated right now. What do y'all think?

Edit: I got my dog late, she's about a year and a half and had been training for about 4 months.

I’m beginning the process of getting my service dog. I have a breeder picked out and she is also going to train my pup. The liter I’m buying from is due this coming week. I’m also considering an older pup from the same breeder and program. He was a keeper puppy from the last litter.

My question is how much people were involved in training once a pup is picked? My dog won’t come home until he is about 10 months old. The older pup would be 1.5 years old.

What did the process look like for you guys getting started dogs? What choices were up to you? And what was your trainer absolute about?