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What do you need to train
your own Assistance Dog?
This really depends
on you and your dog. You get what you need - when the time is right. The
age of your service dog, stage of training, and your personal situation,
dictates what is required or optional, an effective tool or not for you,
and affordable - within your budget. You might start out with one
collar or harness, then advance to another; or try a training tool, only
to discover your dog responds better to another technique.
Until she was about 6
months old, Greta had a clip-on cloth collar, metal choke chain (worn
ONLY during training), and 4-foot nylon leash. She also had plenty of
toys.
When more serious
training began, I ordered a
GENTLE LEADER HEADCOLLAR, which proved
to be invaluable. It is essential that the collar fits properly, but the
design allows even physically-weak individuals handle their dog with
confidence.
I also ordered a
clip-on
SERVICE DOG PATCH
that has 2 interchangeable patches: "In-Training" and "On Duty."
 Greta was trained in
a standard, good quality blue nylon harness purchased from a pet store.
When I put her harness on, I tell her that she is "getting dressed." She
becomes very excited, because this usually precedes training, going
somewhere, or having visitors - all positive experiences.
I also use a short,
2-foot thick nylon leash that is easily attached to my wheelchair brake
(looped over), when we are in the house or on excursions. For walking or
traveling, I use a 6-foot leather leash.
In public, Service
Dogs should always wear some kind of identifying tag, vest, or harness.
At home, Greta wears her "On Duty" patch if we have guests - especially
"new" people who might be tempted to pet or distract her.
NOTE: By law,
Service Dogs are not required to be certified. Please read the
IAADP Position on National Certification.
Assistance Dogs International offers a
guide to Service Dog Laws.
Service Dog
Collar-Card by Wiredog |
Since adopting Greta, I've looked at more websites
than I could possibly list here: many offering service dog equipment,
patches, vests, supplies and even training. So how do you choose? What
is best for you and your assistance dog?
Some products are available at more than one source,
and vary in price, delivery, or whether patches are included. Look
carefully at descriptions: the picture might look similar, but the
material could be substantially different in quality or durability. Call
to ask questions; if there are no contact phone numbers or customer
service information on that site, look elsewhere for your equipment.
Stuff You Might Need... has interesting
links. One of my favorite online shops is
Wiredog Petjoy - offering a variety of
service dog and working dog equipment, and always eager to help
customers.
SitStay is a popular choice. Try
Wolfpacks
or
CanineOutfitters.
LDS Leather proudly boasts that their
leather guide dog harness made it to the "big screen" - they construct
high quality harnesses for mobility and guide purposes. Check out
KingsValleyCollies for custom-made
mobility and pulling harnesses. Specially designed harness vests
include:
FreedomDesignUSA and
Har-Vest.
Searching in general can be tricky: some websites
claim to have service dog supplies, vests, etc., but are really only
LISTS of more sites - a gimmick to get you to click, and sneak a cookie
onto your computer. Don't fall for these FAKE "storefronts" or "service
dog" links!
TRAINING HELP:
Handi-Dogs Training an organization in Tucson, AZ
Sheri and Greta
Christmas Eve 2008 |
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Meet Greta and Sheri
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Greta
8 weeks old
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Greta, smiling
March 2006
11 months
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Greta & Sheri
September, 2006 |
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Greta
16 months old |
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Greta
"Come to my side" |
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Greta & Sheri
my sisters Julie & Joni |
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Greta & Nephew Kyle
"The softest dog in the world!" |
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Greta at work
"Get keys" - picking up keys |
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Greta "Good girl"
Brings keys, puts in my right hand |
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Greta & Sheri in Kansas
September 2006: With Sheri's brother, Jerry (double-amputee wheelchair user), and sister Joni, who is a Social Worker for hospice |
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Evacuating Hurricane Ike
Greta, Sheri, & her husband: When Ike hit Houston, Sheri's daughter came to take her & Greta to Wharton for 5 days |
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Greta - Ready to go!
December 2008 |
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Greta - UP!
We're in my driveway going for a little walk |
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Greta - Walk!
The commands: From sit position - Up! then Walk! |
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Greta gets a treat
My "treat bag" is a zip-cosmetic bag, easily opened with one hand and my teeth. I have a stretchable cat collar on it, to hold it on my wrist, or hang on my wheelchair. |
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Greta walks...
December 2008 |
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Greta walks at my right side
I hold the leash with my right hand, and operate the power chair. The commands I give her are: "Walk","Easy", "Stop", "Turn", "Sit" and "Up" - she has learned to keep pace with me.
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Greta - At my side
Command - to my side. Greta always sits at my right, my "strong" side. |
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Greta smiling
She is a happy dog! |
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Greta loves "Dad" too!
My husband with Greta - December 2008 - She's 3-1/2 years old now |
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Greta and I
appreciate your purchase of my poetry book "Gypsy
Heart Travails and Treasures" ~
Your support helps my stroke rehabilitation and Greta's continued
training, veterinary care, special equipment and supplies.
Thank you very much! ~ Blessings, Sheri
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