Breeds and Training and other "Special" needs

It's not a new thing that I have heard or read about but it is something that I feel needs to be addressed here in this manner.

Some people will talk about certain breeds needing certain "things" and "training." Obviously certain breeds have their certain characteristics that set them apart from others-that's part of the reason they are breed. However, there really is no (I never say never-I learned that so that that one time can't come back to prove one wrong) reason that a certain breed needs to eat a certain brand of food or have certain vitamins etc added. ALL breeds whether purebreds, mixes, pets, or working dogs they all need training and socialization.

If you do get a dog (or other animal) especially from a breeder and they insist that you feed a certain brand of food or add a certain supplement think twice about them. It is one thing to recommend something, but to require it in order to give an animal home is something else. A dog may be a breed, but it comes down to an individual. One food that works for one dog in a litter may not work for another. Requiring a good quality food is one thing, a certain brand and type is another.

ADA Amendments Act and Service Dogs

While some of the changes to the ADA may be helpful for people with disabilities others, such as the change in the service animal law is more likely to do harm to those who need the protection than help. Unfortunately, the change was likely made in response to the growing misuse of service animals. It is easier to make a wide restriction than deal with the abusers.

There is something about the terminology of the amendment to the service "animal" clause. It states "common domestic" but excludes horses ("farm animals") as well as several other "domestic" animals later. Several of these listed animals are considered domestic. Also, what is "common?" Horses, pigs, goats etc are common.

IDA believes that this may be a poor response to the abuse of service animal abuse. Even dogs are not immune to the abuse. There are organizations that train service dogs and give them to individuals for the slightest reason and many would not qualify. Individuals also abuse this and train their own dogs. There should have been a better response that helped weed out and hold the abusers responsible.

Scooters, Walkers, PCA's and Service Dogs

As my life and condition progress and change so do my needs and the way I do things in every day life. Every ones' situation is different and one "size" does not fit all. I have always done as many things as independently as possible, albeit maybe in a modified way.

As things progressed it became apparent that my needs were changing. I guess I have always things differently and that is normal to me. I put things at certain levels or have things set up in ways that seem odd to others or even "harder" to them.

I have had balance issues for years now and jokingly say that I always walk like I am "drunk." About three years ago it became apparent to me that I should maybe look into the service dog option again (I had thought about it but entering college I didn't feel that I could provide the dedication needed to it and learn enough about it-although looking back a service dog would have been beneficial). Being the research type I started my learning process. Boy was I in for a surprise.

Not only were the laws conflicting, opinions, acceptance, understanding and knowledge was all over the board. Like I mentioned before I like to be independent as possible and having a service dog looked like it could meet my needs and keep me as independent as possible. My inability to look at one aspect of something (I found that this seems to annoy some people) lead me to a whole new "realm." Some people were very understanding and thought that it is wonderful what a service dog could do. Others I found thought that a "person" for several reasons would be better. Or even a walker or wheelchair, or all of the above. Let me tell you a little why from a disabled persons stand point about these things.

First of all if insurance does not pay for someone to assist it can be completely out of reach for a person with disabilities. Also, even if insurance does approve assistance it can often be limited. This also goes make to being dependent on other people, which disabled people are often criticized for (like a double edged sword or a catch 22). As for walkers, wheelchairs, scooters etc they can be of great help in cases, but not always allow the freedom and independence a dog can for some people. None of these listed items can get in and out of a vehicle on their own. Often times help from another individual is needed to do so whereas a dog is capable of getting in and out on their own accord. Obviously, there are lifts, but again this goes back to costs as well as practicality in each persons situation. Walkers and the like also do not go over curbs or up/down stairs on their own either. They do not pace themselves on hills while going down or provide some assistance while going uphill. They will not pick themselves up if they fall over. Dogs can multitask in many situations.

Does this mean a dog can do everything and is the only thing ever needed? No, but in some cases it may be the better/best solution. Usually, like in almost any situation it is a combination of things that are needed.

New ADA Amendments

By now most of you have heard that the ADA Amendment Act was passed and will go into effect in 2009. We will have more postings on it once we gather more information, but welcome any comments/thoughts. There IS an amendment that affects service animals which we will post soon.

Also, we are still in the process of developing a website. Our first design/idea may have to change so it is taking longer. Hopefully by spring of 2009 it will be up!

Perfecting the Service Dog?

I have recently come across several articles and even TV references to perfecting service dogs and the "perfect" breeds. They were to say the least, very disturbing. We must remember that these are dogs and will always be dogs.

Some organizations are seeking to "perfect" their breeding program. Genetics is a delicate thing to deal with. Also, we must keep in mind that each dog will always be an individual and environment has an influence as well.

There are plenty of breeders out there that service dog groups and trainers can obtain dogs from, as well as humane societies/shelters/rescues. There is no breed that makes the "best" service dog. Even within a breed and then within a little each has it's own personality. Obtaining an older dog has benefits such as knowing the personality better (although one must always keep in mind that they are dogs and like people nothing is ever definite in every situation) and they don't have the puppy care/expense/finding foster homes. Getting puppies from established breeders (after much research etc) allows the breeder to focus on the breeding quality and care of the parents.

Organizations need to focus on training and providing dogs to those that QUALIFY under the ADA (which is a whole different posting in and of it's self). There are more than enough dogs out there, they just need to look.

Disabled Parking Permits - Use and Abuse

Disabled parking permits and the spots reserved for people who need them are jeopardized and misused every day. Many people seem to be getting these permits without really meeting the requirements. They are not meant for "ease" but to allow people who would otherwise not people to get into a facility to do so.

The applications vary from state to state, but many of the requirements are similar. The information is to be filled out by the applicant as well as a doctor or other authorized personal. Part of the problem may be doctors and others authorized to sign these applications doing so for people who are not qualified. This may be due to truly understanding the persons situation and/or the requirements.

There is also a problem of people parking in a disabled parking spot simply because "they are only running in quickly" or "nobody uses/needs this spot." This is not the case and people who truly need them are often left not being able to get a spot and therefore unable to access the facility.

If you see someone who seems to be abusing a parking space and/or permit notify the facility. They should have the number of the proper authorities and should do so.

Remember, these spots are there so that people with a disability that qualifies them for the permit can access the facility and would be unable to do so otherwise. If you really do not need the permit and are able to gain access without one consider yourself lucky. Those who legitimatly need one would most likely tell you that they would rather not have to have one.

Making Training Fun

While service dog training is a serious issue, that does not mean it can't be fun.

A good way to start with basic commands is to start with toys. Since dogs often pick up toys anyway a good way to start teaching the "get it" or similar command is when they pick up the toy is say "get it." Don't worry if they don't bring it to you right away. Remember start slow and make sure the dog understands what you want.

This concept can be used in other areas such as "bring it" and "take it." Remember to break up the commands and focus on one at a time. Once the dog understands the individual commands then they can be used in a series.