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!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, April 11, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Certification
Working with service dogs one of the issues that arises on a regular basis is certification and registration. Under the ADA there is no requirement for either. No type of identification is required either. Places cannot demand proof of certification of either the service dog or the person's disability. There are places out there that claim to certify or register, but this gives no protection under the ADA. Some people chose to have their dogs were identification. This is a personal choice.
Unfortunately, there are some places that would like to see certification/registration mandatory. This is fueled by several issues, including the use of service animals by those who do not really qualify for them. Organizations that place dogs/animals with people who do not qualify for them only add to this problem.
While most everyone who is fortunate enough to share their life with a dog (studies have even shown the benefits) would agree that having a dog provides a wonderful emotional experience, this is not enough to make a service dog or qualify for the use of one. The the ADA requires that a person is substantially limited in one or more of life's major activities. The courts have made it clear that they tend to rule with a "hard to reach" definition of what constitutes substantially limited.
The ADA makes it clear that a person must be disabled under the ADA and that a dog must be individually trained related to that person's disablity. It also allows for a disruptive dog to be asked to be removed. This allows service dogs to be kept within reach of the people who really need them. It is the people who exploite the use of service dogs and the ADA that cause problems for everyone.
Everyone must keep in mind that the ADA does NOT apply to service dogs in training. Some states to allow greater coverge to service animals in training and their regulations must be followed.
Unfortunately, there are some places that would like to see certification/registration mandatory. This is fueled by several issues, including the use of service animals by those who do not really qualify for them. Organizations that place dogs/animals with people who do not qualify for them only add to this problem.
While most everyone who is fortunate enough to share their life with a dog (studies have even shown the benefits) would agree that having a dog provides a wonderful emotional experience, this is not enough to make a service dog or qualify for the use of one. The the ADA requires that a person is substantially limited in one or more of life's major activities. The courts have made it clear that they tend to rule with a "hard to reach" definition of what constitutes substantially limited.
The ADA makes it clear that a person must be disabled under the ADA and that a dog must be individually trained related to that person's disablity. It also allows for a disruptive dog to be asked to be removed. This allows service dogs to be kept within reach of the people who really need them. It is the people who exploite the use of service dogs and the ADA that cause problems for everyone.
Everyone must keep in mind that the ADA does NOT apply to service dogs in training. Some states to allow greater coverge to service animals in training and their regulations must be followed.
Our New Logo is Here
Our new logo is finished! We are putting the finishing touches on our website. As we grow and our needs change we will change the website along with it, but for now our simple website suits our needs and allows us to allocate our efforts on the bigger start up issues.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
New Logo
We should have a new logo soon! Once we get the logo process done, the website will follow.
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