For centuries now, dogs have already shown and proven how they can be useful to us. Aside from being our best friends, they can also be of service to us. Isn’t that delightful and reassuring?
So, don’t worry if what you have now is just a pet dog. By following some simple steps, you can readily train it to become a service dog. And whatever your handicap is, your dog can absolutely help in making your life a bit easier. Read on:
- Look for a suitable training program in your locality. Each state offers a number of training programs, all-designed to prep up pet dogs to become service dogs. They can range from obedience lessons to service activities. Favor the training program that can easily transform your pet dog into a service dog. Ask about the training program that is meant to serve your handicap.
- Assign your pet dog to become a service dog. There are standards to follow here. There are numerous ways on how you can designate your pet dog so it can eventually become your service dog. The most common practice is to get a special harness for your pet dog. The special harness can readily distinguish your pet dog from being a service dog.
- Learn about your inherent rights. If your pet dog has been certified to become your service dog, you logically earn the right to “depend” on it. Your service dog can accompany you to your workplace. It can even go with you in a restaurant, in a grocery store, or anywhere else you desire. In fact, based on a stipulation from the official website of the Department of Justice’s Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), your service dog prevents your from being discriminated, particularly if you are looking for appropriate housing provisions.
- Determine the kind of assistance you may require from your service dog. If you are blind, you need to train your dog in guiding you. Your dog should serve as your eyes. It should aid in going through traffics, in walking up and down on stairs, or in passing through sidewalks. On the other hand, if you are deaf, your dog should be trained to alert and signal you, especially when there are important noises – phones, doorbells, crying babies, smoke alarms, microwave bells, kettle whistles, to name a few. Meanwhile, your disability is physical or mental, your dog should be honed to support in letting you to become more mobile, in allowing you to maintain your balance, or in seeking help if you are in a medical emergency.
After you have trained your pet dog to become your service dog, inform
your family and friends about the things that they have to do when they
meet your dog. You should tell them to avoid petting or calling your
dog, particularly when it is with you. Let them understand that petting
or calling your dog can create distraction. Also, instruct them to
refrain from feeding your dog. Explain to them that your dog is
following a strict diet. And most importantly, request them to speak
with you and not to your dog.