Podcasts about assistance dogs international

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by two guests. First, we have Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director of Assistance Dogs International, joining us to talk about Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the work they do and what ADI standards mean for those working with assistance dogs across the world. If you'd like to find out more about ADI head to their website: https://assistancedogsinternational.org/. Then, we have part 2 of my interview with Seeing Eye Dogs handler Dale Pierce talking about his life, his story and his partnership with Yana. Dale is a busy and active handler and trail runner and he’s set to take on an exciting 100K Your Way challenge. In this episode, we talk about their lives and partnership together, home life with a Seeing Eye Dog and how Yana has settled in living with a cat! To support Dale’s 100K Your Way fundraising efforts, head to Dale's 100K Your Way page. Part 1 of the interview with Dale is available at your preferred podcast platform or here: https://omny.fm/shows/seeing-eye-dogs-show/dale-yanas-story-part-1-getting-active-trail-runni If you’d like to learn about Seeing Eye Dogs, the work we do, becoming a handler, or supporting us head to our website at sed.visionaustralia.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show Harriet is joined by two guests. First we have Kim Ryan of Guide Dogs Tasmania and Western Australia and part of the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) training conference of Oceania organising committee joining us to talk about the exciting inaugural ADI conference for Oceania held at Seeing Eye Dogs in November 2024. This conference provided a stage for collaboration with other amazing schools world-wide to help bring the best outcomes to all assistance dog handlers. Then we're joined by Oliver Fanshawe Seeing Eye Dogs handler to Sadie. Ollie was our youngest client ever when he was matched with Sadie at age 14. Ollie, an athlete of blind cricket and blind tennis, has just graduated high school and shares some of his story and chats with us about life working with SED Sadie. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ If you’d like to learn about Assistance Dogs International and what it means for SED to be an ADI-accredited school you can head to their website at: assistancedogsinternational.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Findlay, RNIB Customer Voice Insight Co-ordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Tell us about your voting experience  A few weeks ago we all went to the polls and every time we have an election we ask you to tell us about your voter experience, good or bad. The information you provide will be used to track what it is like for blind or partially sighted voters to cast their ballots.  Your experiences form the basis for our “Turned Out” reports, which we share with the UK Government and the Electoral Commission to keep the pressure up for improvements in the accessibility of voting.   This evidence is hugely important if we are to bring about change. Our past reports have contributed to improved Electoral Commission guidance and an increase in the provision of audio solutions in some polling stations but there's a long way to go if all blind and partially sighted voters are to feel confident voting independently and in secret, whether in the polling station or by postal vote. If you'd like to share your experience with us, you can complete our short survey. The survey will ask about your experience of voting (or why you didn't vote) in the 2024 UK General Election. If you'd like to complete the survey, please send an email to involvement@rnib.org.uk and you will be sent the link to the survey.  Are you a visually impaired football fan who attends live matches? Researchers at UCFB, Bournemouth University and Ulster University are exploring visually impaired peoples' experiences of watching live professional football in the UK. The study will investigate a wide range of topics including match-day routine, accessibility, sensory experience and fandom.  The researchers will be carrying out online semi-structured interviews in which you will be invited to share your experiences.  For more information and to take part, please email Dr Connor Penfold via c.penfold@ucfb.ac.uk Share Your Experience: Air Travel with Guide or Assistance Dogs Have you ever experienced problems whilst travelling by air with a guide or assistance dog? The European Guide Dog Association and Assistance Dogs International are gathering evidence of the problems experienced by guide and assistance dog users when travelling by air. These examples will be collated and forwarded to the European Civil Aviation Conference to inform them and influence their guidelines. If you have an experience you'd be willing to share you can fill out a very quick survey and help make air travel better for everyone with a guide or assistance dog.  If you would like to complete the survey, please send an email to involvement@rnib.org.uk and we'll send you the link to the survey.  To find out more about these and other Connect Voices opportunities along with how you can get involved with RNIB Connect Voices do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-community/connect-voices-network/connect-voices-current-opportunities (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Ep. 56 - Early Alert Canines – Show NotesLong time listeners to the podcast know Michael is diabetic and Episode 49 talked about diabetes in our pets. But today's episode focuses on how some specially trained dogs are helping protect their human handlers who have diabetes.Carol Edwards is the Executive Director of Early Alert Canine. She shares information about how dogs are trained to detect dangerous blood sugar levels in their diabetic handlers and how these service dogs can be literal life savers. Here are links to information we talked about today:Find more about Early Alert Canines at their websiteLearn more about diabetes at the CDC websiteFor more information about diabetic alert dogs in your area, visit Assistance Dogs International and check out Episode 41 to learn more about that organization Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at thefamilypetpodcast@gmail.com. 

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by special guest Dr Chris Muldoon joins us to talk about his thesis and research about the emotions of dog guide handlers: ‘The emotions and feelings experienced by guide dog owners in the application, training and working of their guide dogs.' in 2022, Chris presented about this work at the Assistance Dogs International conference and now coming on the show we're going to talk about that study and the implications it has for handlers, and the staff working with them and their dog guides and Seeing Eye Dogs. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. If you live in the North Brisbane or Sunshine Coast regions of Queensland or in Victoria in Geelong, Bendigo and select areas of metro Melbourne (listed on our Website) get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know the difference between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs? What do these titles mean and what are these dogs allowed to do? Chris Deefenthaler, executive director of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), joins the podcast to explain her organization's role in training and placing assistance dogs. She also details how ADI sets standards and establishes guidelines and ethics for the training of these dogs. Here are links to information we talked about today: The Assistance Dogs International website has all the information you could ever want The American Kennel Club has an article “Service Dogs, Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs: What's the Difference?” Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at thefamilypetpodcast@gmail.com.

Michael Babcock is using his Mac computer full-time, and shares tips on how he's been optimizing his experience with the system. Brock Richardson of The Neutral Zone brings us our weekly Sports Update. In the podcast Raising Kindness, Becki Zerr and her son, Bennett, perform acts of kindness around southern Saskatchewan. We learn more about the show, and the experience behind it, with Becki Zerr. Community Reporter Carol Yaple highlights the Lumiere Festival in Vancouver, an event re-defining winter with dazzling lights and community arts performances. Devon Wilkins has our monthly Guide Dog & Service Animal Report. On Know Your Rights, Danielle McLaughlin discusses measures to end slavery in the US and Canada – in 2022.

Reporter Devon Wilkins tells us about a new digital ID from Assistance Dogs International that aims to eliminate fake assistance dog credentials.

YO BRO….. Bri & Beka host their eighth episode of their “Warrior Wednesday” series and this week are joined by guest, Kara Dingess, a fellow arthritis warrior.During the episode, Kara spoke about her service dog, Adele. While there are many organizations where individuals can learn about and receive a service dog from, learn more about Canine Companions by visiting their website or their Instagram page. For more general information on service dogs, check out Assistance Dogs International. Also, feel free to check out and follow Adele's instagram by clicking here!We encourage you to get social with us on social media by liking our Facebook page, “Those Girls with Arthritis”, and following us on instagram @thosegirlswitharthritis. Send your questions to us on Instagram or click here to submit your questions anonymously. We encourage anyone who would like to join our Facebook community group to do so! You can access the page by clicking here. Check out our merch shop by going to thosegirlswitharthritis.com. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation.We are busy fundraising and planning for this year's Jingle Bell Run benefitting the Arthritis Foundation. Bri will be participating in the Tampa Jingle Bell Run. Join her and her team if you are in the area on Sunday, December 4th. https://events.arthritis.org/team/rockinreevesramos Beka will be participating in the Atlanta Jingle Bell Run. Join her and her team if you are in the area on Saturday, December 10th. https://events.arthritis.org/team/jinglewithbeka Don't forget to subscribe, so you won't miss future episodes!Disclaimer: Those Girls with Arthritis was created by two friends hoping to share their personal experiences and learn from others. We are not medical experts. Please contact your health professionals before making any choices to change your medical plan.

This week on the show, Petrendologist Charlotte Reed and Michael Fleck, DVM talk with the American Veterinary Medical Association's President, Jose Arce, DVM about telemedicine; and, Assistance Dogs International's Executive Director Chris Diefenthaler about International Assistance Dog Week in which we honor service dogs and their trainers.

They say a dog is a man's best friend, but for some individuals, their dog is a lifeline. Right here in rural America, we are privileged to have a nationally recognized organization and facility dedicated to raising, training, and placing service dogs with people in need. In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff sits down with Kyle Cory-Yaeggi, Operations Director, and Laura Erganian, Fund Development Coordinator, from Retrieving Freedom, Inc.  Retrieving Freedom is a non-profit organization with a mission to change lives through the training and placement of service dogs for veterans with disabilities and children with autism. The organization operates out of two Midwest locations, Waverly, Iowa, and Sedalia, Missouri as an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. Retrieving Freedom is recognized nationally for its unique training methods and exceptional quality of its 117 service dog placements. What you'll learn:  Kyle and Laura's passion for the non-profit industry and how their career paths led them to Retrieving Freedom An in-depth overview of Retrieving Freedom, from their mission and their training program to their locations and placement processes Kyle and Laura's respective responsibilities as Operations Director and Fund Development Coordinator Some of the marketing strategies Retrieving Freedom uses to communicate with different audiences How being located in rural America helps them better serve clients across the country Details on the summer volunteer opportunities and the annual public events Retrieving Freedom hosts in their communities What Kyle and Laura love about living in rural America and how they would characterize the Midwest

In this episode of the Voice Epilepsy™ podcast, BC Epilepsy Society staff members, Sonia Ali and Christine Jamieson discuss service dogs for people with epilepsy, which are known as Seizure Response Dogs. Listen to this podcast to learn more about what a Seizure Response Dog is and does, as well as information on owning, training, certifying, and obtaining an epilepsy service dog. During the podcast, Christine also talks about her Seizure Response Dog, Eva, and discusses the path she took to get her trained and certified as an official service dog in the province of British Columbia. If this is something you are looking into and if you have any questions for Christine about this, you can email her at impactspeaker@bcepilepsy.com. Please see below for the links and contact information of the organization discussed during the podcast: Guide Dog & Service Dog Certification: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/human-rights/guide-and-service-dog The International Guide Dog Federation: https://www.igdf.org.uk/ Assistance Dogs International: https://assistancedogsinternational.org/ The Lion's Foundation of Canada: http://www.dogguides.com/ | info@dogguides.com | 905-842-2891 BC & Alberta Guide Dogs: https://www.bcandalbertaguidedogs.com/ | info@bcguidedog.com | 604-940-4504 The Canadian Association of Guide & Assistance Dog Schools: http://www.cagads.com/ Key Companions Service Dogs: fur4all@home.com | 905-857-9547 West Coast Access: 604-485-6062 Paws4People: https://www.paws4people.org/ | info@paws4people.org | 910-632-0615 Paws with a Cause: 616-877-7297 Courageous Companions Incorporated: https://www.courageouscompanions.ca/ Red Dog Training Solutions: https://www.reddoginc.ca/ | 780-782-7318

Hawaii Association of the Blind 54th Annual Convention, May 1, 2021 Moving Forward Thru Adversity General Business Resolutions ratifying bylaw amendments Electing of delegate Recognition ACB audio team. Amy Downard, Orientation & Mobility tips and tricks Guide Dogs, by Todd Jurek, field manager at Guide Dogs for the Blind Service animals verses emotional-support animals by Jim Kennedy, member of legislative committee of Assistance Dogs International (live) TheHandi-Van and TheBus updates, V.P. Michael Randolph and President Jenny Lemaota, (live) Safety tips …by Police-Department's Corporal Roland Pagan Health and nutrition by Kourtney Inoue of Kaiser Medical Advance Directives, by Lori Protzman of Queen's Medical Center – West Oahu Non-24, sleep disorder, by Shauna Jatho of Vanda Pharmaceuticals Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

Sarah and I have a great conversation on her view of life with cerebral palsy. Sarah has a podcast called The Disability Podcast where she shares her life and viewpoints. She also shares her life with her service dogs Edison on IG. Sarah applied for a service dog with NEADS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1976 and has trained over 1,800 Service Dog teams since its founding. NEADS is accredited by Assistance Dogs International, the internationally recognized governing body that establishes industry standards and practices. Sarah, thank you for sharing your story and providing a viewpoint that we all need.

Good Morning Veterans, Family, and Friends, welcome back to the TWENTY-SECOND EPISODE of the Veteran Doctor. On this week's episode, we will discuss Veterans and Dogs. We will also have our UBI and Veteran News, so stick around for some great stuff ahead in our program! Many brave soldiers return home with scars – both visible and invisible – that makes it challenging to transition back into civilian life. At the same moment, millions of wonderful companion animals wait in shelters for a forever home. When a Veteran is appropriately matched with the right dog, both of their lives change for the better. The Veteran saves the animal from their demise and welcomes them into a loving home. The pet provides the Veteran with support, unconditional love, relieving stress, depression, loneliness, and anxiety. Here is a very informative article I found on veterans and dogs written by Correll, D. (2020) from the Military Times that might be helpful: While there are multiple options to choose from for treatment, nonprofit organizations like K9s for Warriors and Southeastern Guide Dogs have founded a treatment method that veterans cannot receive directly from the VA, and that is service dogs. These extremely trained animals can perform a range of tasks such as tactile stimulation to help the veteran cope with anxiety or panic attacks or standing directly in front of their handler in a crowd to give the veteran space from other people. The goal is to empower veterans who are living with PTSD. “Dogs will never cure your issues, but they are simply going to be a tool to help them in their recovery with it,” Suzy Wilburn, director of admissions and alumni, support at Southeastern Guide Dogs, told by the Military Times. The VA is currently evaluating whether service dogs can benefit veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Although Congress first mandated a study on the topic in 2010, it has been put on the back burner twice. Most recently, it was relaunched in 2015 and is still being conducted. According to the New York Times, the VA said that in May, it would unveil the study's results in 2020. But K9s for Warriors, who matches post-9/11 veterans with service dogs, has pointed to research Purdue University released in 2018 that found veterans with service dogs experienced lower overall symptoms of PTSD, lower levels of depression, and a more remarkable ability to engage in social activities. Purdue partnered with K9s for Warriors for the study and examined 141 veterans with PTSD: 75 who had graduated from the K9s for Warriors program, and 66 who were on the waitlist. Under current policy, Veterans cannot be matched with a service dog through the VA. But the agency can recommend veterans work with nonprofits that are members of Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation, coalitions that provide accreditation to organizations who train and place service dogs, to start the process of adopting a service dog. Military Times spoke with experts at K9s for Warriors and Southeastern Guide Dogs, accredited organizations with the agencies above, and here's what you need to know. What's the process like? To apply for a service dog, veterans typically must submit documentation that they have been diagnosed with PTSD from their military service, conduct a series of interviews over the phone and/or at home with the service dog providers, undergo criminal background checks, and participate in a training course. Information, including the contact information of the Veteran's current mental health provider, primary care physician, and references, are also commonly requested. “Here at Southeastern Guide Dogs, we have a pretty extensive application process that they go through,” Wilburn said. “What we want to find out is if they're appropriate to have a dog,” Wilburn added. This ensures that Southeastern Guide Dogs knows essential information about the applicant upfront to prevent wasting a veteran's and organization's time if it's not the right match. Approximately 50 percent of the applications that Southeastern Guide Dogs receives are rejected due to various reasons, including criminal background, or if the Veteran is not also receiving treatment from a mental health professional, Wilburn said. “We tend not to place our dogs if there's a tendency toward any kind of violence,” Wilburn said. The organization also conducts an at-home interview to guarantee that the Veteran lives in an environment safe for a dog. During those checks, Wilburn said they figure out what a veteran is looking for in a service dog. That is, do they want a dog that will help them leave the house for the grocery store during the middle of the day or one that will help them cope with flashbacks or nightmares. At that point, Southeastern Guide Dogs determines which dog they've been training is best suited for the Veteran, and then they work with that animal for 12 weeks to customize commands tailored to that specific Veteran. Lastly, veterans are brought to the Southeastern Guide Dogs campus in Palmetto, Fla., for an 11-day training course to instruct them on how to work with their service dog. Altogether, it can take up to two years for Southeastern Guide Dogs to train the service dogs the organization breeds, Wilburn said. Matching a veteran with a dog through Southeastern Guide Dogs takes between six months to one year. K9s for Warriors also has a thorough application process and asks for various information in its 37-page application to service veterans diagnosed with PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma. “We look at your mobility, we look at your activity level, we look at your home life, we look at the animals that you have in your home, we look at the goals that you have within three to five years,” Mike Drafts, Warrior Relations Manager at K9s for Warriors and a Marine Corps veteran, told Military Times. Like the Southeastern Guide Dogs' application process, veterans must submit documentation from a physician confirming they have service-connected PTSD. K9s for Warriors also conducts criminal background checks and contacts personal references. Likewise, veterans also must submit confirmation that they are physically and mentally able to participate in a 21-day training program where they will go out in public with a service dog. According to Drafts, 85 percent of the dogs K9s for Warriors trains are rescue dogs. The organization has a dedicated procurement team that evaluates dogs in shelters to determine if they have the aptitude and are medically cleared to work as a service animal. If a dog cannot pass the K9s for the Warriors training program, they are then adopted through the organization to help prevent them from ending up in any kill animal shelter. According to Drafts, K9s for Warriors has accepted approximately 360 applications in 2019. Drafts said a “good percentage” of applicants are accepted; however, they noted that failing to meet requirements will disqualify some candidates. Those who are approved won't receive a dog immediately, though. Even after being accepted into the K9s for Warriors program, veterans must be very patient because the organization's waitlist is between 12 to 18 months. The final portion of the matching process requires the veterans to complete 120 hours of training on-site at their headquarters in Ponte Vedra, Fla., where the Veteran is matched up with a fully trained service dog. The training is designed to show the veterans how they can instruct the service dog and work together as a team. Once veterans graduate from programs like Southeastern Guide Dogs and K9s for Warriors, they must cover costs associated with having a service animal. However, veterans who have substantial mobility limitations stemming from a mental health disorder can qualify to receive veterinary benefits for their service dogs, provided the dogs were adopted through an organization Assistance Dogs International or International Guide Dog Federation has accredited. Drafts said approximately 38 graduates from the K9s for Warriors program had received approvals for this benefit this year. Service dog vs. emotional support animal Service dogs and emotional support animals are not the same and do not perform the same functions. Although emotional support animals have attracted media attention in recent years, experts note there are several significant distinctions between the two. “The big difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal is not the dog itself, but the handler,” Rory Diamond, K9s for Warriors CEO, told Military Times. “For a service dog, the handler has a disability, and that dog is trained to help with that disability.” That differs from an emotional support animal that could help anyone “feel better,” regardless of whether the handler has a disability or not, Diamond said. Wilson expressed similar sentiments when asked about emotional support animals. “Although it does the emotional part of it, it is not trained in any specific tasks to do that,” Wilson said. “It is going to sit on your lap and let you pet it and love it, and you are going to feel better about yourself, however, it is not going to help you mitigate anything disability-wise.” Wilburn also pointed out service dogs have public access rights covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which only recognizes dogs and miniature horses as animals specifically trained to perform tasks for those with disabilities. In contrast, emotional support animals do not have public access rights at all. The PAWS Act Groups like K9s for Warriors do not charge veterans going through their program to train and place a service dog. But both chambers of Congress have introduced legislation that would provide veterans a voucher to use to receive a service dog, known as the Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members Act, or PAWS Act. “The PAWS Act would change VA policy completely,” Diamond said, adding this could allow groups to match more veterans with service dogs. The legislation would instruct the VA to establish a grant program to give veterans with PTSD $25,000 vouchers to adopt a service dog if that organization belongs to the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans. K9s for Warriors estimates it costs $27,000 to train and place each dog. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., introduced the measure in the House in June, and Sen. Debbie Fischer, R-Neb., reintroduced it in the upper chamber in November. Previous efforts to pass the legislation have been unsuccessful. For example, it was first introduced in 2016, again in 2017, and most recently in 2019. Even so, the legislation has consistently been referred to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees and hasn't faced a vote. Diamond said that K9s for Warriors will continue working to advance the legislation and will instead invest more energy into the Senate in 2020 to try to ensure the legislation advances this time around. “What you'll see is a big push in the Senate in January...we're going to put all of our efforts into the Senate side since the House seems to want to kill it every year,” Diamond said. Advice for veterans? For veterans starting the process of adopting a service dog, Wilburn and Diamond advised veterans to do their research ahead of time. In particular, Wilburn warned that illegitimate organizations could attempt to target veterans because they may be in a “vulnerable” state. “Although they may not feel that way, there are organizations and scammers out there that know that they're vulnerable and will take advantage of that,” Wilburn said. To safeguard against this, Wilburn said that veterans should head to Assistance Dogs International, which establishes training standards to ensure the dogs “meet the highest standards in the industry,” according to the organization's website. “That's the best place for a service member to start, is to look at these accredited organizations around the country,” Wilburn said. Diamond also recommended that veterans visit the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans' website to familiarize themselves with various providers that connect veterans with service dogs, what the standards are, and what's expected during the process. Similarly, he recommended that veterans avoid working with organizations that require veterans to pay for the service dogs. “There are lots of groups that are working for free,” Diamond said. For Drafts, he recommended that veterans have ample support from their family to adopt a service dog because it can significantly alter the dynamic between a veteran and their family. “What I mean by support is that this is a lifestyle change like no other, meaning that it is a service dog, and it's almost like you're adding a third person to a relationship,” Drafts said. Drafts pointed out that the service dog is very different from a family pet and said the animal is designed to develop a bond with one person: the Veteran. But no matter what, Drafts said K9s for Warriors wants to be a resource for veterans — even if their organization can't directly assist them. If you need help, let someone know, Drafts said. “It's not just that we're providing service dogs for veterans,” Drafts said. “We're here to help any and every veteran.” According to the VA, veteran suicides increased in 2017, averaging approximately 17 per day. Reducing that number is K9s for Warriors' ultimate mission, and Drafts said that's why they want to help all veterans — period. “We're just here to change lives,” Drafts said. “And that's what we're trying to do.” Hopefully, this article is something that you find informative and intriguing. Animals are very therapeutic in helping Veterans in many different ways. If you feel that a dog could help you, please see your local VA and consult with your mental health professional. They should also be able to guide you in the right direction. If you have any further questions, please let me know. Until next time, take care, be safe, and I will see you next week Reference: Correll, D. (2020). Is adopting a service dog right for you? What veterans diagnosed with PTSD need to know. Military Times. Retrieved from https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2020/01/02/is-adopting-a-service-dog-right-for-you-what-veterans-diagnosed-with-ptsd-need-to-know/  

This episode is full of information! Army Veteran and Founder, Brooke Corson shares her passion, Mutts with a Mission, a 501(c) 3 non-profit service dog organization based in Portsmouth, Virginia. Brooke shares her personal story, love of animals, her journey in the Army and how pitching the idea of Mutts with Mission to her husband to help veterans. She explains the differences between the types of service animals, the importance of intense training, personal responsibility and being accredited with the Assistance Dogs International. Listen and learn! Resources: Mutts with a Mission - www.muttswithamission.orgAlso on Facebook - Mutts with a Mission Assistance Dogs International - www.assistancedogsinternational.org Until Tuesday - author Luis Montalván Support the show (http://weblink.donorperfect.com/BehindTheWarrior)

Assistance dogs can be found in the workplace and in the community.  Pharmacists serve people of all abilities, and we occasionally see a service animal with a patient.  This interview is a great opportunity to hear how assistance dogs come into our patients lives and how pharmacists can actually help connect patients with assistance dogs.  On a personal note, my son had a therapy dog.  I talk about my family’s experience during the interview.   Today’s episode is an interview with Jenny Barlos, Client Services Director for the Ability Center Assistance Dogs in Sylvania, OH.  Jenny joined Assistance Dogs as the Client Services Director in August, 2007. She is responsible for everything from the consumer’s perspective, including determining eligibility of potential service dog users, organizing and facilitating their training and graduate activities, doing graduate follow up visits, and administering the public access test for the service dogs placed by the program.  She provides advocacy services for graduates who experience public access issues as well as discusses advocacy information for businesses and the public.  She does many educational presentations about service dogs including what they do to help people, as well as the rights and responsibilities of having a service dog.  She serves as an accreditation assessor for Assistance Dogs International, visiting service dog programs throughout North America to help determine which organizations are maintaining standards set within the industry.  To learn more about the Ability Center Assistance Dogs Program, visit https://www.abilitycenter.org. Highlights from the interview Jenny loves what she does! Assistance dogs can increase independence for individuals with challenges.  Dogs help people stay active and feel included in their communities, which reduces feelings of isolation.  Ability Center Assistance Dogs trains and places service dogs and therapy dogs.  The Assistance Dogs Program is part of the Ability Center’s 17-acre campus in Sylvania, OH.  It’s very accessible and comfortable for people of all abilities.   There are many types of assistance dogs.  Ability Center Assistance Dogs provides therapy dogs to individuals (with autism or developmental delays) and schools as well as service dogs to help individuals with physical challenges.  Jenny helps educate the community about types of assistance dogs.  For example, therapy dogs don’t have protected public assess rights like service dogs.   Jenny educates medical professionals about assistance dogs.  Pharmacists, nurses, doctors, students, and more can refer patients to the Ability Center Assistance Dogs Program.  Visit abilitycenter.org for success stories, inquiry forms, and volunteer opportunities.  Dog-loving volunteers are needed!   Pairing an assistance dog with an applicant is a process.  Personalities and needs must be considered.  My son learned new skills because of his dog.  We had a good experience.  For example, my son's classmates read to him AND his dog “Bond.”  So, he gained friends.  He was also motivated to learn how to scoop dog food, which was a skill he did not have before the dog came into the picture.  It takes time to learn what the dog can do and to teach the dog new things.   The Ability Center Assistance Dogs has a dog breeding program.  One of their recent litters has names related to beverages.  “Dr. Pepper” is a black lab from that litter.  They call her “Pepper.” Training teams takes time: 1 week in-person training for therapy dogs and 2 weeks in-person training for service dogs.  Extra time gives a service dog and their teammate the training and support needed to navigate public access situations Inmates at prisons help train assistance dogs.  Inmates are available to work, and they do a good job.  Training dogs teaches empathy and unconditional love.  Plus, it gives inmates an opportunity to contribute back to society.  Inmates learn job skills and are motivated to maintain good behavior to stay in the training program.  It also allows them to feel more human and to be a better human being.   Donations are welcome.  Scout troops, school classrooms, reading groups, high school student service projects, and individual children have donated in the past.  See https://www.abilitycenter.org for a list of items needed.  Monetary donations are always welcome too.  Jenny likes to talk to donors to make a connection between their donation and the recipient.  She brings a dog and shares information about the Assistance Dogs Program, including how to be a responsible citizen around an assistance dog. Think of Assistance Dogs as a tool for safety and independence.  It’s best not to distract a dog or touch it while it is work.   The coronavirus pandemic has brought challenges to the Assistance Dogs Program.  For example, surface (leash, collar, etc) to human virus transmission is a minor consideration.  Luckily, dogs do not get or transmit the coronavirus, and they do not need to wear masks.   Jenny shared a lovely story about a young grandmother who met her neighbors because her assistance dog got her out into the community and provided an ice-breaker for conversations.  This woman met the inmate who trained her dog, and they connected because the dog made them  both “seen” to those around them in a good way.  

Episode Notes November 2017, life changed in the most amazing way! I went to Smithtown, Long Island and was matched with my first guide dog. Boaty is a phenomenal Black Lab who is not only my guide but the best thing that has happened in my life. The Guide Dog Foundation who turns 75 this year was the school who gave a shot to a guy who had less than 2 years independent mobility but who's very life hinged on a successful match. Fast forward these 3 years and I have such appreciation for the school that helped me really grab life and pull myself back to a life that is full and productive. I have tremendous respect for the process and all of the schools and thousands of people who work so hard to make these programs successful. This week I want to deep dive into the first 2 years of a guide dog life!! Eric and Holly have raised 4 amazing dogs starting with Boaty. When I stepped onto the campus in Long Island I could never have imagined that I would become a member of another amazing family. Join Sunday Edition as we welcome Eric, Holly and Nancy. Nancy is the person Holly and Eric's second guide went to. She has become a sister of sorts being the human who loves and is in care of one of the dogs Holly and Eric have raised. We are a family unto ourselves and I am happy to welcome  them and share their parts of the process.  Lauren Berglund graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Child, Adult, Family Services. She has past experience in higher education disability services and vocational rehabilitation services. Lauren is the Consumer Relations Coordinator at the Guide Dog Foundation and America's Vetdogs, sister non-profit organizations that place guide and service dogs with veterans, first responders, and individuals who are blind or have other disabilities. The Guide Dog Foundation and America's Vetdogs were the first assistance dog programs in the United States to be dually accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. Through her position Lauren empowers program graduates and applicants through a combination of strong multi-channel direct phone support and referral services, creation of high value and informative content, and engaging in strategic public outreach and education efforts to key stakeholder originations.   Douglas Wiggin is the Field Rep for the Guide Dog Foundation. The area he primarily works is the New England area, as well as Florida, Mississippi, and Part of Canada. He has been with the Foundation for 31 years. He has lived in Maine for almost 14 years now. He was a resident instructor for about 16 years and now a field rep for about 15 years. As a Field Rep parts of his are Interviews, aftercare, home placements, residential placements, agency visits, and re certification of our Vet dogs.   So we will spend the first hour of Sunday Edition going thru the life of a Guide Dog from birth to the successful matching and growing as a team.  Then I speak to Donna Brown who is a dynamic Board Member and a wonderful ACB advocate and friend. We will get to know her and her journey to the Board.  Lastly Leslie Spoone will preview the Holiday Auction, enticing with some of the goodies on the auction block and her work making yoga available to our members virtually.  Sunday Edition airs on ACB Radio Mainstream at 1pm eastern and can be found on all major podcast catchers by searching : ACB Sunday Edition Questions and comments for the show can be sent to : celebrationac@aol.com

While you may have assumptions on how working dogs are bred, there is still plenty to learn. Marina Phillips the Breeding Coop Administrator for Assistance Dogs International North America Regional helps answer many questions on this topic. Jim shares why the terminology is so important when discussing these topics as well.  Join us next month for the November Virtual Race & Walk for Gratitude to raise funds to support this program. Episode Highlights  2:00 - Meet Marina Phillips a Breeding Coop Administrator for Assistance Dogs International  2:30 - How the programs work together  4:30 - Breeding Cooperative accreditation & member schools 6:00 - Sharing resources in breeding 8:00 - How the breeding cooperative began  11:30 - Marina’s journey to the breeding cooperative 16:30 - The many aspects of breeding  19:00 - Tracking the window of ovulation  20:00 - Development of the colony of  22:30 - The ways genetic testing is leveraged  24:00 - Definitions for naming of dog characteristics  28:00 - Developing systems to screen & develop for training 30:00 - Formalizing terminology to work together for best possible outcomes 32:00 - Micro Behaviors seen to recognize long term outcomes  34:00 - Training handlers to spot the behaviors that benefit the dogs 36:30 - Marina shares how feedback influences what works well 39:30 - Behavior checklists and how facility dogs connect  42:00 - Colleen reflects on the characteristics of Blake   Links To References Assistance Dogs International North America Regional Chapter  International Working Dog Registry 

Doobert connects volunteers (almost 30,000) with organizations that need them. These volunteers act as transporters, foster homes, photographers, food suppliers, you name it... and they use Doobert to specify how they are able to help. We support organizations (almost 5,000) with tools that they need to connect with and manage volunteers. Some of the organizations Doobert works with are Best Friends Animal Society, Assistance Dogs International, Rescue Transport USA, English Setter Rescue Association, and many more. Chris's vision for Doobert started as connecting the disparate organizations across the country to safely move animals to where they need to go for adoption or placement to adding fosters, feeders, TNR, adoptions, and more. The goal is to make it easy for potential adopters to find their perfect new family member online, complete the application and purchase requirements (like food, litter boxes, collars, etc...) and then safely deliver the animal to their new home. With more than 800,000 companion animals needlessly killed in the U.S. each year, more and more people are looking to adopt instead of buying through pet stores and breeders and Doobert is making a seamless experience possible by integrating the technology that the organizations need to connect them with the people looking to adopt and volunteer. Doobert is about supporting the ongoing relationships that volunteers want to have with organizations and the relationships that adopters want to have with organizations that helped save their animals. Doobert is looking for sponsors that believe in our life-saving work and that want to contribute towards completing our vision including no healthy and treatable animals dying in shelters when there are loving homes in other communities. Animal shelters should be resources to their communities and provide support including low-cost veterinary services, safety nets for families needing food and supplies for their animals, and education and professional support for the care of all animals in their community, owned or wild. The vision is to create a new revenue model for these shelter and rescue organizations that are not dependent solely on donations or government funding, and that supports how people purchase products and services for their pets. Technology is not the only piece of the puzzle however technology provides a significant enabler towards reaching these goals and bridging the gaps that exist today. We know our sponsors want to reach passionate animal lovers, both volunteers & professionals that are focused on helping animals and the people who care for them and we plan to be the company that provides that connection at every capacity. Want to know more? Connect with Chris at Chris@doobert.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Executive Director of the Courthouse Dogs Foundation Celeste Walsen shares the impact and ongoing mission of the organization. This episode explores the complexity of raising and selecting facility dogs and why these roles aren’t for just any dog. Celeste also shares the value of this training, and some of the legal aspects of working facility dogs. Episode Highlights 2:34 - Ellen's experience with raising service & guide dogs 4:05 - What’s the process like raising these dogs 5:15 - The transformation of placement  6:50 - Service organizations guidelines 9:00 - How Ellen & Celeste met 11:00 - Advocating for increased use of facility dogs 12:30 - International impact  14:00 - Helping facilities understand purpose bred dogs 16:00 - Why purpose breeding is important for working dogs 17:55 - The science behind selecting a dog that is biddable  21:20 - Why some dogs aren’t suitable  24:15 - Remembering the mission critical role these dogs play 26:00 - Genetics, Socialization, Training - The 3 keys to success 29:00 - Good temperament still may not make a reliable services dogs 31:00 - The value of accredited assistance dogs organizations 34:00 - Continuing the mission of the foundation  36:30 - Legislative support for facility dogs  38:25 - What we do & how you can help  41:50 - Facility dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs...what are the differences 46:30 - Educating people on the work of Facility dogs 48:15 - Jim shares the shifting roles dogs play in our society  50:05 - Training those working in a facility how to interact with the facility dog  52:00 - Navigating a facility as a handler  Definitions  Biddable - A variety of factors that determine if an animal is trainable  Career Change Dogs - The determination that a purpose bred dog would be better suited to serve in a program different than the one originally intended.  Therapy Dog / Emotional Support Animal - A pet dog that has some training by its owner and has been registered as a dog & can visit public places.  Service Dogs - Defined by federal law as a dog that is specifically trained as a dog to perform tasks to help one individual.  Facility Dogs - Expertly trained dog partnered with a human to facilitate a specific outcome for those that the dog serves.     Links To References Canine Companions for Independence - https://www.cci.org/ Guide Dogs For The Blind - https://www.guidedogs.com/ Assistance Dogs International - https://assistancedogsinternational.org/

  EPISODE 15: For children with autism or other developmental disabilities, a service dog can make all the difference. They can be trained in a variety of tasks that address a range of issues facing a child with autism and the family. These include socialization, behavioral, and life skills, and fine and gross motor skills.   A service dog can rest his head on a child’s lap to calm or interrupt unwanted behavior, flip on a light switch if the child has a fear of the dark, press against the child to give the sensation of pressure, and even communicate with parents by barking when the dog senses the child needs assistance.   Today, we’re speaking with two autism moms that know firsthand how service dogs can help children who deal with development challenges or social anxieties.   More recently, Carey Jordan and Erin Huff created “Autism Tails” with the mission to provide information, some hope, and a better understanding of living with autism and these furry bundles of love.   CONCLUSION: If you or your family are thinking about getting a service or therapy dog, perhaps begin by asking yourself these questions:   Does your child like dogs? Might your child or anyone else in the household have allergies that might be aggravated by a dog? Is your family prepared and ready to take on the long-term commitment and expense of caring for a dog in sickness and in health? Are you comfortable handling a dog while caring for your child in public?   A service dog training agency such as Assistance Dogs International or Loyalty Service Dogs, and even our friends at Autism Tails, can help you sort through these questions while sharing some personal experiences.    For more information on Autism Tails, please visit: www.autismtails.net

From the Mother Nature Network web site www.MNN.com  The confusing world of service dogsmnn.com The term "service dog" is used a lot in public these days. What was once an assistance animal for blind or deaf individuals, highly trained service dogs are now helping people with a wide range of disabilities, acting as seizure alert dogs, PTSD service dogs, alerting a handler with diabetes to when his blood sugar dips, and so much more.However, as an understanding of the broadened range of what a trained service animal can do reaches the general public, and with the important work the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has done to increase public accessibility and privacy for people with service animals, it has become common for people to call their pets service animals even when they don't meet the legal definition.Related reading: 11 things that humans do that dogs hateA lot of people are interested in calling their pet dogs service animals for reasons that have little to do with mitigating the effects of a disability. Maybe it's so they can bring their pet along on shopping trips, bring them on the plane with them during vacation, or get around housing restrictions for pets. Whatever the reason, claiming your dog is a service animal is no small thing. Those who want to have a dog as a constant companion or a working animal need to be aware of everything that claim entails legally — not to mention how it can effect the reputation of trained service animals everywhere.Service dog versus therapy dog versus emotional support animalThere can be a lot of confusion about the different titles for dogs, particularly when it comes to public access. However, as Please Don't Pet Me points out, "Differentiating between service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support animals is not a matter of splitting hairs or political correctness. Each of these dogs has a very different job from the others and the terms are not interchangeable."Service dogs have been trained to perform specific tasks that help mitigate a handler's disability.A therapy dog provides comfort to people, particularly in hospitals, nursing homes and schools. While therapy dogs receive training on how to handle themselves in public and around the people they're comforting, they are not trained to do specific tasks to help with a disability.Emotional support animals (ESAs) are pets that provide a high level of comfort to the owner and do not have to have any training.The only animal that legally can go to any public place the handler goes is a service dog.ESAs have some additional legal protection under the Fair Housing Act; a person whose doctor has recommended they have an ESA can have their pet living with them, even in housing that has pet restrictions. They also have some protection under the Air Carrier Access Act, which allows a person with documentation to have their pet travel with them. However, an ESA is still a pet, not a service animal, and does not have the same public access as a service animal. In other words, while you can have your ESA living with you in a no-pet apartment, you can't bring your ESA to the grocery store or coffee shop.The American with Disabilities Act has an excellent FAQ that helps clarify the differences among service dogs, therapy dogs and ESAs. It can be a bit confusing even for those familiar with the territory, so it's easy to imagine the confusion and frustration of business owners or other service providers who have to deal with people who claim a therapy dog or ESA is a service animal.A working dog helps a vision-impaired handler. (Photo: Cylonphoto/Shutterstock)So how do you know if a dog is legally considered a service animal? Ultimately, it's quite simple: A dog is considered a service dog under the law when that dog trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate the handler's disability. It doesn't matter the type of disability the handler has, or whether that disability is physical or psychological.To be allowed to go everywhere with a handler, not only must a dog be able to do a job, but the dog must also stay under the handler's control at all times. In other words, the dog needs to be leashed or harnessed and has to be able to mind his manners. A significant amount of training goes into a service dog's ability to be polite in public. The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners has a standard for the minimum training requirements for public access.There's no overarching organization that deems a dog a service dog and provides certification as such. If you have a physical or psychological disability, your dog consistently and reliably performs tasks that help you with a disability, and your dog has the obedience training to behave in public, then your dog is legally considered a service dog — no paperwork, special certifications or listing in a registry required.But as with any system, there are those who play by the rules and those who don't. Many people willingly "certify" their dogs to get the official-looking paperwork that might wave off a questioning business owner. And that's where things can get hairy.Fake service dogs are a big problemThere has been a public backlash against people who take fake service dogs into public places, and rightfully so. It isn't just about the issue of lying for your own benefit; it's also about the danger the owner is creating for the animal, for other people, and for legitimate service dogs that may find themselves next to an unruly pet."Fake service dogs present a problem for legitimate service dog teams in a number of ways," says Erin Kramer, a professional dog trainer and owner of Tug Dogs. "The first and most widespread is that by taking untrained dogs into public spaces and masking them as service dogs, when they do act inappropriately, it makes it more challenging for legitimate service dogs to be welcomed."For instance, many people put their dogs in shopping carts or allow them to sit on chairs in restaurants. Neither of these activities are allowed for service dogs. Or the owner may allow the dog to go sniff other people, or to seek out attention from strangers or to bark excessively — also behaviors considered unacceptable in trained service dogs. People claiming to have a service animal but who really have an untrained pet with them harm the reputation of legitimate service dogs and make it harder for people with working dogs to gain the respect of business owners, people who grant access to public places, and the public in general.Service dogs don't sit at the table, unless it's for a very specific task that requires contact with their handler. When you see people let their dogs sit at the table with them, that's a good indication the dog is probably a pet. (Photo: Olesia Bilkei/Shutterstock)"Illegitimate service dogs often end up unknowingly teaching poor habits to the general public by allowing people to pet or interact with their (so called) service dog." Kramer states, "If your dog is not performing a task for you, it's no big deal to have them busy trying to greet strangers. However, when you have an actual service dog who is there to assist you in some way, you need them focused on their job. Service dog handlers already have to deal with the general public attempting to interact with and otherwise distract their dog. When someone has been able to pet and interact with what they believe to be a legitimate service dog, it can be confusing or disturbing when you have to tell them your dog cannot be petted."Fake service dogs can also cause problems for legitimate service dog-and-handler teams by being reactive or approaching other days to play."Fake service dogs can create problems while out and about for actual service dogs by reacting negatively, such as lunging, barking, growling, and other inappropriate behavior in confined spaces such as at restaurants and in shops," says Kramer. "If a service dog is having to worry about another dog acting aggressively towards them, they cannot focus on their handler's needs, and that can be downright dangerous."As a result, service dogs that have undergone years of training may have to be rehabilitated or retired after being attacked by fake service dogs — and such a loss is a significant one to the handler who needs a working dog to navigate the world.The problems of fake service dogs go way beyond the perception issue. There's also the impact on the well-being of fake service dogs.Colt Rosensweig writes, "Service dogs are specially trained to deal with things like children racing up to them and invading their space, adults randomly reaching for their heads, shopping carts rattling by inches from their face, and crowds pressing in on them from every direction. These things can stress pet dogs out beyond their threshold. Some pet dogs will shut down in the face of such stress — this is very unpleasant for the dog. But some dogs will be so stressed out that they lash out. This is not only unpleasant for the dog, but dangerous to the dog, owner, and members of the public."The problem isn't limited to people who propagate the fake service dog myth, but also to websites that claim to register dogs as service animals or ESAs. Not only does this confuse pet owners, who might think they're playing by the rules by registering their animal, but the certificates or identification cards mailed out to pet owners who flash them in public can cause even more confusion.Are online service animal registries legitimate?Unfortunately, the reality is most websites that offer registration or certification for service animals or emotional support animals are in it to make money and aren't giving you anything of legal value. Not only is there no official certifying organization for service dogs, you don't even need to carry certification for your service dog. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require service animals to be certified or registered with any company or organization.Service Dog Central writes, "There is no legitimate service dog certification or registration in the United States. Some programs will certify the dogs they train and test, and some do not. Those certificates are the only ones that actually mean anything, and they only mean anything if you have to go to court and prove your dog is trained. They are not required; they are merely useful documentation for the dog's training, which could be substantiated by other means. You don't need them for public access, or housing, or flying, or anything else."Some websites offer a doctor's letter for a fee to those who want to be able to have their pet considered an emotional support animal or service animal for various reasons. Others will register the animal in their database and send out identification cards and a certificate so that everything feels official, even if it isn't. Some services will even charge an annual renewal fee to keep the animal registered, or to renew the doctor's letter each year. Ultimately, while it might help you feel more official, registering your animal with one of these registration services doesn't give you any additional legal protection or status for your pet. Still, some owners want that card.Service Dog Central has a list of scam registration websites, and notes, "Not a single service listed above tests the dogs they certify, register, or ID. They do nothing to verify the dog's training or the owner's disability. All that is required is that the purchaser fill out a form with the information for the certificate and where to mail it, and include payment ranging from $35 to over $200 depending on the package being purchased.""Quite honestly, the registration of the dog on a website is the lowest of our priorities when we train or provide a service dog," says Kramer. "Putting that goal first is a big mix-up in proprieties. I think focusing too much on how and where to buy a vest or register a dog misses the most important element of the service dog experience: having a dog who can do their job."Sometimes, having a card as identification to clip on to your dog's vest makes it easier for those training a service dog to navigate public spaces without being hassled by store owners. But sometimes, whipping out that identification at the slightest questioning does more harm than good.Legally, a business owner can ask only two things: Is your dog a service animal? And what tasks is the dog trained to perform? That's it. Those people presenting the identification to business owners when questioned about their dog unwittingly train the business owner that documentation is available and should be presented. When a legitimate service dog team refuses to show documentation — because legally, they don't have to — the business owner may think that this legitimate team is actually a fake.Can you train your pet to be a service dog?Legally, someone can train a dog to be a service animal, but there's a big caveat here: Most pets are not cut out to be service animals. Beyond being trained to perform specific tasks to help mitigate a handler's disability, a service dog needs to have excellent behavior while in public and be calm despite anything happening around them. The world can be a stressful, scary place for a dog — from loud cars to construction noise, to the chaos of a busy store, to children running up, to people trying to get their attention to give them affection or food, to having to experience something new such as riding on a new form of transportation.A service dog needs to have the mental tools to navigate that loud, hectic world for themselves while also paying attention to the needs of the handler and being able to do the tasks they've been trained to do. It's not a job for any pet. Even dogs bred specifically for the temperament of a service dog "fail" service dog training school for various reasons.So while there may be the option for you to train your dog as a service animal, it's important to realize that your dog likely may not have what it takes to be an effective helper. You also have to realize it takes upward of a year of intense daily training of your dog, and continued training throughout the dog's lifetime to maintain those skills, so it also might be something you as a dog owner don't wish to take on — especially if your only goal is to legally be able to take your pet with you everywhere you go.Training your dog to be a service dog needs to come from the right place and to happen for the right reasons because it's a serious long-term commitment — and it also affects the reputation of legitimate service dogs everywhere.How to train your dog to be a (legal) service dog"There is a lot of confusion out there about what it takes to have a service dog who meets legal requirements and can perform the tasks required of them, or to turn your own dog into a service dog," says Kramer. "With different regional regulations, conflicting internet information, and even many trainers not knowing some of the details, it can be challenging just to figure out how to get started."If you and a medical professional feel a service dog would benefit you, and you think your pet dog is an ideal candidate, the best place to start is to find a reliable trainer who has experience in training both service dogs and handlers. Not only is it important that the trainer have excellent skills with dogs but because you will be doing practically all of the hands-on training, they need to be good at teaching people as well. The trainer will guide you on thedaily training and how to build up to advanced skills for your dog.Do your research in finding the right trainer for you. Then set up an evaluation so the trainer can let you know if she thinks your dog will be able to handle the responsibility. Be prepared to hear that your pet should remain a pet. However, if both of you have what it takes to tackle training, then you'll be able to move forward in what will likely be many months, if not a year or two, of daily work.Kramer gives an overview of what to expect with her program: "We first ensure our clients meet legal requirements by having a doctor's note indicating that in fact they would benefit from the use of a service animal. We then look at the team (handler and dog) to see how they interact, what weaknesses are present, and what tasks need to be trained."A service dog in training is not yet legally recognized as a service dog. However, some states are more lenient about providing public access to service dogs in training to help teach them how to behave in public. For instance, California allows a person with a disability who is training a service dog, or a licensed trainer to have the dog with him in a public place for training purposes. Check with your city and state to know the laws about public access.Building your dog's service skills is a long process. "We work toward the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test in the early stages of training, and then public access standards as set by Assistance Dogs International," says Kramer "If, at the end of this rigorous process a client chooses to register with an online resource, they can do so knowing that their dog has met all the requirements and can actually do the job they need to do."Ultimately the final exam for a service dog is this: Can a service dog perform tasks that help a handler cope with a disability and be with that handler at all times, remaining calm in any public situation? Federal law allows businesses and organizations to remove a service dog that is out of control or that isn't housebroken. Your service dog's training and your abilities as a handler are the real access pass to public places, not some certificate bought online."Certifications and ID cards can be faked," Rosensweig writes. "Impeccable behavior can’t be purchased for $50 from an Internet scam site. It can’t be obtained in a day. It takes an incredible amount of time and dedication. People who want to 'take Fluffykins with me everywhere!' are not the kind of people who will put in two years of training to make sure Fluffykins can handle it."However, if you and your dog can put years into training, then you certainly have the potential to become a legitimate team that can add respect to the reputation of service dogs and handlers everywhere.

Richard Lord, Top Dog and CEO of Assistance Dogs Australia visits with Marcie and Whistle about how they are working to change Australia one assistance dog at a time! Richard talks about the cutting-edge types of assistance dogs they are training. Did you know dogs can be trained to live with an individual or even a couple with dementia and provide a host of tasks to assist them in everyday activities? Richard also talks about serving as the current Chairman of Assistance Dogs International--the organization that is setting the standards for assistance dog organizations worldwide. Richard is one of the global leaders in assistance dog training and placement and you’ll be captivated by all the information he so generously shares! Questions or Comments? Send them to: marcie@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Assistance Dogs Down Under with Marcie Davis

Michelle Woerner, Director and Trainer with K9s 4 Mobility stops by to visit with Marcie and Whistle about how she trains, places and supports Assistance Dog Partnerships. Michelle gives us the scoop about how her agency gets 50% of their dogs from local shelter/rescue programs and how they work with individuals who want to train their own assistance dog. Plus, Michelle talks about her work as an Accreditation Surveyor with Assistance Dogs International! Questions or Comments? Send them to: marcie@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - K9s 4 Mobility with Marcie Davis

This assistance dog expert has been the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S.’s largest service dog organization, Canine Companions for Independence for over twenty years. Corey Hudson also serves as Secretary of Assistance Dogs International and as President of ADI, North America. ADI is a coalition of not-for-profit organizations that train and place assistance dogs which promotes standards of excellence and public education. Sity, stay and listen in as Corey shares a wealth of knowledge about ADI and CCI, including the latest about ADI’s current projects and how people with disabilities can apply to receive a CCI assistance dog. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Sit, Stay and Listen to Corey Hudson - The World Wide Assistance Dog Authority! with Marcie Davis