Service Dogs
One of the things I get asked about most, even though our focus is on pet dog training and behavior, is service dogs and fake service dogs. The Fresno Bee has a long syndicated article on the issue of fake service dogs and some of the less reputable organizations out there.
(For those curious, we’ve also got a page that goes over the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs.)
Short version:
Service dogs generally have $15k+ in training and can perform specific tasks to mitigate a specific disability covered under the ADA. This includes lots of public access training, and so service dogs are granted public access where other dogs are not.
Emotional support dogs do not have to have advanced training though they do need a doctor’s note. They have access to lodging and airplanes, but no additional public access.
Any dog that is behaving poorly can be asked to leave, regardless of any paperwork. So dogs selected for this work should not be anxious, reactive, aggressive, hyperactive or insecure.
At the same time, always acknowledge that service dogs often have years and tens of thousands of dollars invested in them, and they should be treated with respect and not distracted during their work. They are not there to provide entertainment to other dog lovers.
That said…
The news often focuses too heavily on negative service dog stories: scams, frauds, complaints. Service dogs are also doing AMAZING things and we should not assume the worst. Here’s a great story about a Fresno State student who suffered severe injuries when hit by a drunk driver — including brain damage and loss of sight and smell — but recently graduated with the help of her guide dog, Lennox.
The Royal Wedding
Not a topic that generally interests me, but this story about one of the participant’s rescued beagle from a kill shelter got me.
Snakes
Rattlesnake bites to dogs are on the rise in the Central Valley, according to local vets. If your dog gets bit, rush them immediately to the vet. Most can survive if treated immediately.
There is a snake wrangler in the Central Valley who will catch and remove snakes for you. She used to run princess parties.
Dog Parks
I’m not a fan of dog parks for most dogs, given how often they contribute to aggression and reactivity issues, but they can be useful if used carefully and correctly. Clovis may be getting its first dog park.
On Social Media
A cattle dog takes the one-acre challenge
Two large males learning dog social skills
A lab shows off her ball skills
A golden retriever works on stays at a distance
Finally… cutest puppy of the week
Finally…
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