Ever wanted to have a service dog? - Page 1

Well, as my friend and I are training for our Service Dog of America titles (UKC)  she looked up service dog America by mistake.

This website came up after reading it over I about fell on the floor !!!!!! what a joke and scam !!!!!!!!!http://www.servicedogsamerica.org/certification/index.html

EK

Yes, pay the fee and get the "kit". These organizations are laughed at by people within the SD Circle.

Tina

Yes, my dog would definately stay by my side at the restaurant

I would think the part on the front page where they list what's in "Your Indentification Kit: " would be a big red flag...

I've looked at that.  Amazing.  People follow it though sadly.  I do use a couple of mine as "service" dogs around the house and wish at thimes I could take them places.  When I'm sitting, or standing, and my back locks up they either help me get up from my chair or act as a balance point until I can get moving.  Ah well, I don't think any of the girls would pass the restaurant test, though Abe probably would.

I almost fell out of my chair!!!!

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/classifieds/55601.html

But I really would like to take my dogs everywhere I go, and I am absolute positive they would like that too.....lol

Their payment site is not even secure, so who knows who will get the credit card info besides them.....hahaha

This just turns my stomach!  Think of the harm this is doing to people with LEGITIMATE service dogs!

In Ontario, you can only get your service dog OFFICIALLY licensed if it is from an accredited organization, like Guide Dogs for the Blind, or the Lion's Club. These organizations have very strict rules: you MUST get rid of any pet dogs you have before being given a service dog, and the dog will never belong to you. The donating organization makes routine checks on the dog, and can take it away if it is not being properly cared for, or develops  health issues. While I understand the reasons for this, it makes it very difficult for the handicapped person, who will have bonded very closely with the dog. Also, anyone who truly loves dogs will probably not even consider finding a new home for their pet dog, if they suddenly find they need a service dog.

I have a severe hearing loss. When I found myself alone after my husband died, I contacted the Lion's Club about the possibility of getting a Hearing Ear dog, as I found I was missing sounds like the phone, the alarm clock, or someone knocking on my door. My German Shepherd rescue, Tasha, was 13 at the time, and the minute I heard that I would have to find a new home for her, I abandoned any thought of getting a Lion's Club dog.  Three weeks before Tasha passed away in her sleep, I adopted another rescue, a three year old male. I have  trained him to alert me to various sounds, and also done public access training with him to the point where he could easily pass the ADI test. I support efforts to allow for the certification of owner-trained dogs, but when I see this, it makes me want to HURL!!   

Sunsilver,

Wow.....As a service dog trainer, unless the dog is dog aggressive, I don't make you rehome your existing dogs.  I also give full ownership over to the client, once all requirements have been met(IE, Team Training).

As far as the Lions Club, I am a member, and they don't actually "provide" dogs----they will often times assist with funding for the dog, but they don't train/buy/sell/place dogs.

Knowing that Canada requires certification, there is an organzation that was established up there(not sure of the name) to assist with owner trainers in getting their dogs certified---you have to actually prove, tho, that your dog is trained, and there are several other hoops to jump through.

While "certification" is not required in the US, some people feel more comfortable having it.  I do not have a problem that.  I certify handler/dog teams all the time. 

However, that being said, this particular organization is a sham.  There are about 3 out there like this organization.  SARA is one as well.....

DT, can you find out the name of this organization? I really want to have an official certificate I can show people if they challenge me re. public access!

The only offer I've had so far was from a former Lion's Club trainer, who offered to certify Ranger for me for about $3000.  I told her he was more or less fully trained, and I really only wanted to test him and get him certified, then maybe have a few lessons to strengthen any weak areas in his training. I never heard from her again after that! Makes me think she was only in it for the money...