Guest guest Posted March 5, 2008 Report Share Posted March 5, 2008 Does anyone use any service animals? I have been thinking about training one or all of my dogs to help me out, like picking things up if I drop them, pulling stuff around, like laundry baskets, etc. I also have panic attacks, and it helps having them around. Dodie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2008 Report Share Posted March 5, 2008 > > Does anyone use any service animals? I have been thinking about > training one or all of my dogs to help me out, like picking things up Hi Dodie....I love my pets too. But can't see how I would ever be able to have the strength to train them now. I don't know of anyone that has Fibro and has a service animal...that is a good question. I believe they only train them for really disabled people...not one's like ourselfs who just hurt....ha ha not funny, but not many people understand this illness and for myself sometimes it is much to difficult to try to explain it to them. Some of us could probably benefit from a service dog. Maybe you have a good idea there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 It's not an odd question. I use a SD (service dog). She is owner trained by me and showed alerting signs to my primary illness at about 9mths (we got her at 6mths; primary illness is not seizures but similar). She is a Great Dane so she is tall enough for me to help me balance, especially standing in a line waiting. She will lean into me for balance. She also keeps people out of my 'personal space' from PTSD. Here's the hard part. The failure rate is aprox 60% for a dog to be a SD. We did get another Great Dane (half brother) of my Sable, but he has failed. Sable is retired and only works in the house for alerting because she has arthritis in her lower spine. There is a certain distance for some owner-trained dogs, because if the dog fails and being able to the job (mentally or physically) some folks rehome the dog, get another and start again. Also a lot of owner-trainer dog owners will have an older SD and will get a youngest to help with the training (because the older dog can show some things to learn). Rehoming is hard, and I couldn't do it. We were already attached to him (Hendrix), with all his flaws (he is like Scooby do scardy cat dog). There are a lot of groups out there that you can join, but I am on one that I particularly like. Some groups want to know what your illness is and then decline you if they feel you are not disabled enough. Some want only owner trained or program dogs. Program dogs are dogs that are program trained and there is usually a two year waiting period. Some of the program dogs have program folks checking on the dog, if the dog gains weight (too much) then they take the dog from you. Some hand over the dog after it is trained, key and all. I know of one group in San Diego, CA that is a program/owner trained dogs. You work in a class with an instructor and with your own dog (you have the keys to the dog, they will help test the dog to see if it is a candidate for SD) My main reason for my SD was alerting and balance and mobility. You can train your dog to help with laundry, picking up their own toys, getting you a drink out of the frig, etc. The list is very long. It is also wise to check your state laws. Federal laws trump state and they are very clear and easy, trained, behaved, and doing a job. Some state say the dog has to be certified, NO, it does't, some states say they only allow program dogs, no that is full of crud too. If you are looking for a group that is supportive, doesn't care personally what your illness/s, they do like to introduce you and then you will find out how many folks like you have a SD. A lot of folks will join to see and get information to help make that decision. You can contact me @ nettiewalsh@... and I will give you the group's name and introduce you. Annette (sorry for writing book) From: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group [mailto:Fibromyalgia_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of dodietedesco Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 2:58 PM To: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group Subject: Maybe an odd question... Does anyone use any service animals? I have been thinking about training one or all of my dogs to help me out, like picking things up if I drop them, pulling stuff around, like laundry baskets, etc. I also have panic attacks, and it helps having them around. Dodie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 You are really disabled. Training is hard. It is almost a two year job w/ aprox 2000 hrs put in. But there are a lot of fibro folks with SDs. Annette From: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group [mailto:Fibromyalgia_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of Sherry Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 10:56 PM To: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group Subject: Re: Maybe an odd question... > > Does anyone use any service animals? I have been thinking about > training one or all of my dogs to help me out, like picking things up Hi Dodie....I love my pets too. But can't see how I would ever be able to have the strength to train them now. I don't know of anyone that has Fibro and has a service animal...that is a good question. I believe they only train them for really disabled people...not one's like ourselfs who just hurt....ha ha not funny, but not many people understand this illness and for myself sometimes it is much to difficult to try to explain it to them. Some of us could probably benefit from a service dog. Maybe you have a good idea there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 sounds like a great idea!! I wish I could get my dogs trained to help me! Hugs, _ssoundsounds like a great idea Does anyone use any service animals? I have been thinking about > training one or all of my dogs to help me out, like picking things up Hi Dodie....I love my pets too. But can't see how I would ever be able to have the strength to train them now. I don't know of anyone that has Fibro and has a service animal...that is a good question. I believe they only train them for really disabled people...not one's like ourselfs who just hurt....ha ha not funny, but not many people understand this illness and for myself sometimes it is much to difficult to try to explain it to them. Some of us could probably benefit from a service dog. Maybe you have a good idea there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 I have been thinking of trying to train my dogs just for specific things, not necessarily being a fully certified service dog. I think I can do it. And if I can't, then all I have lost is a little time and a lot of dog treats! My dogs would love it, I think! Annette - I have a Great Dane as well! He's my comfurrt when I don't feel well. He'll lay by me and keep me warm. Dodie > > sounds like a great idea!! I wish I could get my dogs trained to help me! > Hugs, > > > > _ssoundsounds like a great idea > > Does anyone use any service animals? I have been thinking about > > training one or all of my dogs to help me out, like picking things up > Hi Dodie....I love my pets too. But can't see how I would ever be able > to have the strength to train them now. I don't know of anyone that has > Fibro and has a service animal...that is a good question. I believe > they only train them for really disabled people...not one's like > ourselfs who just hurt....ha ha not funny, but not many people > understand this illness and for myself sometimes it is much to > difficult to try to explain it to them. Some of us could probably > benefit from a service dog. Maybe you have a good idea there. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 My daughters train service animals. Most of them are for blind people but they do train others. There are a number of different levels and tests the dogs have to pass for different certifications; but a person can train their own dog. We've got our Boxer registered as a service dog in training. Angie Harley Mama Double-D Carson City, NV; Single, five children (3 at home), 2 dogs, 4 cats, snow skiing, camping, Harley Rider, Lone Wolf, Blue Thong Society/High Sierra Thong Snappers member, LFA Advocate, independent, opinionated, outspoken, and open minded. " It's always something. " ~~~Gilda Radner " While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die - whether it is our spirit,our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness. " ~~~Gilda Radner http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/AGBlog/ http://360.yahoo.com/lovinglifeinnv http://www.myspace.com/amkg http://doripost.agrato.info/ http://wine-and-chocolate.blogspot.com/ http://weblog.xanga.com/purplepassionate http://www.revolutionhealth.com/blogs/angiemg http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=592316375 http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LupusSurvivorsU/ Re: Maybe an odd question... I have been thinking of trying to train my dogs just for specific things, not necessarily being a fully certified service dog. I think I can do it. And if I can't, then all I have lost is a little time and a lot of dog treats! My dogs would love it, I think! Annette - I have a Great Dane as well! He's my comfurrt when I don't feel well. He'll lay by me and keep me warm. Dodie > > sounds like a great idea!! I wish I could get my dogs trained to help me! > Hugs, > > > > _ssoundsounds like a great idea > > Does anyone use any service animals? I have been thinking about > > training one or all of my dogs to help me out, like picking things up > Hi Dodie....I love my pets too. But can't see how I would ever be able > to have the strength to train them now. I don't know of anyone that has > Fibro and has a service animal...that is a good question. I believe > they only train them for really disabled people...not one's like > ourselfs who just hurt....ha ha not funny, but not many people > understand this illness and for myself sometimes it is much to > difficult to try to explain it to them. Some of us could probably > benefit from a service dog. Maybe you have a good idea there. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 Hi Dodie, Dogs really love to work. And since Sable has been retired from outside work, wow, is she p-o-ed. Danes are great. We have had them for 16 years now. Sable would also get up in my bed when I was having a rough time and I would give the command cuddle, which meant she kinda looks like twisted licorice. Butt leans one way, head the other, and right against my back. But only on command. Otherwise she is a bed hog!!! I've never seen a Dane take up so much room on a California King bed!!! Ugh!!! Break down what you want him to do into each step. Finding the phone in an emergency. Teach retrieve. After that is bomb proofed (he has it down pat), then teach him where the phone is. The last is teach him to pick up the phone, and then again retrieve. Breaking it down in steps makes it easier for the dog and each of this little steps can be used for other things, like the retrieve is already taught, so now pick up the dropped laundry. Etc. And it take awhile. Dane's aren't known for their retrieving, but my Hendrix which is my GD SD failure loves to retrieve and bring things back to us. And of course his toys too. Good luck and if you have any questions, just let me know. Blessings, Annette From: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group [mailto:Fibromyalgia_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of Dodie Tedesco Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 2:30 PM To: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group Subject: Re: Maybe an odd question... I have been thinking of trying to train my dogs just for specific things, not necessarily being a fully certified service dog. I think I can do it. And if I can't, then all I have lost is a little time and a lot of dog treats! My dogs would love it, I think! Annette - I have a Great Dane as well! He's my comfurrt when I don't feel well. He'll lay by me and keep me warm. Dodie > > sounds like a great idea!! I wish I could get my dogs trained to help me! > Hugs, > > > > _ssoundsounds like a great idea > > Does anyone use any service animals? I have been thinking about > > training one or all of my dogs to help me out, like picking things up > Hi Dodie....I love my pets too. But can't see how I would ever be able > to have the strength to train them now. I don't know of anyone that has > Fibro and has a service animal...that is a good question. I believe > they only train them for really disabled people...not one's like > ourselfs who just hurt....ha ha not funny, but not many people > understand this illness and for myself sometimes it is much to > difficult to try to explain it to them. Some of us could probably > benefit from a service dog. Maybe you have a good idea there. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 Angie, I think it is great that your daughters are SD trainers. There are not many of them out there and usually some folks end up using a regular dog trainer and the trainer will modify how you train the dog (like if you are having balance problems, when you stop walking with the dog, most obedient trained dogs sit, but for some people that is not an option if they are using the dog for balance as the person will tumble over if the dog sits). I'm sorry but under Federal law, there is no certification. It's just a pretty piece of paper. Even if someone said to show you prove your dog is a SD (the dog is really considered a medical device, not a pet) and no certifications. The word is tossed around a lot, but it is for show. Some of the tests are CGC (Canine Good Citizen), PAT (public access test) and others. When someone gives me a hard time, I hand them the ADA/DOJ (American Disabilities Act/Department of Justice) SD card (like business cards) and tell them to call and ask, and then I turn and walk away. I don't waste my energy some times explaining if I'm very tired. And sometimes I do if I'm able. Training dogs for the blind is a bit different. If you are working for Guide Dogs for the Blind/or America, there are ten tests the dog has to pass. They will say the dog is now certified, but there is no real certification. Federal law always trumps city, county, and state law. Always. There is also no registering a dog as a SDit (Service Dog in training). He is just a SDit and depending your state law, the dog has all the rights of a full fled SD or can only go into some places. In Calif, SDit can go anywhere a SD can go. I hope this helps. Annette From: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group [mailto:Fibromyalgia_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of Angie Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 5:17 PM To: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group Subject: Re: Re: Maybe an odd question... My daughters train service animals. Most of them are for blind people but they do train others. There are a number of different levels and tests the dogs have to pass for different certifications; but a person can train their own dog. We've got our Boxer registered as a service dog in training. Angie Harley Mama Double-D Carson City, NV; Single, five children (3 at home), 2 dogs, 4 cats, snow skiing, camping, Harley Rider, Lone Wolf, Blue Thong Society/High Sierra Thong Snappers member, LFA Advocate, independent, opinionated, outspoken, and open minded. " It's always something. " ~~~Gilda Radner " While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die - whether it is our spirit,our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness. " ~~~Gilda Radner http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/AGBlog/ http://360.yahoo.com/lovinglifeinnv http://www.myspace.com/amkg http://doripost.agrato.info/ http://wine-and-chocolate.blogspot.com/ http://weblog.xanga.com/purplepassionate http://www.revolutionhealth.com/blogs/angiemg http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=592316375 http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LupusSurvivorsU/ Re: Maybe an odd question... I have been thinking of trying to train my dogs just for specific things, not necessarily being a fully certified service dog. I think I can do it. And if I can't, then all I have lost is a little time and a lot of dog treats! My dogs would love it, I think! Annette - I have a Great Dane as well! He's my comfurrt when I don't feel well. He'll lay by me and keep me warm. Dodie > > sounds like a great idea!! I wish I could get my dogs trained to help me! > Hugs, > > > > _ssoundsounds like a great idea > > Does anyone use any service animals? I have been thinking about > > training one or all of my dogs to help me out, like picking things up > Hi Dodie....I love my pets too. But can't see how I would ever be able > to have the strength to train them now. I don't know of anyone that has > Fibro and has a service animal...that is a good question. I believe > they only train them for really disabled people...not one's like > ourselfs who just hurt....ha ha not funny, but not many people > understand this illness and for myself sometimes it is much to > difficult to try to explain it to them. Some of us could probably > benefit from a service dog. Maybe you have a good idea there. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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