Service Dog

[FlyAway]

I can't answer the age question, but a friend of mine has mobility issues. She bought a Malinois puppy and trained her as her service dog. The dog wears a harness with a large handle attached. Poor girl has been bit twice now by other dogs while working, but she understands her job and does not move an inch!

The harness is very similar to this. Leather Service Dog Harness with rigid handle

[JakodaCD OA]

I agree with Lillie

If the dog is in need of a home, not being sold for an exhorbitant amount of money and is physically still in good shape, I don't see the harm in taking her.

However, if she IS being sold as an SD, the age would be a concern for me, because face it, our gsd's at age 8 start to go downhill/and or may have age related health issues popping up. And I would also wonder why the dog is in need of a new home?

First tho, I think you really should go meet the dog, she may not take to you or your husband and vice versa

[Suddenly]

Just to let you know she is not 8yrs. She is 6yrs. She is being donated to us. She is in perfect health and we will take insurance for her. She will help with balance and just in case of a fall. We will have all her health certificates.


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[Andaka]

If she was born in 2005 then she is at least 7 years old. Why is she being rehomed at this age?

I have an 11 year old dog that doesn't look a day over 7. Her litter sister looks and acts like an old dog. You just don't know how she will age. Balance work is hard on a dog's body.

[SFGSSD]

Originally Posted by Suddenly

Just to let you know she is not 8yrs. She is 6yrs. She is being donated to us. She is in perfect health and we will take insurance for her. She will help with balance and just in case of a fall. We will have all her health certificates.


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To me, the dogs health is not a as much of a concern as her actual level of competency as a Service Dog at this point. If you do not ever plan to take the dog in public and want the dog as "Just a Pet" that may help at home without big expectation from this dog, that’s one thing, especially if they are donating this dog to you. But I have a feeling you may have more aspirations for this dog. With everything you told us, it is very concerning if you have your hopes up that this dog will function as a Service Dog for you at home as well as in a public access capacity. Rehoming this dog does not follow normal/usual Service Dog facility protocol. I would use extreme caution.



JakodaCD OA is giving great advice in regards to meeting the dog first before you commit to it. Not only to screen bonding or has separation anxiety issued but also to evaluate her actual competency. If possible bring and experienced Service or Working dog trainer with you when you check her out.

[SFGSSD]

Originally Posted by Loneforce

I am glad you jumped in on this one Terry

Thanks Jerry.

[SFGSSD]

Originally Posted by SFGSSD

To me, the dogs health is not a as much of a concern as her actual level of competency as a Service Dog at this point. If you do not ever plan to take the dog in public and want the dog as "Just a Pet" that may help at home without big expectation from this dog, that’s one thing, especially if they are donating this dog to you. But I have a feeling you may have more aspirations for this dog. With everything you told us, it is very concerning if you have your hopes up that this dog will function as a Service Dog for you at home as well as in a public access capacity. Rehoming this dog does not follow normal/usual Service Dog facility protocol. I would use extreme caution.

JakodaCD OA is giving great advice in regards to meeting the dog first before you commit to it. Not only to screen bonding or has separation anxiety issued but also to evaluate her actual competency. If possible bring and experienced Service or Working dog trainer with you when you check her out.

Sorry for the typo's my post should read:
To me, the dogs health is not a as much of a concern as her actual level of competency as a Service Dog at this point. If you do not ever plan to take the dog in public and want the dog as "Just a Pet" that may help at home, without big expectation from this dog, that’s one thing, especially if they are donating this dog to you. But I have a feeling you may have more aspirations for this dog. With everything you told us, it is very concerning if you have your hopes up that this dog will function as a Service Dog for you at home as well as in a public access capacity. Rehoming this dog does not follow normal/usual Service Dog facility protocol. I would use extreme caution.



JakodaCD OA is giving great advice in regards to meeting the dog first before you commit to it. Not only to screen bonding or if the dog has separation anxiety issues but also to evaluate her actual competency. If possible bring an experienced Service or Working dog trainer with you when you check her out.

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted by Suddenly

My husband needs for her are to be there with him for balance, he does not fall but finds it hard to walk long distances, and also if he drops something she would be able to pick it up and place it in his hand. He works full time so she would be with me during the days and with him when home from work.

The type of work (and amount of time spent working) doesn't sound like too much to expect from a dog this age.

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted by SFGSSD

2. Service Dogs that are professionally trained are usually retired when they are no longer working for the person they were teamed with. 3. The dog is also a Therapy Dog? Oh boy...

2 - Unless their person can no longer use them. Maybe the person died, or their disabilities changed in such a way that the dog no longer met their needs.

3 - What is wrong with a dog being a Service Dog AND a Therapy Dog??

[ILGHAUS]

3 - What is wrong with a dog being a Service Dog AND a Therapy Dog??

Nothing. Earlier this past year I posted of one of the larger national organizations changing their long standing policy of allowing SD to test and be registered with their organization as a therapy dog.

Warning to anyone posting on this .... this could become a hot topic. So I'm giving a heads up to remember our rules.