Service Dog

[SFGSSD]

Originally Posted by ILGHAUS

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.

This is unacceptable both from the legal definition of a Service Dog (ADA)and from a working dog training and conditioning standpoint. If you would like to start a new thread on this I would be happy to get into this in detail.

[Xeph]

Are you agreeing that a service dog can not also do therapy work, or that the organization in question is violating law by disallowing SDs to do therapy work?

Sorry, your wording left me a bit confused

[SFGSSD]

Originally Posted by Xeph

Are you agreeing that a service dog can not also do therapy work, or that the organization in question is violating law by disallowing SDs to do therapy work?

Sorry, your wording left me a bit confused

I do not agree that Service Dogs should be allowed to ALSO do Therapy Dog work while active as a Service Dog teamed with a disabled partner. I do not agree that TDI's decision to not allow the dual role is clearly violating the law in this regard.

Sorry ILGHAUS, the suggestion of allowing a duel role is contradictory on multiple levels.

[JakodaCD OA]

while I don't understand really the "whys" of this being a hot topic..I honestly don't see the problem with an SD dog going into a hospital/retirement home/whatever, and be a Therapy dog? Is it a presumption that doing Therapy work will mess up the dog for the handler ?

[Xeph]

I must say, I also disagree with an SD not being able to do therapy work. Do you think that SDs shouldn't be allowed to participate in sports either? Because I disagree there, too, if that's the case.

Is it a presumption that doing Therapy work will mess up the dog for the handler ?

It is for the therapy group that says SDs can't do both.

I think it largely depends on what the dog is for.

My handicap is neurological. My dog needn't be "on" when I am sitting down. I am in no danger. I don't see how it's contradictory or conflicting to my dog to lay on a bed or sit on the floor next to somebody while somebody pets him.

He doesn't solicit attention out in public, and knows the difference (and acts entirely different) between his vest being on and off.

[SFGSSD]

Originally Posted by Xeph

I must say, I also disagree with an SD not being able to do therapy work. Do you think that SDs shouldn't be allowed to participate in sports either? Because I disagree there, too, if that's the case.


It is for the therapy group that says SDs can't do both.

I think it largely depends on what the dog is for.

My handicap is neurological. My dog needn't be "on" when I am sitting down. I am in no danger. I don't see how it's contradictory or conflicting to my dog to lay on a bed or sit on the floor next to somebody while somebody pets him.

He doesn't solicit attention out in public, and knows the difference (and acts entirely different) between his vest being on and off.

So, do you think it is ok for your SD to act and be treated like a pet in public by strangers or others? Did you train your own SD?
1. There are associative behaviors that can result in this and it can be dangerous for the SD handler.
2. By definition it is a conflict in terms legally.
I will start another thread on this when I got time.

[carmspack]

every organization that I have dealt with - is pretty clear cut on the difference between pet and working .
Confusion from the dog may mean that the dog is retired , or does not pass certification.

[SFGSSD]

Originally Posted by carmspack

every organization that i have dealt with - is pretty clear cut on the difference between pet and working .
Confusion from the dog may mean that the dog is retired , or does not pass certification.

exactly!

[JakodaCD OA]

I can see the difference between 'pet' and 'working'..I guess I don't understand why an SD in work mode who isn't soliciting attention or deviates from it's "work"..cannot have some 'off' time to do therapy dog interaction?

To me it's like saying, the dog doesn't know the difference between doing obedience and doing agility? (just as an example)

[Xeph]

So, do you think it is ok for your SD to act and be treated like a pet in public by strangers or others? Did you train your own SD?

I do not, and yes I did.

2. By definition it is a conflict in terms legally.

Conflict in terms, yes, but that's an issue of terminology, not of what the dog is able to do.