admin answers:

Like “Lil_Farfa” said, you can’t just bring your pet out with you no matter how well-behaved he is. In order for a dog to legally be a service dog (in the U.S.), it must be trained to do something that helps you that is directly related to your disability. A dog for emotional support, its presence, comfort, petting it, looking at it, companionship, etc. Is not a service dog – this is clearly stated in the law.

If you are disabled AND your dog does a trained task/trained work specifically for your disability (i.e. If you have a panic attack, the dog is able to safely lead you away from the situation because during a panic attack you zone out/freeze and cannot do so yourself; a guide dog does guide work; a mobility dog does mobility work) AND your dog behaves impeccably/invisibly in public (which is much more than the CGC test measures, as that test is meant for well-behaved pets and service dogs are on a completely different level of behavior and temperament than that), then your dog is a service dog that can be taken in public places. Anything short of that is breaking the law.

If you are disabled, you can have your dog evaluated to see if he has what it takes to become a service dog after much training (6-12 months) and, if he passes, have him trained to help you. If he is too old (you said he passed the CGC a few years ago, so it might not be worth training him at his age) or doesn’t have what it takes to be a service dog, you could try finding another dog to be your service dog.

Do note that a service dog can actually make your Social Anxiety Disorder WORSE, not better, due to the access challenges of stores/restaurants/etc. That are guaranteed to sometimes happen as well as every time you go out, you’ll get: lots of questions from the public, the public trying to distract your dog by petting/talking to/etc. It, lots of people staring at you and making comments to their companions about you (for real – not imagined like SAD can make you feel is happening), etc. The plus is that you’ll be forced to interact with the public because of your dog, but that will happen even when you are feeling extremely anxious or just want to run a “quick errand” (there’s no such thing with a service dog at your side!). I have SAD, so completely understand it. It can be hard to go out with my service dog (who is not for SAD, but for other disabilities) sometimes.

Have you first explored other therapies, like talk therapy; using a stress ball in your pocket; medications; exercise/stretching (or yoga, if you believe in it); breathing techniques; etc.? These should be explored first before trying a service dog and can still be used in conjunction with a service dog if there is one in your future.

admin answers:

I don’t know of any specific apartments in your area. But, I have two pit bulls and over the past ten years I have lived in three different places that were rentals. So, while you may have your work cut out for you, it’s not impossible to find a place to rent. Sometimes you need to be a bit of a sales person. Sometimes, it’s all in the approach you take. Here are some thoughts:

1. Try not to have the pet conversation over the phone with a prospective landlord. Go meet them. If they like you, it will be a little harder to say no to your face. Bring a very cute picture of your dog with you.

2. If the landlord is at all receptive, bring your dog to meet him/her. Make sure your dog is immaculate. Ideally, it’s obedience trained and you can demonstrate this at the meeting. If your dog has an obedience certificate, CGC or titles–bring those as well. If your dog does any kind of therapy or compassionate visiting bring a letter from the agency you volunteer for.

3. Put the landlord’s mind at ease about potential property damage. If you don’t already, start crating your dog when you aren’t home. Assure the landlord your dog will not be loose in the house when you’re not there. Offer to have the landlord see where you are living now if that’s practical. Offer an extra pet deposit.

Insurance can be a sticking point for some. Insurance companies that restrict coverage based on a dog’s breed often have 10 breeds or more they won’t cover: Dobermans, German Shepherds, Akitas, Chows are commonly on the list as well as Pit Bulls. Some landlords feel that just eliminates too many potential tenants and they either shop for other insurance or ignore the restrictions altogether.

Good luck in your search.

admin answers:

If Daisy already provides him help to calm down at home… Then she is already an Emotional Needs Dog & housing must recognize his right to have his Emotional Needs Dog with him in the home

He will need to talk with his doctor & get his doctor to write a prescription about Daisy being an Emotional Needs Dog and briefly describe how Daisy helps

Service Dogs are given broader access than Emotional Support Dogs

The best way to find a SD trainer is to see who Delta Society has listed

See if this link will work for you… This is an SD trainer in Utah that is listed in Delta Society’s database

http://www.deltasociety.org/page.aspx?pid=453&reid=p%2bP6agK6Fdo%3d&bbsys=0&bbrt=0

I have a friends.. A couple in Colorado who helps asses Service Dog candidates & also help provide knowledgeable support for owner-training support — I would highly recommend you contact Marcia & Patrick to see what they can help you with & if they know of owner-training resources in your area

http://www.tinkers-dream.org/

When you talk to Marcia… Let her know Remie sent you to her (see my AV? That is my SD Remie)

Feel free to email me for on-going conversation or more info… I am set up for email in Yahoo Answers — I would email you, but you are not set up for email