The retrieve is an important task for most service dogs, and the uses for this behavior go far beyond picking up dropped objects. The components of the retrieve — taking, holding, carrying and …
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Preparing Your Service Dog Handlers for the Holidays
The holiday season can bring special joy but also some unique challenges for owner-trainers. Holiday parties and family gatherings can be difficult environments for service dogs and service dogs in …
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PTSD Service Dogs: Choosing the Right Candidate
There has been tremendous growth in service dogs working to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As with other service dog specialties, there are some specific tasks people with …
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Preparing for an Emergency
What if a service dog handler needs emergency help? What will happen to the dog if the owner is incapacitated? These important questions need to be addressed and planned for. Both the dog and handler …
Ouch! Accommodations for Conditions That Cause Pain
Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injury and lupus are very different conditions that have one thing in common: All of these conditions can cause pain. A wide range of diagnoses …
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Rehearsal and Public Access Preparation
Usually, the idea of public access training for a service dog brings to mind taking a dog in training out to a public location like a shop or café. While real-world practice is certainly important for …
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