Service dogs are specially trained canines that provide valuable assistance to individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks. Unlike emotional support animals, they are protected by the American with Disabilities Act. They are not pets. They are like medical devices that serve as an integral part of their owner’s daily life. This means places that serve the general public, places of employment, and all business must by law accommodate these life changing helpers. Because they are highly trained, it takes a long time, effort, and expertise to train a reliable and dependable service animal. The importance of service dogs cannot be overstated, as they improve the quality of life and independence of their owners.
My Life Unleashed specializes in training service dogs and can help you with many needs associated with training and handling a service dog.
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Finding the right service dog is a crucial process that requires careful consideration and research. Service dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities, so it’s important to ensure that the dog you choose meets your specific needs.
In that process you may have many questions such as:
- How can a service dog help me with my disability?
- What tasks will I need the service dog to do?
- Can a dog I already own be the right one for it?
- How do you find the right dog?
- What dog is the right dog?
We have years of experience matching dogs to their handlers or helping handlers with dogs they already have. We can provide consulting services that help you with these and many other questions.
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Whether you are a professional breeder or someone looking for a service dog, you may want to evaluate puppies or adult dogs for service potential. Put our expertise in training animals for this work to work for you. We do temperament testing and working dog aptitude testing to help you have the information you need. You can also consult with us on how to use that information to make the right decision for you.
Some of the temperament testing categories we examine include:
- Response to novel stimuli and environment
- Interaction with strange and familiar adults
- Problem solving skills and biddability
- Follow, leading, and retrieval tendencies
- Forgiveness and behavior during and after handling
- Prey, food, play, and other kinds of drive
- Stress tolerance and recovery
A professional evaluation of these traits can help protect your investment before commiting to a dog and its training.
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The American with Disabilities Act protects dogs that perform a specific task that help persons with a disability (service dogs).
Each person’s abilities and needs are unique. Therefore service dogs are uniquely trained to help each person unleash their potential.
There are many tasks a service dog can do. With a clinical social worker with many years of experience helping people with disabilities and a mental health provider on staff, we are uniquely qualified to help you identify tasks a service dog may be trained to do for you!
We work with our clients at intake and overtime to make sure they make the best possible use of their service animal.
Learn more about the different types of service dogs and tasks they can do later in this page!
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You can also hire us to help your dog learn other fun tricks, work on advanced obedience, and prepare for competitive obedience or sports. Service dogs can often do more than help someone with a disability!
Excellent service dogs trained with us are extremely well trained canines. Their highly specialized training is built on top of a foundation of excellent obedience training. Not only are they trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers, they are also usually the best behaved dogs one can have.
While we specialize in training dogs for service, our trainers have a background in puppy training, general dog obedience training, and behavioral modification.
In addition to providing guidance with puppy basics, such as:
- Potty training
- Crate training
- Housebreaking
- Early foundations
We can help your dog become trained in obedience commands, such as:
- Come
- Place
- Heel (on/off leash)
- Wait
- Sit
- Off
- Quiet
- Kennel
- Jump
- Down
- Stay
- Retrieve
- Load
- Say Hello
and others, with specific listed trained depending on client’s needs.
We can help our clients with a variety of dog training needs and clients can consult with us on integrating other advanced training along side service work. This is a great benefit of working with a business that has an experienced trainer who has personally and professionally trained dogs of various temperaments and breeds for diverse lifestyles, hobbies, sports, and needs.
Finally, while we strongly believe it is better to choose service prospects that do not display behaviors that could jeopardize their ability to be reliable service dogs, we can help prevent or reduce issues with undesired behaviors, such as:
- Nipping
- Chewing
- Digging
- Whining
- Barking
- Running away
- Chasing things
- Jumping up on others
- Reactivity to dogs or noises
- Emotional regulation issues
and other behavioral modification needs…
We can help you have the best behaved service dog you could wish for.
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The stability of service dogs in a variety of situations is very important for their work.
Controlled exposure to a variety of stimuli paired with positive associations is key. A dog that has or develops fear-based responses to certain stimuli may not be equipped to perform tasks in settings that would expose them to triggers. On the other hand, a well-balanced and confident dog can be aware of their environment or focus on a handler without being overstimulated. The work starts with temperament testing to chose a dog that right propensity for service. But specialists in service dog training can do the important work of preparing dogs for service by managing socialization and exposure in ways that help them steadily build confidence and stability. This includes exposure to a variety of different stimuli they are likely to encounter in their service, as well as noises and strange stimuli they are less likely to encounter to help build their resilience to novel situations.
We find that there is often some difference between what people generally think dog socialization should look vs what trainers would recommend, to service dog prospects in particular. Consulting with a professional can make a big difference in your later success.
We work with our clients from intake and over the duration of our relationship to make sure they make the best possible use of their service animal.
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The stability of service dogs in a variety of situations is very important for their work.
Public access training can be one of the most challenging parts of service dog training. We can help you have a dog that is under control, even when the handler needs help. Whether you need a contact heel for connection or a loose follow, we can teach your dog to stay close to you – on leash or not. We train service dogs to navigate any environment – from malls and parks to planes in the sky. You can have a dog that tucks quietly out of sight and that is ready to task under extreme distractions. With our help, you can have a dog that is aware or neutral to their environment, depending on needs.
Knowing you can trust your medical device to perform reliability in a variety of settings, including public ones can be a crucial part of unleashing your freedom of movement and participation in your community while living with a disability.
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In the United States, there are no formal training certifications required for service dog work. However, handlers from other jurisdictions may have additional requirements. Either way, many service dog handlers prefer to secure titles on their dog, such as American Kennel Club Obedience or Canine Good Citizen, prior to entering full time service work, especially in public settings.
Although no formal evaluations are legally required in our area, we do train all our service dog teams to a standard that should allow them to pass any necessary evaluation. Throughout our training program phases, we also may conduct our own evaluations to make sure our clients teams met qualifications we strive for in all our teams. Criteria for each of our evaluations depend on training phase and customized goals of each client.
Contact Us Now to discuss this during a consultation.
A formal title exam for good behavior may include things like:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Appearance and grooming
- Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
- Walking through a crowd
- Sit and down on cue and stay in place
- Coming when called
- Reaction to another dog
- Reaction to distraction
- Supervised separation
See more about the AKC Canine Good Behavior Titles:
We can also help you with other tests and evaluations not listed above! We can help you prepare for it or conduct the actual evaluations.
To prevent conflict of interest as evaluators, we may refer clients that train with us to a colleague for evaluations.
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One of the biggest qualifiers for a canine to be a service dog is being trained to perform one or more specific task(s) to facilitate the life of a person with living with a disability.
We are experts in this field. There are many benefits to hiring a trainer that focuses on this skill. Many dog training programs will help you train a well behaved dog – even for a public setting. Nevertheless, service dog handlers can benefit from service dog trainers and service dog programs that specialize in preparing dogs to perform specific and personalized tasks for their handlers. Service dog tasks go well beyond general obedience or even standard trick training.
We are familiar with best training practices, limits, and possibilities to train service dog tasks. Our clients have particular needs. Our highly trained dogs have helped mitigate several different types of disabilities. As such, we have trained service dogs for a plethora of tasks. This means we know what has worked before for others with similar goals, as well as how to customize or invent new solutions.
Learn more about the different types of service dogs and tasks they can do later in this page!
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Navigating life with a disability is challenging. A service dog is trained to help you and that comes with many benefits! Nevertheless, there are new things any service dog handler must learn to do to successfully work as a team with their service dog.
Service dog handlers often have a lot of questions about owning a service dog and there are often things they do not even realize they should ask about. This can include basic basic care items such as diet, grooming, and potty habits. However, it also includes more involved concerns such as how to properly give commands, bonding, training continuation and maintenance, public access practice, tasking concerns, and other issues.
While these new challenges are offset by the benefits of owning a service dog, getting help learning how to properly use a service dog is very important.
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Although the American with Disabilities Act is now a decades old piece of legislation with much associated case law in the books, there are still places that serve the public, schools, and employers that fail to properly accommodate service dog teams. There are service dog and emotional support dog registration businesses and scams that spread misinformation to the public and handlers alike. There are also often others who undermine the rights of service dog handlers by taking dogs who are not performing disability services in public settings where they should not be allowed. Although public awareness hss been improving, there are still people who do not know that it is best not to bother and keep distance from service dogs and their handlers. These and other similar matters can unfortunately complicate owning and handling a service dog.
My Life Unleashed is dedicated to empowering service dog handlers to deal with situations where they feel their rights are being violated. In partnership with other organizations, we work to educate others about the rights of disabled people and to advocate for them.
We also work to equip our clients with tools to traverse and avoid such unfortunate circumstances. Handlers and allies can also volunteer with non-profit organization to further this cause.
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Living with a disability in a society that is not designed for differently-abled persons is a challenge. Mental health support can be a crucial aspect of empowering service dog handlers to deal with these challenges and with adapting to a better life with a service dog.
Our business has the unique feature of pairing service dog training services with mental health support directly from the same person who is facilitating your dog’s training. We have a licensed clinical social worker that can provide therapy services in conjunction or separate from dog training. She is particularly qualified to work with clients seeking therapy services and/or a Psychiatric Service Dogs.
Take advantage of this very special benefit of working with us!
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Want to learn more about service dogs and some of the task they do for people living with disabilities?
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Due to highly customized nature of our services timing and pricing of programs varies depending on the needs of each client.
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that assist individuals with physical, sensory, or emotional disabilities. The tasks each service dog performs are often highly specialized and particular to the handler’s needs. They are specially trained to perform specific tasks that assist their owners with everyday activities and improve their quality of life.
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Autism service dogs are extraordinary companions for neurodivergent individuals on the spectrum, providing a multifaceted support system that addresses various challenges. These dogs are trained to offer sensory assistance by providing deep pressure therapy, which can help individuals manage sensory sensitivities and emotional regulation. For many on the autism spectrum, tactile interactions with their service dogs can be soothing and grounding during moments of distress or sensory overload. This physical connection contributes to a sense of calm and comfort, allowing individuals to better engage with their surroundings. They can also help guide their handlers away from overstimulating environments or provide grounding in such environments. In addition to sensory support, many autism support animals are also trained to help with emotional regulation and mitigate anxiety symptoms can be a common challenge among neurodivergent people. They can help disrupt dissociative episodes or repetitive/harmful behaviors. Finally, they can retrieve items, find or lead to help, anchor someone who tends to wander off, or help guide someone to walk in a crowded space or when visual stimulation is too high.
They can also play a pivotal role in enhancing social interactions and communication skills performing tasks that include behavioral interruption. They serve as non-judgmental, patient, and loyal companions, fostering a sense of security and trust that can be instrumental in building relationships and improving social engagement. Many neurodivergent individuals find it easier to connect with others when their service dog is present, as the dog can serve as a conversation starter and bridge the gap between the individual and their peers. Through their unwavering companionship and specialized training, autism service dogs empower individuals on spectrum to navigate the world with greater confidence and independence, ultimately improving their quality of life.
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Guide dogs are highly trained and intelligent canine companions that provide an invaluable service to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These remarkable dogs undergo rigorous training to help their handlers navigate the world with confidence and independence. They are taught to guide their handlers safely through various environments, including busy streets, crowded areas, and public transportation, while avoiding obstacles and hazards along the way. They can also help handlers locate or retrieve objects, go find help if the handler is incapacitated, and much more. Through their remarkable abilities and unwavering dedication, guide dogs provide a sense of freedom, mobility, and increased autonomy to those they serve.
The relationship between a guide dog and its handler is built on trust and mutual understanding. Handlers rely on their guide dogs not only for safe navigation but also for support and companionship. Beyond their practical assistance, these dogs offer a source of comfort and confidence, making daily tasks and interactions more manageable for individuals with visual impairments. The incredible bond between a guide dog and its handler is a testament to the profound impact these animals have on the lives of those they assist, allowing individuals to live more fulfilling and independent lives despite their visual challenges.
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Hearing aid service dogs are exceptional companions for individuals with hearing impairments, as they serve as vigilant ears for their handlers in a world where auditory cues can be crucial for communication and safety. These dogs undergo rigorous training to become finely tuned to their handler’s unique needs, and their ability to recognize and alert to important sounds can be life-changing. Whether it’s a fire alarm, a ringing telephone, or someone calling the handler’s name, these dogs provide a reliable and immediate response that allows their handler to stay connected to their environment and respond to various situations with confidence.
Beyond their practical assistance, hearing aid service dogs also offer support and companionship. Dealing with hearing loss can be isolating, and these dogs help alleviate the feelings of loneliness and anxiety that often accompany this condition. Their presence fosters a sense of security and independence, allowing individuals to engage more fully in social interactions, work, and everyday activities. Through their exceptional training and unwavering loyalty, hearing aid service dogs not only enrich the lives of those with hearing impairments but also contribute to their overall well-being and quality of life.
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Medical alert and response service dogs are remarkable companions for individuals with serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies, auto-immune disorders, certain cardiac issues, and more. These dogs are trained to recognize subtle changes in their handler’s scent, behavior, or physical cues that may signal an impending medical crisis. For instance, a diabetic alert dog can detect changes in blood sugar levels through scent, while an epilepsy alert dog can sense pre-seizure symptoms. When they detect these warning signs, these dogs are trained to signal their handlers, often through behaviors like pawing, nudging, or barking, prompting the person to take appropriate action, such as administering medication or seeking medical assistance. This early warning system can be life-saving, preventing severe medical events and providing peace of mind to individuals and their families even in distracting environments.
In addition to their alerting capabilities, medical response service dogs are also trained to take specific actions in response to a medical emergency. For instance, a seizure response dog may provide physical support or protection during a seizure, ensuring that the handler does not get injured. Some medical response dogs are even trained to activate emergency alert systems or fetch necessary medical supplies, such as medications or medical devices, in critical situations. Some are trained to get help if their handlers remain unresponsive. These dogs not only offer practical assistance but also provide comfort and stability during challenging moments, making them invaluable partners for individuals facing ongoing medical challenges.
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Mobility service dogs are highly trained and specialized canines that play a pivotal role in enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments. These remarkable dogs are trained to assist people with a range of physical disabilities, including but not limited to those who use wheelchairs, have limited mobility, or suffer from conditions such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injuries. One of their primary functions is to provide physical support by helping their handlers with tasks such as opening doors, turning on lights, picking up dropped items, and even assisting with clothing and dressing. Some mobility dogs offer physical walking stability support/balance, help handlers with forward momentum, help handlers navigate, or even help them carry some objects. They can also offer deep pressure therapy for relief to handlers dealing with pain. Some are taught to go get help, activate an alarm, or alert others in case their handler falls or needs help. This support enables individuals with mobility challenges to navigate their environment with greater ease and confidence, granting them a higher level of autonomy.
Beyond their practical assistance, mobility service dogs also offer emotional and psychological support to their handlers. These loyal and dedicated companions not only provide physical aid but also offer a strong sense of companionship, reducing feelings of isolation and improving the overall well-being of their handlers. The presence of a mobility service dog can boost self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and increase social interaction, fostering a sense of empowerment and inclusion within the community. With their exceptional training and unwavering loyalty, mobility service dogs are indispensable partners for those in need, helping them overcome physical barriers and live life to the fullest.
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Psychiatric support service dogs play a crucial role in providing assistance and comfort to individuals dealing with mental health conditions. These highly trained dogs offer a range of services tailored to their handlers’ specific needs, including those with conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. Psychiatric support service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that can be life-changing for their handlers. For example, they may be taught to interrupt self-harming behaviors, disrupt dissociate episodes, wake their handler from nightmares or night terrors, or create a physical barrier between their handler and a triggering situation or person. They can also provide deep pressure therapy and other soothing or grounding tasks to help their handlers with cognitive or emotional regulation.
These tasks are designed to mitigate the symptoms of mental health conditions and provide a lifeline for individuals experiencing emotional distress. They also provide support and a sense of security, helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Their calming presence can alleviate feelings of isolation and anxiety in social situations, making it easier for individuals to engage with the world around them. By offering both practical assistance and unwavering companionship, psychiatric support service dogs significantly improve the quality of life for those grappling with mental health challenges, empowering them to manage their conditions more effectively and lead fulfilling lives.
Important note: Unlike emotional support animals, psychiatric service dogs are fully protected by the American with Disabilities act because they perform specific tasks that help mitigate disabilities associated with mental health challenges.
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Multipurpose service dogs, often referred to as versatile service dogs, are highly trained canines that provide a wide range of assistance and support to individuals with various disabilities or medical conditions. These remarkable dogs are trained to perform multiple tasks tailored to the specific needs of their handlers, making them invaluable companions in enhancing independence and overall quality of life. Unlike dogs trained for specific disabilities, multipurpose service dogs are trained to adapt to different situations and provide assistance across a spectrum of disabilities.
These versatile service dogs can assist individuals with mobility impairments by providing physical support, such as balance assistance or retrieving items. They can also offer deep pressure therapy, behavioral interruption, or socio-emotional regulation support to those with psychiatric conditions, like PTSD or anxiety disorders, by providing comfort and alerting to emotional distress. Additionally, they can alert medical emergencies, retrieve medications, and perform various other tasks that cater to their handler’s unique needs. The adaptability and comprehensive training of multipurpose service dogs make them a lifeline for individuals with multiple or evolving disabilities, offering a wide range of services that empower these individuals to live more independently and confidently.
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Service dogs perform tasks that empower people with disabilities. If you have a disability or know someone who does, there can be no better gift.
One of the most significant benefits of service dogs is that they provide their owners with a sense of independence and freedom. They allow people with disabilities to participate in daily activities without the need for assistance from another person. This newfound independence can improve their self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation.
Service dogs also offer their owners a sense of security and comfort. Many people with disabilities face challenges in their daily lives, such as discrimination and harassment, that can cause anxiety and stress. Service dogs provide support and can help their owners cope with these challenges. Furthermore, service dogs offer their owners a sense of companionship and unconditional love. People with disabilities may struggle with social isolation and loneliness, but service dogs provide constant companionship. They can also help their owners build relationships with other people, as they serve as a conversation starter and can help break down barriers.
In addition to their benefits to individuals with disabilities, service dogs also play an important role in society. They help promote awareness and understanding of disability rights and accessibility issues. Service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires businesses and public places to allow them entry. By promoting the use of service dogs, we can encourage society to become more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities.
Service dogs are important for individuals with disabilities because they improve their quality of life, independence, and sense of security. They provide assistance with everyday tasks, emotional support, companionship, and help promote disability awareness. Service dogs have a profound impact on the lives of their owners, and their value should not be underestimated. As a society, we should continue to support and promote the use of service dogs and work towards greater accessibility for people with disabilities.
A service dog is truly life-changing. Unleash a life today!
