Types of Service DogsTypes of service dogs run the gamut. 
How Types of Service Dogs Are SelectedViki Gentilman has trained many a dog, including service dogs to help her with certain physical challenges. Her most recent helpers have included a Great Pyrennees and a black Lab. (Mildred Isabella is pictured at right. Click here for stories about this lovely young dog.)Following are Viki's comments about types of service dogs and their training: "ANYONE can train their own dog...I do that because I feel there is a better chance to bond closely with a dog and learn its ways from the start, in hopes of a medical alert dog. Besides that, I LOVE puppy breath and have trained my own animals since I was 14 years old...so I have 40 plus years of experience. Many trainers, however, prefer dogs around the age of two, because they are past MOST of the puppy crazies, and readily available through rescues or shelters, and usually can be tested to see if they will work or not. However, those trainers have the body language of dogs down pat, are familiar with what can and can't be trained out of or into a dog, and can usually make a deal with the rescue or shelter to give the dog back, obedience trained and housebroken, should they NOT make service dog material (fears, aggression to other animals, whatever). They have the luxury of not necessarily needing a dog at the time. Other trainers and organizations breed their own dogs so they know pretty much what the puppies will turn out to be like, with rare exceptions. Is a Service Dog For You?Before someone decides they want a service dog, they need to think with the head, and not just the heart. An animal is a living, breathing, feels-pain being. Can you give the dog the BEST life it can have? Do you get frustrated easily most days or just some? Frustration can ruin a good dog.Do you have a lot of anger pent up because of the things you used to do but now can't? Again, the dog doesn't need an angry person tied to them...it could turn them aggressive (thinking you need their help) or scared (thinking you are angry with them). Not every day is going to be great, and even more will only be good. Some will be bad...so do you have MOSTLY GOOD days with a sprinkling of the others? Types of Service Dogs and Public ChallengesBe aware that you will encounter many uninformed people in stores and elsewhere. You will be yelled at, told to leave, threatened to have the police called on you -- all sorts of things. How would you handle that? About the fifth time in one day, I get pretty peeved! However, since I live in Florida if they do happen to call the police, I can have them brought up on charges. Smiles...Everywhere you go, people will want to stop you and ask things like: "Can I pet your dog?"; Will it bite?" (I call this one of the services that the dog does for me...ha!); Why do you have to have a dog?"; "You don't look like you have a disability, so why are you making the dog work for you" and other strange or insensitive questions. Be aware that a trip to the store to pick up some milk, a 10- minute trip before service dog (BSD), will be a 30-minute trip after service dog (ASD). The days you are super easy to get mad, leave the dog at home. What Does It Cost to Keep Various Types of Service Dogs?Be aware of the COSTS of a service dog -- GOOD quality food (you want them to live a long time!), toys (because they deserve off time), vet bills (including heart worm and flea control!!), new equipment when the old wears out, grooming (if you can't do it yourself) all cost a good amount of money.Of course, if you have the time, you can use the ideas on this site to help you cut down on many expenses. And a small dog will cost quite a bit less to feed. YOU CAN take all of these costs off your taxes, but you have to keep good records. And there are some organizations that can help with the general bills (IAADP.ORG for one)...but for the most part, it is at your own expense. Note that service dog certification ought not to cost you anything despite multiple claims to the contrary." ConclusionWe appreciate that really comprehensive report, Viki! Thank you so much for being willing to share what you have learned...For more stories about Viki and her dogs, as well as other people who have lived with or are living with a dog assistant, see the contributions below. Consider paying it forward by entering your own story and up to four photos. It will become a permanent page on this site, accessible by people worldwide! Did You or Do You Have a Service Dog?Please share what your service dog(s) mean or have meant to you. What Other Visitors Have SubmittedClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Bella - New Ears for Me
Annie The Wonder Dog
What Tobias, the Dachshund, means to me.
Annie: A Very Special Helper
Golfi the Wonder Dog
Hannah the Great Pyrenees Service Dog
Natalia II
Not rated yet
Melanie and her Church Outings
Not rated yet
Heidi's Service Dogs, Prissy and Melanie
My GSD rescue who rescued me
Not rated yet
Mildred Isabella the Black Lab Service Dog
In Memory of Patches, Service Dog Extraordinaire
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