Psychiatric Service Dog Training

What is a Service Dog?

Service dogs play a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities, enabling them to lead more independent lives. However, the legal permissions and rights surrounding service dogs are often misunderstood. This guide will provide an in-depth explanation of what service dogs are, the legal framework governing their use, and the rights and responsibilities of both service dog handlers and the public.

A service dog is a dog that is specifically trained to perform tasks or provide assistance to an individual with a disability. The tasks performed by a service dog are directly related to the person’s disability. Service dogs can assist individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, or neurological conditions.

For example:

  • Mobility impairments: A service dog can assist with tasks like opening doors, retrieving objects, or pulling a wheelchair.
  • Hearing impairments: A service dog may alert a person to sounds such as doorbells, alarms, or sirens.
  • Psychiatric disabilities: A service dog might be trained to assist individuals with PTSD, anxiety, or depression by providing comfort, reminding them to take medications, or creating space in crowded environments.

The key point is that service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability and are not merely companion animals.

Legal Framework for Service Dogs

Service dogs are protected by several laws that ensure access and prevent discrimination against individuals who rely on them. The most important laws in the United States that govern service dog rights include:

  1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Under the ADA, service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers in almost all public spaces, including restaurants, stores, public transportation, and other places where the public is allowed.
    • The law defines a service animal as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.”
    • The ADA does not require service dogs to be professionally trained, though they must be able to perform the tasks needed by their handler.
  2. Fair Housing Act (FHA)
    • The FHA ensures that individuals with disabilities can have their service dogs in housing situations, even if the property has a no-pets policy. This includes rental apartments, condos, and other residential accommodations.
    • Under the FHA, a landlord cannot charge additional fees or pet deposits for a service dog. Additionally, the dog must be allowed to live in the residence if it helps with the disability, provided it does not pose a direct threat to the safety or health of others.
  3. Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
    • The ACAA ensures that people with disabilities can travel by air with their service dogs. Airlines are required to allow service dogs in the cabin and must provide reasonable accommodations, such as allowing the dog to sit at the handler’s feet.
    • Airlines can only ask specific questions to determine whether a dog is a service animal, such as whether the dog is required because of a disability and what tasks the dog has been trained to perform.
  4. State and Local Laws
    • Many states have additional laws that expand on the federal protections provided by the ADA, FHA, and ACAA. These laws may further clarify service dog access in public places, housing, or transportation within that specific state or locality.

Rights of Individuals with Service Dogs

Under the ADA and other relevant laws, individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs have specific rights, including:

  1. Access to Public Spaces:
    • Service dogs are allowed in almost all public places, such as grocery stores, hotels, parks, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The only exceptions are areas where dogs are specifically prohibited for safety or health reasons (e.g., sterile environments, certain hospital rooms).
    • Business owners may only ask two questions when a person enters with a service dog:
      1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
      2. What tasks has the dog been trained to perform?
    • These questions must be asked respectfully, and the person with the service dog is not required to provide specific details or documentation of their disability.
  2. Air Travel and Housing:
    • As mentioned, service dogs are allowed in the cabin of an airplane and in most housing units under the ADA and FHA. Public and private housing providers cannot discriminate against tenants with disabilities who have service dogs, even in no-pets housing.
  3. Workplace Protections:
    • The ADA also protects individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to employees who rely on service dogs, as long as it doesn’t create undue hardship for the employer.
    • For instance, an employee may request that a service dog accompany them to work to help with a disability. Employers are required to consider these requests and engage in an interactive process to determine what accommodations are reasonable.

Responsibilities of Service Dog Handlers

While service dogs are granted numerous rights, handlers also have responsibilities, including:

  1. Control of the Dog:
    • The handler must keep the service dog under control at all times. The dog should be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless it interferes with the service dog’s tasks. If the dog’s behavior is out of control, such as barking excessively, causing disruptions, or being aggressive, the handler may be asked to leave the premises.
    • The dog should also be well-trained and non-disruptive. If the dog’s behavior poses a safety risk, businesses and public areas may ask the individual to remove the dog.
  2. Care and Maintenance:
    • Handlers must ensure that the service dog is well cared for, including providing adequate food, water, and rest. Service dogs should be clean and healthy to ensure they can perform their tasks effectively.
  3. No Discrimination:
    • Service dog handlers must not be discriminated against in public places, housing, or during air travel. If a handler faces challenges accessing a space due to their service dog, they can file a complaint with the relevant authorities, such as the U.S. Department of Justice (for ADA-related issues) or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (for FHA-related issues).

Distinguishing Service Dogs from Other Animals

It is important to note the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals (ESAs). The legal protections afforded to service dogs are not necessarily extended to therapy dogs or ESAs:

  • Service Dogs: Trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
  • Therapy Dogs: Provide comfort and emotional support to individuals in institutions like hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. They are not covered by the ADA.
  • Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Offer comfort and companionship to individuals with emotional or psychiatric conditions. ESAs are not granted the same public access rights as service dogs and are not required to be trained for specific tasks. ESAs are typically only protected under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act.

Conclusion

Service dogs are essential companions for individuals with disabilities, providing critical assistance in their daily lives. The legal framework surrounding service dogs helps ensure their access to public spaces, housing, and transportation, protecting the rights of handlers. While the ADA offers significant protections, handlers also have a responsibility to maintain control of their service dogs and ensure that the dogs are well-trained and under control. It’s essential to understand the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals, as these distinctions affect the rights and access of each.

By respecting the rights of both individuals with service dogs and the public, society can foster a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with disabilities.

 

Our Training Options

At Dawgs at Work, we understand that every dog and handler are unique, which is why our training program is based on a fully customized plan designed to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a fully trained dog for sale, a personalized training journey for a puppy, or training for an existing dog, we have a solution tailored just for you.

We specialize in training psychiatric service dogs specifically for individuals with disabilities such as PTSD, anxiety and panic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and more. Our dogs are expertly task-trained to provide critical support, including but not limited to deep pressure therapy, alert and response to triggers, behavioral interruptions, crowd buffering, medication retrieval, and other personalized tasks. These highly skilled service dogs are trained to assist with managing daily challenges, enhancing independence, and improving the quality of life for their handlers.

At Dawgs at Work, we are committed to supporting legitimate service dog teams and ensuring that our dogs are placed with those who truly need their assistance. To uphold this priority, we require a letter of intent from a licensed medical professional for all clients seeking a psychiatric service dog. This letter must confirm that the client has been seen and treated for a disability (specific details are not required) and that the medical professional recommends the use and ownership of a trained service dog to assist with the client’s day-to-day life and needs. This process helps us ensure that we are providing the right support to individuals who will truly benefit from the assistance of a service dog.

 

How Our Training Process Works:

1. Consultation Meeting: The first step is to reach out to us to schedule a consultation, which typically lasts between 45-60 minutes. This is a crucial time for us to get to know you, your dog, and your goals. During this meeting, we will discuss your preferences and the best path forward. To set up your appointment you can email us at: info@dawgsatwork.com 

2. Customized Training Plan: Based on the information gathered during the consultation, we’ll create a training program designed specifically for you and your dog. We offer a variety of options:

Fully Trained Dogs for Sale: If you’re looking to bring a fully trained dog into your home, we have a selection of dogs available that have already undergone thorough training and are ready for a new family.

Puppy Sourcing & Training: For those who prefer to start with a puppy, we will source the right puppy for you, then initiate a comprehensive training program where the puppy will live with their future handler throughout the training process, ensuring a smooth transition to a well-behaved companion. All puppies that come through this program will be enrolled in a special access in-home board and train program for a minimum of one week (maximum of three weeks) with our lead trainer in her home to ensure the highest quality socialization and desensitization process as well as initial housebreaking!

Training & Certification for Existing Dogs: If you already have a dog and are interested in certifying them as a therapy or ministry dog, we offer specialized evaluation and training to help your dog achieve their certification and become a valuable companion in therapeutic or ministry settings. If your dog is between the ages of 8 weeks to 4 months of age you have the option to enroll them in an optional in-home board and train program with our lead trainer (from 1-3 weeks) to get them started off on the right paw!

No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that both you and your dog are equipped with the skills and confidence needed for success. Let’s work together to create the perfect training experience for you and your dog!

Handler Program

We believe the bond between handler and dog is essential for success. Therefore, all foster families and handlers must complete our training and handling program, which covers:

 **Basics in Canine Cognition**: Understanding how dogs think and learn is vital for effective training and communication. Our curriculum provides insights into canine behavior and psychology, enabling handlers to connect with their dogs on a deeper level.

**Training Techniques**: Handlers learn positive reinforcement methods, clicker training, and other effective techniques to reinforce desirable behaviors while allowing each dog’s personality to shine.

**Handling Skills**: Practical workshops provide hands-on experience in managing dogs in various environments, ensuring handlers are prepared to navigate everyday challenges while appreciating their dogs’ individuality.

**Emergency Procedures**: Handlers are trained to recognize and respond to potential emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the dog and those they assist.

**Please note that any client purchasing a fully trained dog from us will have this course included in the cost of the dog!

Commitment to Development and Evaluation

Most dogs will be enrolled in programs with us for a **minimum of six months**, regardless of the branch they will enter. This extended time allows us to:

**Thoroughly Evaluate Each Dog**: By spending more time with our dogs, we can better assess their behaviors and tailor their training to address common challenges that arise during critical developmental stages—from neonatal through to adulthood.

**Monitor Progress**: This long-term observation helps us identify any behavioral challenges early on, ensuring that our dogs grow into well-adjusted, reliable companions.

**Foster Individuality**: We prioritize creating an environment where each dog’s character can shine through their work, enhancing their ability to connect with their handlers and provide effective support.

Program Pricing

Program Pricing

At Dawgs at Work, we believe in providing a truly personalized training experience for each client and their dog. Because of the unique nature of our programs, we unfortunately do not offer standard pricing up front. Every program is customized based on a variety of factors to ensure the best possible results for both you and your dog.

What Affects Pricing:

The final price of your program will depend on several key elements, including, but not limited to:

  • Type of Program: We offer different program options, such as stepping out, stepping out with sourcing, or a complete program, each with its own scope and training requirements.
  • Breed & Gender of Dog: The breed of your dog may influence the training process, as different breeds may have different learning needs. If we are sourcing a puppy for you or you are purchasing a complete program breeder pricing may affect cost depending on the breed and gender being selected.
  • Dog Evaluation & Aptitude Testing: If you already own a dog, an evaluation and aptitude test will help us determine the best approach to their training and development.
  • Training Progression & Milestones: The duration and intensity of the training needed, as well as the specific milestones your dog will achieve, will also be considered when tailoring your program.
  • Course Milestone Testing: We include thorough assessments throughout the program to ensure your dog is meeting all necessary milestones on their training journey.
  • Task Training: Cost and timeline may change and adjust based on the type and number of tasks you will need your dog to perform and how your service dog prospect is adapting to learning these tasks. 

All of our training programs include certifications in key areas, ensuring your dog is well-rounded and prepared for various real-world situations. These certifications include:

  • Beginner & Intermediate Obedience
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen
  • AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen
  • AKC Community Canine
  • Service Task Training
  • Handler Training

Starting Price:

Our program costs start as low as $8,000.00, depending on the specific needs and customizations required. We’ll work closely with you to develop a program that fits both your goals and your budget, ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your dog.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule your consultation at info@dawgsatwork.com. We look forward to working with you to create the perfect training plan!