Is a dog right for me

Is a service dog right for me? Things to consider during the decision process.

What do you want a service dog to do for you?: There are many things a service dog can do, but there are also many things they cannot do. When you first begin considering a service dog, you should make a list of the things you want a service dog to do for you, then consider if the list is reasonable. There is a good list at IAADP website. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a good place to start as you consider what you would like the dog to do.

Does your family/spouse/partner/roommate approve of this decision?: This can be a huge factor in deciding to get a service dog. The people you live with will understandably have some opinions regarding adding a dog to the household. If you live with a roommate who does not want a dog around, you may be able to get a new roommate, but it is not usually so easy to get a new spouse or partner. Allergies may also be an issue, but can usually be resolved by obtaining a hypoallergenic breed of dog unless the allergies are very severe.

How will this affect your social life?: I have lost friends over my decision to use a service dog. You may too. Friends may not understand why you are choosing to use a service dog instead of other assistive devices. Your friends may not want you to have the dog in their homes or even around them. Talk to your friends before you decide to get a service dog and see the effect it may have on your social life. You may decide that keeping your friends is not worth giving up the benefits of using a service dog, but it is good to be aware of the potential implications of your decision.

Can you handle the financial responsibility that comes with dog ownership?: Dogs are expensive. Service dogs are even more expensive, and owner trained service dogs are even more expensive than that. Medical emergencies may arise and those can be very expensive. If you are not financially stable, a service dog (or a dog at all) might not be the best move. Budget carefully before you decide.

Are you ready for the greatly increased public attention you will draw both to yourself and your disability with a service dog?: A service dog attracts attention, both to the dog and to you. This can really change how people perceive you, especially if your disability is invisible. By obtaining a service dog, you will label yourself as disabled. People who did not know you were disabled or did not consciously consider you to be disabled will suddenly have it drawn to their attention, and you may find that their perception of you changes when you get a service dog.; You will also find that the many members of the general public will want to stop and talk to you about your dog and sometimes also about your disability. This can be constant and annoying. Small children will chase your dog and try to pet it. If your dog is larger, very small children will try to climb on it and ride it. A service dog is probably not a good option for someone that cannot tolerate a lot of public attention.

Do you have the time and patience to work with a service dog both in the initial phases of the partnership and the ongoing training that will continue during the dog's life?: It can take up to six months to become comfortable using a service dog, and some feel that it can take up to two years before a service dog team is a smoothly working partnership. Getting a service dog, whether you use an agency, a private trainer or train the dog yourself, is a huge transition. Initially you will spend a lot of time working with the dog, earning the dog's trust and learning to work comfortably with a constant canine companion. Later, the amount of time you spend on dedicated training may decrease, but a certain amount of ongoing training is necessary during the working life of the dog. If this training is not maintained, your dog's skills with deteriorate, he will no longer work at full capacity and he may develop behavioral problems.

Are you ready for the long-term commitment that comes with dog ownership?: Dog ownership is a commitment. You will have this dog as a worker for probably 8-10 years if you are lucky. Then you must decide if you will keep the dog in retirement or find a suitable home for the dog. What will you do if the dog develops behavior problems or health issues and must be retired early? Are you emotionally stable enough to endure the eventual death of your service dog? These are all things you should consider before you get a service dog (or any dog for that matter).

Can you handle confrontation?: It will happen, I guarantee it. Someone will deny you access, people will get in your face about how they don't think dogs should be in public places, or PETA will accost you for enslaving an animal. These confrontations can be emotionally draining and infuriating. It can also be time consuming. Regardless of how well informed your local community is of service dogs, this is an almost inevitable part of service dog use. Are you able to stand up for your rights to business owners and insist on access? Are you willing to follow through to the full extent of the law to ensure businesses are brought into compliance with the ADA? This is an unfortunate part of service dog use, but it is a very real one. If you are not able to deal with this, you probably should not get a service dog.