There seems to be a lot of confusion these days on what is required to be a Service Dog, a Therapy Dog, and an Emotional Support Dog, so let's look at it in simple terms. Service Dogs go through very intense training and not all dogs have what it takes to be a Service Dog. Therapy Dogs go through intense training too, but not as extreme as Service Dogs, and just like Service Dogs, not all dogs are equipped to be Therapy Dogs. Emotional Support Dogs do not have to go through any special training as of now. The ADA says only registered Service Dogs have a right to go into public establishments with their owners. Therapy and Emotional Support dogs do not have this right. Both the Service and Therapy Dogs need to be able to handle a wide range of environments, experiences, and people. At this time Emotional Support dogs do not. Service and Emotional Support Dogs are able to live with their owners even if there is a "NO Pets" policy. Therapy dogs cannot. The Emotional Support Dog's primary job is to give emotional support to their owner through compassion. This is not a Service or Therapy Dog's job. The Service Dog is trained specifically to assist just one person with his/her disability. The Therapy and Emotional Support Dog is not. Instead, the Therapy Dog's job is to give emotional support and comfort to many people. As we said, at this time the Emotional Support Dog is not required to go through any special or specific training, but my bet is that will change in the future. Too often we see Emotional Support Dogs that are reactive on leash, that bark and snap if someone gets close, or that are unruly and not under the owner's control. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Training Tip of the Month
Anyone that has ever had a puppy knows that puppies nip. What a lot of people don't know is that the puppy isn't being mean, or trying to bite, or even knows better. A puppy's first playmates are his/her litter mates. This is where they learn how to play and not to play with other dogs. They don't have hands so they use their mouths. When your puppy is old enough to leave the litter and come to live wit you, he/she will continue to play the same way unless he/she is taught to do something different. This means you need to teach your puppy how to play with humans. When your puppy is playing and gets a hold of you with his/her teeth, the best thing you can do is stop moving. If you keep moving, the game continues, but it you stop moving, the game ends and the puppy will let go. It might take a moment or even a few moments, but if you are consistent, the puppy will get it and will let go. But what about those puppy teeth that feel like little daggers? If they just hurt too much, put on a heavy sweatshirt and protective gloves. Then get your puppy riled up and stop moving when he/she take hold of you. Remember the more consistent you are, the sooner your puppy will get it.
Quote of the Month
"Dogs are furry children that will never ask for money, a car, or a phone. And they are always glad to see you." Anonymous
