Just like people, dogs may need an extra boost of confidence during training. Some dogs are born confident, while others need to be taught how to be confident. Robbie is one of those dogs. To teach him confidence, we have begun doing agility work, desensitization exercises while practicing known commands, and using lots of praise & encouragement when he accomplishes things. Benefits of Agility Work for Service Dogs
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Taking your dog with you everywhere sounds like a dream, right? Think again. It's not so much like taking your best friend with you on an adventure, as it is taking a 3-year old with you everywhere. A 3-year old who still needs a diaper bag. When you leave the house, you may have a plan of stops to make, but you really don't know what the day has in store for you. It's a good idea to keep a bag of supplies in your vehicle all the time so that you are prepared for anything. Below, I will provide a list of everything we keep in Robbie's go-bag and why we need each thing. Type of Bag
We use a UA Trance Sackpack purchased at a local sporting goods store. It was on the expensive side, but it has been worth it. It has mesh backpack straps as opposed to the traditional drawstrings, which makes it comfortable to wear. But it has the same design as a drawstring backpack and you'd be surprised how much you can fit into it. It's like Mary Poppin's bag! The one we got is bright red, so it is easy to spot in a full car. Why Boots are UsefulTo the outside observer, boots for a dog seems silly and frivolous. I was that outside observer two years ago. I thought people who got boots for their dogs wanted them to be dressed up like a kid. When I saw pictures of service dogs with boots on, I thought it was to keep their claws from scratching floors or maybe to keep their paws clean inside, but that was it. Below are some possible justifications for your service dog having boots.
3 Types of Collars
In this post, I want to talk a little about the gear that I use with Robbie, why each is important for his job as a mobility dog, and where you can find gear. By law, you do not have to have your dog in a vest or pack that identifies him as a service dog, as stated on the ADA Service dog law FAQ page. This being said, I prefer to always work Robbie with gear on because I believe it helps to cut down on public access issues. Additionally, if Robbie were a breed that many people have problems with such as pit bulls or dobies, it might be even more prudent to have him clearly marked, especially if you are operating in an area with bans against certain breeds. Some states do require certain leashes for guide dogs, but you can read more about that here by searching for your states guidelines.
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My Name is Sally...I have a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. This blog is about my journey training Robbie, a dog who helped me regain independence, confidence, and achieve the impossible in the face of my disability. It continues on with the training of Austin, Robbie's successor. Check Out... - "More than a Dog" was published on a site called The Mighty Categories
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