OT - who can tell me about dogs, especially training dogs?
I grew up in the show/obedience world and currently have 2 dogs, one of which I am training in rally/agility.
Regarding exercise, some dogs need more than others. A service dog will probably require at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, as they do tend to be larger dogs in the sporting/working categories. A dog without enough of a physical outlet can become destructive or a behavioral problem in the home. Both my dogs (one Golden Retriever, one Golden Retriever/Rottweiler mix) get out almost daily for at least an hour.
I don't buy into the "train by submission/dominance theory" that others will probably give you (think Dog Whisperer advice). I have very well-behaved dogs, trained with more positive methods. I love to train, so I take classes a lot, have read probably over 20 books on training, and practice daily as well. This is a hobby of mine; most people do not train as much as I do. At the very least, you should expect to have at least one puppy class. The more exposure your dog gets as a pup, the more likely you will have a calm, well-socialized dog. If this seems too overwhelming, a dog over 2 years might be a better fit. Plus, you wouldn't have to deal with housebreaking, and unlike the common saying, you can teach an old dog new tricks. If you do end up getting a pup and want book recommendations, just let me know.
I have a cat. Cats do not digest food the same way dogs do, so apparently their waste tastes good to dogs because they don't fully digest food. A dog, when tempted with a treat, whether it is a piece of steak or a piece of cat poo, will usually take advantage of the situation, especially if you are not around. If a dog gets into something you don't want him to, it is because you made the mistake of not securing the area. So, blocking access to litter boxes is usually the best course of action; many people struggle with keeping their dog out of litter boxes.
As someone else mentioned, costs can be high, especially if you live in a more urban area. When my youngest was 6 months, I had a doggy play date with a friend who has small children. In an instance, the pup grabbed a small stuffed animal and swallowed it. That event resulted in a $3000 emergency surgery. Additionally, my oldest girl is 14 and can no longer hold her urine more than 3-4 hours. As a result, I need a dog walker to come and let her out midday while I am at work. In this area, dog walkers are $20 for 30 minutes. So, while food and standard care costs can be estimated, you never can tell what might pop up.
I could talk on this subject for hours. If you want more information, feel free to message me. :)
~Jen
RNY, 8/1/2011
HW: 348 SW: 306 CW:-fighting regain GW: 140
He who endures, conquers. ~Persius
I have a 110lb Labrador Retriever - a breed frequently used as service dogs. The thing that will make a difference is whether you get a dog from a recogized service dog trainer or if you find a dog and have it trained. Service dogs bred for that purpose are over a year old and have been through obedience training and house breaking. They have been exposed to different social situations and evaluated based on their reactions.
This frequently costs the new owner $$$.
I also have PTSD and other PTSD related issues. My dog has had obedience training (extensive - beginner, intermediate, advanced and trick training at Petsmart, then repeating intermediate and advanced; now working with a private trainer) and he just instinctively helps me.
The beginning of February I had a horrible experience and it triggered some of my PTSD issues pretty severely. I was despondent on the couch, when Rio came over, stood quietly beside me and lay his head on my shoulder.
Dogs are just good judges of the people they love. You don't have to start with a puppy - visit your Humane Society, or look if you want a purebred dog you can go to the AKC website and find a breed specific rescue in your area.
I have 4 cats. I have a baby gate across the door to their room with their food and litter boxes, it has a small door in the bottom that I can leave open for them, but Rio won't fit. As a puppy he wanted to pester them, but in training we taught the command "Leave it" and I can call him off of food, flapping chickens, cats or other dogs with that command.
A lot of towns / counties have assistance for low cost or free spay / neuter, as well as vaccinations. Our Walgreens sponsors vaccination clinics for like $25.
I looked into a psychiatric service dog.... but Rio is working fine for my needs.
I'm glad to hear your dog is working well for your son so far. I've read a little lately about dogs for kids with autism, it seems very helpful for many.
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
We obtained a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a service dog for my husband who has severe emphysema and depression. His doctor wrote a prescription for the dog, which we sent to our condo association (there is a no pets clause in our association rules- service dogs are not pets)
We did several rounds of obedience training, which is the basis for more specialized training, and passed the canine good citizen test. In advanced obedience, we practiced our obedience skills in 'real-life' situations- at the coffee shop, hardware store, other public locations.
Quigley accompanies my husband to all doctor appointments, and was allowed to come visit while he was in the hospital.
We purchase an annual 'wellness plan' for him, which covers all vaccines, preventive care, and all office visits. Meds are separate- I think our plan runs about $300 a year.
Activity/exercise is very breed-specific. Smaller breeds do not always equate to low-energy-- Jack Russells are vfery energetic! A Cavalier is quite happy being a couch potato!
Crate training is key for house breaking, and indeed, all training!
I bathe our dog about every two weeks-- I generally use a self service dog wash-- they have professional bathing tubs, all supplies, etc-- and charge $15 for our size dog. Much easier than cleaning up the whole bathroom at home! I take him to a groomer every 6 weeks or so for trimming, and nails, plus bath.
Dogs are more work than cats, but it is so worth it!
