OT - who can tell me about dogs, especially training dogs?

 Hi Kelly,

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.  :)

If you get a service dog they will already be basic and service trained, so you won't have to worry about that.  My dogs were always eager to be walked.  Again your service dog will already be trained in that area also, so you shouldn't have any trouble.  They will already be house broken and should have been taught to ignore cats.  The cat litter may be a problem.  Maybe put up child's gate and teach him not to go into the bathroom. (Had one dog I had to keep an eye on and the other one never bothered the litter.)   I agree with all the costs mentioned except spaying or neutoring (sp).  SPCA  will do it for under $100.00 (or use to anyway).  That may already have been done also.  It takes about 2 years (?) to specially train a dog not including basic training, obedience class etc.  It would be best to check out the different places to get one and see if they offer them free in special cir****tances.  (use to) or how much one would cost.    Not all dogs have the temperment to be a service dog.  So it would be better to get one already trained.  They come in different sizes and are matched to your personality and activity level.         Best wishes             

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.

Awww...Rio is awesome. There are some dogs that just naturally tune in to 1 person in the household. I think that is how our dog, Sophie, is. We got her to be a companion for my 6 year old with autism. But she really has bonded to me. I suffer from depression and high blood pressure. They can sense when you are in distress.

Hi Kelly. Great question. I actually just got a dog in January that is being trained to be a "companion" animal to my 6 yr old autistic son. (He is very high functioning). I researched for months to find the right breed and breeder before we chose an english springer spaniel. She came from a line that already had a water cadaver rescue dog, and another that senses seizures. My brother-in-law is blind. He has a service dog. Because your needs aren't as critical ie: blind, wheelchair bound, etc you have alot more possibilities open to you. You would want your companion to have a good temperment and be able to pass the canine good citizen test. And then you can certify your companion. And you know...some people have leash trained bunnies, ferrets, etc for their companion. Sophie needs to be taken out 2-3 times per day for a good walk and potty time. (We got her at 8wks old - it was more frequent in the beginning). Our local aspca has a shot clinic and spay/neuter clinic that provides low cost care for your pet. Look into 4H clubs - sometimes they train dogs for their projects. I am an animal lover, especially dogs. Ask alot of questions, maybe volunteer at a aspca/shelter and see what fits you. There is so much to ask and learn. If I can help, let me know. I think it will be a good thing for you. Sophie is more fixated on me then my son - maybe she senses my high blood pressure and depression. She is my shadow. She is very soothing to me when I am having a frustrating day - alot lately with my insurance woes. Maybe I will keep her for my companion. LOL. Let me know if I can answer more questions for you. Good luck!!

Here are a few links
good citizen test: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm

registry for companion:
http://www.nsarco.com/registeryouranimal.html

I was thinking of volunterring at my local shelter so I could spend more time with dogs since I don't have much experience with them.

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.

 Check out http://www.psychdog.org/tasks.html, Psychiatric Service Dog Association.  This group works to promote the use of service dogs for people with mental health issues, and providesr a list of trainable tasks, as well as public access training.

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!

 I have no words of advice...my dog owns me but I can't imagine life without her. This is Lucy waiting for the window to be replaced.

 dogs are amazing ive always had dogs to seattledeb i also have a min pin and she owns me as well lol