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THE SUPREME ASSISTIVE
DEVICE
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WHAT ARE SERVICE DOGS?
Service Dogs are specially selected, bred, raised, and trained to assist people who have physical disabilities. They can open doors, pull the wheelchair, pick up dropped items, carry belongings in a backpack, retrieve objects such as cordless phones, operate light switches, and perform many more physical tasks. These dogs increase their partners’ independence, security and offer them loving companionship. Because of the vital service they perform, Service Dogs are granted access rights by state and federal law in all public places and accommodations.
WHAT ARE THE ACCESS RIGHTS?
A person with a disability and their Certified Service Dog has the same access rights as a blind person and their Guide Dog. These rights include access to any public buildings, stores, restaurants, offices, etc. Service Dogs have access to transportation on buses, trains, planes, etc. A person may have their Service Dog accompany them to work, school, or anywhere else they go. A person with a disability cannot be denied public housing or charged extra for his or her dog. Almost every state has an access law granting access to people with disabilities and their Service Dogs, Hearing Dogs, or Guide Dogs. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a Federal Law covering the same access rights.
A person with a Service Dog, in return, is responsible for his or her dog’s behavior in public places. The Service Dog should be unobtrusive, quiet, and under control at all times. People should NEVER pet or distract a Service, Hearing, or Guide Dog in public. HOW ARE SERVICE DOGS IDENTIFIED?
New York State issues a special tag to every Guide, Hearing, or Service Dog. A more visible symbol of a Service Dog is its harness or backpack. CWC’s backpack is orange and has a photo ID card on the top. The back of the ID card has a copy of the New York State access law. This can be shown to anyone who is not familiar with the Service Dog access rights.
WHAT KIND OF DOGS ARE USED?
CWC breeds Labrador Retrievers to become Service Dogs. This type of work requires a strong, sensible, and sensitive dog. Short hair, muscular, medium sized dogs are preferred, as they are easy to care for. They live longer than the giant breeds and not so large that traveling with them is difficult. Retrieving is the basis for many of the tasks that a Service Dog will do, so the retrieving breeds make a good choice.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A SERVICE DOG CANDIDATE?
Physical soundness is most important in a Service Dog candidate because of the tasks they will be doing. The dogs must pass hip and elbow x-rays, eye exams, and health evaluations. They must be tall enough to reach light switches and counters and strong enough to pull a wheelchair or stand and brace to assist someone who has fallen. They must be people oriented, friendly, and eager to please. Candidates must be confident and sensible, not fearful, shy, or spooky. They cannot be aggressive with dogs, cats, or other animals. They have to be well socialized and well balanced.
WHERE DOES CWC GET THE DOGS?
CWC has a breeding and puppy-raising program to provide a source of good, sound, sensible Labradors. Occasionally, puppies and adult dogs are donated by their owners or breeders, as potential Service Dog candidates. Young puppies must come from parents who have been certified to have good hips and eyes cleared by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Donated adult dogs can be cleared and certified individually. They all must pass temperament and aptitude evaluations.
HOW ARE THEY RAISED?
Foster families raise, socialize, and train the puppies until they are approximately 18 months old. The puppies become a member of their family and learn house manners. CWC offers weekly training classes to teach the puppy raisers how to train their puppies. Puppies must go out in public to accustom them to traffic, crowds, stores, football games, etc. Raising a Service Dog puppy is a rewarding project, but it is a time consuming commitment.
While the puppy is growing up it is evaluated, tested, x-rayed, and spayed or neutered. It will have a physical and an eye exam. It will ride on a bus, visit an airport, and pass a Canine Good Citizen test. It will learn to trust and love people, to play gently, and to be well behaved in public and at home.
The puppy raiser is a vital part of CWC, as these dogs must be carefully and lovingly raised to become a confident, happy, young adult dog. The foundation the puppy raisers develop in these dogs is what enables them to become such wonderful partners for people with disabilities. The puppy raisers know that the time, effort, and love they invest in this dog will give that person increased independence and more options in their life. It is truly an unselfish act of love.
HOW ARE THEY TRAINED?
All Service Dogs have extensive obedience and positioning training, as well as specific skill and task training. Each dog is trained according to its aptitude. The skills a dog needs to assist a person using a power chair are different than for someone using a manual chair or crutches. A dog partnered with someone with a greater disability will need to be more skilled. Training a Service Dog takes 6 to 10 months, depending on the skill level needed. EVERY DOG IS TRAINED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PERSON WHO WILL BE ITS PARTNER.
CAN THEY HELP WITH OTHER DISABILITIES OR PROBLEMS?
A Service Dog may be trained to perform other tasks to assist in the case of other disabilities. They can be trained to alert someone who may also have a hearing problem to sounds such as the smoke alarm, door knock, or alarm clock.
Learning to be fair, yet assertive, with a dog can be a valuable lesson to someone who may apply the same principles to their relationships with other people. Asking for something, being persistent, then giving praise in return are useful lessons for us all.
Having an alert dog on the job is a very definite deterrent to intruders. The Service Dog gives a sense of security to someone who lives or travels alone. Carrying belongings in the dog’s pack instead of a pack hanging on the back of the chair is much less inviting to would-be thieves.
ARE THEY GOOD COMPANIONS?
The loving companionship enjoyed with a Service Dog eases the frustration and loneliness that often accompanies a disability. Their happy, playful nature brings joy and activity into the life of someone who may live alone. The dogs freely offered, non-judgmental love is a constant source of comfort and friendship.
HOW CAN A SERVICE DOG AFFECT A PERSON’S HEALTH?
Still another benefit offered by a Service Dog is the outdoor activity gained in exercising, practicing skills, and playing with the dog. This increases the activity level of many people. Fresh air and exercise helps improve well-being and outlook on life. Caring for another creature and having responsibility creates a sense of self worth. Studies at the University of Pennsylvania have also shown that stroking a dog actually lowers blood pressure and that people who have a dog recuperate from illnesses faster. The Service Dog is a friend to care for and care about, giving life more meaning and purpose.
HOW DO THEY AFFECT SOCIAL LIFE?
In addition to their physical assistance these dogs fulfill another purpose. The image of a person in a wheelchair is changed, enhanced by the presence of a dog.
Service Dogs are wonderful icebreakers in public situations. They are beautiful, friendly, and very well behaved. People will smile, approach, and speak to someone accompanied by such a dog. The owner is complimented on their dog and it becomes a source of pride, as well as independence. Human to human contact, even though brief, is established. Good, positive feelings are experienced with the help of a dog.
WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HAVING A SERVICE DOG?
A Service Dog is a definite
responsibility. A person must consider what it means to have a dog accompanying
them everywhere they go. The dog must be able to relieve itself during the day,
no matter what the weather. It must be able to have water, food, and be
comfortable. A dog will need health care and trips to the veterinarian. It will need grooming, teeth cleaned, and nails trimmed. There are the costs of these to consider. The dog will need exercise and playtime. A dog cannot be set aside until needed. Its care must be arranged if its partner is sick or hospitalized. A person needs to be prepared for barking, shedding, and just the presence of a dog in their life. This is a serious commitment and requires careful thought and planning.
HOW CAN SOMEONE GET A SERVICE DOG?
A person wanting a Service Dog can contact Canine Working Companions, Inc. for an application and information packet. Questions can be answered by CWC staff or graduates who are available to speak with a person who is considering a Service Dog. When the application and documentation are returned, with the $25.00 application fee, the paperwork is reviewed, and then the applicant is contacted to set up an appointment for the first interview, conducted at the Waterville, NY training facility. As part of the Training Facility interview the applicant will participate in a mini-training session with a Service Dog currently in training. The next step is an in-home interview, explained below.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR THE IN-HOME INTERVIEW?
A Service Dog will be brought to the in-home interview to demonstrate what the dog can do. At that time the representatives of CWC will want to meet everyone who lives with the applicant. They will want to see the environment where the dog will be living and working. This will tell them if there are any environmental problems that the dog can be trained to handle. This information also helps make the correct match between the applicant and a dog.
HOW IS TEAM TRAINING CONDUCTED?
Team training is a minimum of 60 hours or 13 days, whichever is less, with your new partner, which is conducted at CWC’s training center in Waterville. There will also be a one-day follow-up training, approx. 30 days after placement, at the Waterville facility. The last day of training is conducted in the student’s home for any specialized training, if necessary. Students work with the dogs to develop the special bond and working relationship that will last a lifetime. A team effort between student and dog is necessary, to accomplish the tasks they will master.
Students will learn dog psychology and behavior; how to correct, discipline, reward, exercise, and practice with their dogs. They will learn how to feed and care for their dog. They will take field trips to stores, restaurants, motels, colleges, etc., to insure their ability to handle and work with the dog in public. It is difficult and tiring work. Fatigue level must be considered.
IS THERE HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE?
No, you will have to make arrangements at a local hotel if you need to stay in the area and not travel home each night. You will need to make arrangements for attendant care and/or interpreters, if needed. The cost of your hotel, food/meals, attendant care and/or interpreters, transportation, etc., is your responsibility.
It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements.
Travel, Housing, Attendant Care, and Interpreters accommodations MUST be set up well in advance of scheduled interview or training. WHAT IS THE FOLLOW UP?
A temporary certification ID card will be issued at the conclusion of team training. The three-year certification will be made after the person has sent in 6 monthly reports. By this time, the dog and the person will have developed a good working relationship and bond. Ownership is then transferred to the graduate contingent on compliance of contract. Follow up reports are then sent in annually. If there are any problems we are notified immediately.
Formal graduation is celebrated in May, with all teams finishing their training during that year, graduating together. A workshop may be held in conjunction with the annual graduation.
CWC offers a lifetime of follow up support and assistance.
The teams are re-certified every three years.
WHAT DOES A SERVICE DOG COST?
Breeding, raising, training, placing, and conducting a lifetime of follow up on a certified Service Dog costs CWC approximately $14,500.00. The financial responsible for the applicant is explained with the application. To receive an application call the Administrative Office at 315-656-3301.
WHAT OTHER TYPES OF DOGS DOES CWC TRAIN?
CWC trains Hearing Dogs. Screened and selected from animal shelters then fostered for 2 months, these dogs find a second chance for a good life. They are trained to alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing to crucial sounds in their environment, such as the smoke alarm, door knock, or baby crying.
CWC also trains Therapy Dogs, which have been selected for their gentleness and social skills. They visit Nursing Homes, providing the residents with the stimulation and affection of a canine friend. Therapy involves a health professional establishing goals and objectives and working with the dog to meet these objectives.
WHAT IS CANINE WORKING COMPANIONS, INC.?
Canine Working Companions, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization, under Federal 501 (c) (3), dedicated to providing specially trained dogs to assist people with disabilities. We serve all of New York State, except for the Buffalo and New York City area. CWC gives educational programs to inform the public about the people, dogs, and their rights.
CWC is able to place Service, Hearing, and Therapy Dogs due to the generosity of the general public. Memberships, sponsorships, bequests, donations, and volunteers are always needed to help us fulfill our mission.
This partnership of a person with a disability and specially trained dog is an extremely worthwhile but expensive project.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Your participation through donations, volunteer work, fostering dogs, or giving presentations is most needed and appreciated. You can make a difference!
Contact CWC at 315-656-3301 for presentations to interested groups.
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