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THE SUPREME ASSISTIVE
DEVICE
THE SERVICE DOG
Frequently Asked Questions
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Canine Working Companions, Inc.
Administrative Office
P. O. Box 2128; Syracuse, NY 13220-2128
(315) 656-3301
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 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 is 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 80 to 100 hours of instruction, (12 to 18 days), 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?
CWC has a two bedroom, wheelchair accessible apartment that you may stay in
during your team training, upon availability. This apartment is furnished with
linens, dinnerware, pots & pans, refrigerator, and microwave. You will need to
make arrangements for attendant care, if needed. The cost of your food/meals,
attendant care, transportation, etc., is your responsibility. You are also
responsible for cleaning & tidying of apartment.
It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements. CWC has a van to
transport people in wheelchairs to and from the Utica train depot or bus
station, if necessary.
Travel, Housing, and Attendant Care 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. 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 is 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 Service Dog costs CWC between $12,000 and $15,000. The financial
responsible for an 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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