Full Description
Service dogs play an important role in society, assisting their handlers in leading independent, fulfilling lives. These amazing dogs are trained to work with a wide range of disabilities, from visual impairments to PTSD, and come from a variety of breeds and backgrounds. Some service dogs are custom bred and trained by large charities, while others are rescue dogs of indeterminate breed, trained entirely by their owners.
Disability knows no bounds and can strike anyone, at any time, leaving us alone, scared and confused, with many of us wondering how feasible it would be to integrate a service dog into our lives. This is a practical guide, written from the perspective of an ordinary dog owner turned service dog trainer, following her own need for a service dog. It covers everything from service dog breeding and selection, how to acquire a service dog, basic training, and public access work, to your dog's eventual retirement. Chapters also detail the day-to-day realities of living with and loving a service dog.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Chapter One. The History of the Service Dog (But Not as You Know It)
Chapter Two. What Defines a Service Dog in Today's World?
Chapter Three. Service Dog Tasks and Breed Suitability
Chapter Four. The Big Think—Service Dog Training Ideologies
Chapter Five. Big Bad Bully or Yap on a Strap? Which Breed Suits You?
Chapter Six. How to Get Your Grubby Mitts on a Service Dog
Chapter Seven. The Down and Dirty on Service Dog Selection
Chapter Eight. Before Puppy Comes Home
Chapter Nine. Finding a Dog Trainer
Chapter Ten. Basic Service Dog Training
Chapter Eleven. Out and About
Chapter Twelve. Service Dog Gear
Chapter Thirteen. Traveling with Your Service Dog
Chapter Fourteen. Bringing Your Service Dog to Work
Chapter Fifteen. Maintaining a Healthy Service Dog, from Puppyhood to Retirement
Chapter Sixteen. So Long, Farewell and All That Jazz
Glossary
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
