how do I get my dog to be my guide dog?
Posted: May 9th, 2011 | Author: admin | Filed under: Disability Aid Reviews | Tags: Guide | 4 Comments »I have a very, very, well mannered golden that instinctively has always helped me out. I have a chronic condition that make me unable to walk on my own with out a cane or some sort of aid. My dog is tall enough that he has always helped me out walking around the house in the garden, and up and down stairs, by letting me use his back for support. I am a very small person (90lbs) so I know that I am not stressing his joints, and I never use his help unless I absolutely need it. But I was wondering if it was possible to get him to officially be my mobility aid dog?? Is there such a thing? Do you need a licence in Canada?How would I go abouts doing this?
I love my dog very much and I don’t know how he does it but he seems to know when I am in a fix and could use his help and he comes beside me and presses his side againt me and braces himself so I can use him, most of the time I never call him over he just is always there, and I have enver taught him to do this he just does it,..I don’t know how to explain it, but do you know of other dogs like mine?….
You cant. My dad is blind so I know. The only way you can get a guide dog is to go to the Leader Dog School In michigan. But you have to be COMPLETLY blind to get a leader dog.
Your dog will need formal training and certification to be a service dog. If you “google” up SERVICE DOG TRAINING along with your STATE or COUNTRY – you should be able to find trainers and/or service dog programs in your area. Since I don’t know where you live I can not tell you where the closest trainers are to you.
Your dog needs to be evaluated as to temperament and disposition, be social to people and around animals and other dogs – and have the training to make a safe and steady service dog in any situation.
If you think your dog is up to this and is already proving helpful, do see what the next step is in getting him the proper raining to get certified. I’m sure this can be done!
Contrary to what the gal said below. Where there is a will there is a way!!!
I would start by typing “assistance dogs” or “dogs for the disabled” into your yahoo or Google search. See what comes up and start contacting people.
It seems like I remember seeing a special on TV about dogs doing exactly what your does, companion assist dogs. There are all kinds of service and detection dogs. I also recall reading an article in the local paper about a family buying a dog to be trained to detect seizure
Hopefully someone can give you better guidance
Most Canadian service dog laws are written by Province.
Here is a list of Federal and Provincial laws for Canada:
http://servicedogcentral.org/content/node/68
I do have a friend from Toronto who trained her own service dog with the help of a private trainer. Then they went to the government and was tested to be certified.
The best bet is to find a trainer in the area who will work with you that is knowledgeable about service dogs. What you are describing is standard mobility skills, but I believe with the help of a trainer your dog could probably assist you in other ways. For example, if you have mobility/balance problems you might like assistance picking up your keys from the ground or calling for help if you do indeed fall. I know there are some programs who do help people train their own dogs in Canada. Since certification/registration is sometimes required working with a program would be a good option.
So take a look at the laws, contact your local ministry and look for a local trainer or program. Good luck!