I’m a fainter. I’ve had every test under the sun, but doctors can’t give me a concrete reason for it. Sometimes, I have warning, but not always. My obvious concern is about driving-- what if I passed out on the freeway?
A friend who has diabetes has a dog that barks to alert him when he’s in danger of going into diabetic shock. The dog recognizes the symptoms and warns the man to take his medicine. However, this dog was never trained to do it-- he knew instinctively to warn his owner when he was ill.
I have a dog who would be perfect for this task-- very small and portable, intelligent and placid-natured. He wouldn’t have to be trained for any other task-- just to alert when I’m about to faint. (From witness reports, I have enough symptoms before I pass out that the dog would be able to recognize them.) So, I’d like to find out how I could get him trained.
Secondly, I’d like to know if anyone who has service dogs has ever had any problems. I did a little research, and discovered that by ADA law, you don’t have to have any documentation to prove that a dog is a service animal. What about real-life experience? Has anyone ever had problems with resturants or stores not wanting to admit their dog? Would it actually be worth itl to pay for the registration to have a card to show businesses?
My sister’s boyfriend was a trainer for Upstate Guide Dogs for a while. They only train their own, starting as soon as they’re weaned (earlier, actually, with the help of their mom). They wouldn’t just take a dog and try to train it.
Of course, a guide dog for the blind has to know a lot more than what you want from your dog. The first 12 weeks of official training (once they’re living with their trainer) are mainly devoted to behaving in public, though. No service dog can be inclined towards chasing squirrels, barking at cars snapping at children, reacting to noises, getting scared in crowds, or peeing on the floor.
Guide puppies do not have to be admitted to public places, and a lot of places won’t admit them. Often when you’re dealing with getting admitted, it’s not really a question of what the law is, but what the merchant thinks the law is, unless you have the number of a federal prosecutor handy.
Check out your local Lions Club…Guide, Service and Special Skills dogs are what they do. I believe Lions International would be the place to search for your local club.
No problem, there. He’s extremely placid. Most of the time when we’re in public, I carry him. (He’s a tiny thing.)
Thanks for the tip, Canadiangirl. I’ll give them a call tomorrow.