Service Dogs
Service Dogs
Service dogs are initially selected from breeders, local animal shelters, rescue groups, and service dog puppy raisers. They are carefully evaluated prior to selection and only the best of the best become candidates, graduate, and are certified. Please note that Patriot PAWS’ selection process is extensive. Although generous, please do not try to donate your family pet to Patriot PAWS.
Once fully trained, the dogs are able to assist physically disabled individuals to accomplish daily tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Each dog is customized to the individual needs of the owner. The dogs are trained to perform many services including:
Get help in emergencies!
- Pick up and retrieve items
- Open and close doors and cabinets
- Pull wheelchairs
- Provide bracing to stand, walk, and sit down
- Help with chores, such as laundry
- Take shoes and socks off
Perhaps one of the most beneficial remedies is the unconditional love and devotion a dog can provide to their lifelong partners. Once a strong bond forms between the person-dog relationship, the dog’s trust, devotion, and a desire to please will follow.
The cost to train a service dog is approximately $20,000 – $30,000. This expense represents 12 to 18 months training, housing, feeding, and health related costs. Patriot PAWS Service Dogs Organization specializes in using positive reinforcement to train its dogs.
The minimum standards for all service dog centers affiliated with ADI are listed below. All centers are encouraged to strive to work at levels above the minimums.
Definitions
·PTSD DOG-A psychiatric service dog is specially trained to aid its owner in daily tasks that may be especially challenging for him or her. Although service dogs are perhaps best known for their work with those living with physical limitations, such as vision, hearing, or mobility problems, they can also provide significant help for those dealing with psychiatric issues. Unlike emotional companions who only provide their owners with moral support, psychiatric service dogs are specifically trained to help their owners deal with their unique issues. These dogs are often used to remind people to take medication, stop people from engaging in self-destructive or repetitive behaviors, and provide physical and emotional support as needed.
·COMPANION DOG-A companion dog is trained to assist individuals in their home. They provide unconditional love and affection to their partner who may be elderly, home-bound or have a psychiatric or other illness. Studies have shown, that people with dogs tend to live longer, are healthier, more active and feel more fulfilled. Our companion dogs are also taught to dial 911 and provide an added measure of safety.
·THERAPY DOG-A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals,retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, people with learning difficulties, and stressful situations, such as disaster areas. A therapy dog’s primary job is to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact with it and to enjoy that contact. Children in particular enjoy hugging animals; adults usually enjoy simply petting the dog. The dog might need to be lifted onto, or climb onto, an individual’s lap or bed and sit or lie comfortably there. Many dogs contribute to the visiting experience by performing small tricks for their audience or by playing carefully structured games.
·SOCIAL/SKILLED COMPANION DOG- A Skilled Companion Dog is a service dog trained to work or perform tasks with an adult or child with a disability under the guidance of an additional person, a facilitator. A facilitator is typically a parent, spouse or caregiver who handles and cares for the assistance dog, encourages and is responsible for the customized needs of the placement.
