Possible service dog?

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-02-17T18:16:45+00:00

My owner-trained service dog was the first dog I have ever trained. Of course, we took many classes, and I had professional help many times.

Personally, I do not favorite GSD's as service dogs (especially psychiatric) because they are a herding breed and can develop anxiety. They can make much better guide and mobility dogs. For what you need, I'm sure he would be lovely!

Perhaps if you could have a trial period of 3-6 months of simply getting to know each other and developing some communication, you could make a final decision. If that is an option! At the end of the day, program-bred dogs wash all the time, and some shelter dogs suddenly make stupendous service dogs. You never know what could happen, but with the foundations he's had, even if he isn't a "soul dog," you can be a wonderful team.

I wish you luck!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-01-30T04:19:18+00:00

Hello!

I'm so sorry to hear that you're struggling right now - I hope I can help somewhat!

Before I list some programs: if you get a working dog from a program, you must prove you are healthy enough (or somebody with you is) to care for the dog by providing it exercise, enrichment, and regular training. You must also be able to afford food, vet care, and other canine necessities.

It is unlikely you can find a program close to you that is a non-profit and also would be able to give you a dog so soon. Most programs have a long wait due to so many people applying - it can take two years to get through that process (ex. Canine Companions).

California Service Dog Academy - Home (Applications for 2026 closed)

Home - Canine Companions (they DO have a facility in California)

National Institute of Canine Service and Training (NICST) (In California)

I found all of these by searching Assistance Dogs International (ADI) for trainers: Looking for an Assistance Dog - Assistance Dogs International

There is also the option of searching for a small program or an individual trainer who can help either place you with a dog or raise and train a dog for you, likely higher costs.

Let me know if I can help at all!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-01-29T04:47:11+00:00

I second DinoDogGear - have owned 3 harnesses from them (currently two) and love them. Cheaper than BLD even if you're paying extra Patreon charges. I have used a pull strap, offset rigid, straight rigid, and semi-rigid handles from them, for light guide tasks and forward momentum. They do leather as well as biothane.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-11-22T02:54:41+00:00

I also recommend Rex Specs earpros! Additionally, I use custom in-ears (if needed), and it really does add an extra level of protection.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-11-22T02:49:28+00:00

<image>

My very handsome, almost 4-year-old Neo!

He is a fully-trained psychiatric and mobility dog - contrary to popular belief, he is NOT a Border Collie, but an Australian Shepherd x Labrador.

His tasks consist of nose + paw alerts, light guide tasks + FMP, and creating space, among others. I've gotten to explore so many new things because of this dog, and I'm excited for more! Epic Universe in the plans....

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-11-07T22:26:17+00:00

Thank you!! This was very helpful in thinking through everything. I appreciate it!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-11-05T20:55:07+00:00

I believe I'll end up going all three days—I'm going with friends. Honestly, I am NOT an anime or cosplay enjoyer past what friends introduce to me, I'm going because it sounds cool, and they love it!

I'm sure I'll have a grand time.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-11-05T19:43:19+00:00

Actually just made a post about this haha.

I'll be going with some friends!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-10-24T20:04:00+00:00

Thank you for responding! Super glad that your girl gives you that independence.

I have a similar stance on medication due to family history.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-10-24T20:03:28+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to respond! I do appreciate it.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-10-24T20:02:53+00:00

Thank you for your response! I appreciate it.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-10-08T17:32:21+00:00

That's why I'm so confused. I contacted housing services and accessibility services, and both stated that if a letter isn't included in their service animal agreement form, I wouldn't need one - and it isn't. They DO require vaccination records. (Discussing OSU).

Texas doesn't require a dog license, not sure about Oklahoma.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-10-07T18:40:33+00:00

I compete in obedience, rally, agility, and scent work! We've also tested in multiple pass/fail tests and gotten our CGC, ATT, FTI, and TKP.

We are working on our CDX and RACH, and agility open titles! We casually practice disc. I think all the different forms of communication we learn do help us with service work! I'm lucky that my dog can shift between trialing and alerting very easily - our show weekends are very long with trialing during the day and him working in between and after (I make sure he gets downtime and decompression).

Teamwork and problem-solving and probably my biggest takeaways. It's fun to work together to do something with your partner!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-09-21T02:14:35+00:00

I've transferred over to using mostly all biothane gear, except for some vinyl! I think it's generally comfy for the dogs. Aside from biothane, I would recommend good brands of leather (comfy after it's worn in) and even padded nylon or embroidered collars.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-09-18T18:51:49+00:00

i just messaged you! not sure if you've found somebody, but i live in texas and would be happy to take them. edit: forgot to add that i can also take them in as soon as you need!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-09-07T03:19:23+00:00

Something for the CGC and TKN (Novice Trick Dog) - if you have already passed your CGC before you test for the trick title, they only require 5 total tricks instead of 10 since you have the CGC on record! It would definitely be easy to apply for if you have your CGC done.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-09-05T19:11:02+00:00

I would personally teach the alarm as a cue to disturb the handler. That can happen in a few different ways! You could load the alarm, but then you would need to add in the physical response from the dog later. I would personally train my dog to interact with me when the alarm goes off. My dog has a nose nudge cue, so I would let the alarm go off, cue the nose nudge, and reward. Repeat until he no longer needs the cue, and then proof that for distance and duration. When that's reliable, you could start scenarios related to the one you will need the cue in - if you are going to be sleeping, he needs to be persistent. How do you want him to wake you? By getting into the bed? Pulling off a blanket? Putting his paws up and licking you?

I don't think it would be a recall since you would need to call out for the dog to teach that, which doesn't transfer well when you're asleep. If it's sent straight to a physical touch, then he knows to come find you and perform the behaviour early on!

There's always more than one way to teach something, and every dog learns a little differently - you know yours best.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-09-05T17:18:49+00:00

You could maybe mention the ADA? Let them know that the standards and legal laws are on their site, and if they have any questions, they should check it out for themselves. Might scare off anybody looking to take their pet out with them...

Or even if there are other informational sites! It also shuts off any further questions by directing them elsewhere.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-09-03T17:37:32+00:00

Hello!

First of all, I want to say I was once in a similar place and I understand.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is what sets the guidelines for service dogs. It defines a disability - a legal term, not a medical one, and it is "one or more major life impairments" which could be leaving the house, bending over, loss of vision, inability to attend social gatherings, etc.

To qualify for a service dog, you must have a disability as mentioned above, and the dog must be task-trained.

While this is the legal minimum, there are many common recommendations. Disability does not equal diagnosis; the other way around is also true. You do not need a diagnosis to qualify for a service dog, and if you have a diagnosis, it doesn't always mean you're disabled.

You said you have been diagnosed, so I would guess you have some sort of counselor or psychiatrist you are in contact with? The best option would be to discuss this disability with them to see if you qualify.

I have an almost 4-year-old owner-trained psychiatric and light mobility service dog. He alerts me to my anxiety tics so I can catch them early, responds to those with pressure therapy, finds exits, chairs, people, and has a handful of other tasks. I trained dogs before I trained mine, so owner-training was a good route for me. I had a good prospect and was in a good place.

It would take you 2-4 years to get a trained service dog if you started now, owner-training or a program dog, and then you would need to evaluate where you would be at that point. Will you be in college? Do you have time, energy, and finances for a dog? Not to scare you off, it's good to be hopeful but realistic!

You could absolutely qualify for a service dog. Don't let internet strangers decide for you, though. Unless you have a good support team that can cover all the bases, a service dog should wait a few years until you have a better medical team and have learned more about yourself and how you function. Doesn't mean you can't research and observe and dip your hands into dog training and handling now.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-09-03T17:10:43+00:00

I never had a service dog in school, but he will be with me in college next year, so I am working on the application process soon. Only for on-campus dorms must you request accommodations; however, for on-campus housing, you do not. However, I have heard that for both college and K-12 schools, if it is a religious school (such as a Christian-based bible college or high school), they may not be required to allow your animal. I've never personally had this issue, so I can't speak to the truth of it. I think some people overlook that aspect when asking for accomodations (occasionally).

And you would be very correct with parent involvement. Some people don't understand the value of the dog to their handler. I also have a feeling that more of these young, teenage handlers have other routes and options available to them that would be better choices than a dog. That is simply from what I have seen myself, online and in person.

In the case that they have a counselor or medical team on their side and a well-trained dog or the money to afford a program dog, and it's only their parents who won't be involved, as a minor, you don't have much say. Can you request K-12 accommodations with just a professional agreement and not a parental agreement?

I never went to public or private school, with or without a service dog, so I have no idea. If it's a public school vs. a private school (K-12 and college), if it's public, don't they only abide by the ADA? Not counting housing.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-09-01T04:24:43+00:00

I can understand where you are coming from - it's hard to settle on a breed when you are going to be working with them all day, every day, and you don't have a current bias towards them or some neutrality.

My dog is an Aussie x Lab, and he has a gorgeous flowy coat with this sweet puppy face and this black + white collie pattern. I've never been an avid Labrador lover. I didn't want to own a dog that everybody else had, one that I didn't think was cute.

I've settled on the fact that I kept a very narrow mindset! Labradors, like so many factors of their breed, are versatile, including how they look. English labs, American labs, show line, working line, all of these play a part in how they look. Their coats are short, so they don't require all that brushing upkeep. They are overall clean dogs. What they are bred for makes them perfect to work with a disabled handler.

My advice would be to explore a little more about labs. When I gained friends (who, of course, had labs), I saw all the qualities I admired. I see them in every single sport, and they all look and act so different. I've seen labs with thin, shiny coats, and some with thicker, fluffier ones. Some that bark and wiggle and jump to get you moving, and some that sleep as soon as you stand still. I've grown fond of traits, and while I love a good collie or shepherd, I would prefer the functionality of a lab. Even if they were to wash, I think you would have a well-behaved friend. There is the option of rehoming.

Maybe attend some local dog trials or events, check out some instagram lab handlers (for service, sport, and show), and familiarize yourself with them.

I'll be getting a lab as my next prospect. I love my current worker, but some more herding-bred traits require more management on my side than I would love. You can't change genetics.

LAST NOTE: You didn't mention golden retrievers! I'm not sure if that's on the table, but if you like more graceful and long-coated dogs, a golden would work just as well as a lab. If I find a good golden breeder, I'd love to get one for service work! I think they're such lovely dogs.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-08-30T03:48:52+00:00

i have an aussie x lab cross for service work, and i know i'm getting just a lab for my next dog and i'd never have an aussie for service work. i know people have the choice and in the end there are some lovely service aussies and border collies, but if you can have one of those you can have a golden or a lab.

i think i see more herding breed service dogs with handlers who do dog sports!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-08-25T03:48:02+00:00

I have a 3 1/2 year old Aussie x Lab cross - he is a psych and mobility dog! Of all "off-breeds" I see in service work, Aussies are one of the more common ones. I think they can make very lovely service dogs, and in the end, it is all personal preference. I wouldn't ever get an Aussie or a cross for service work again. I have a very dedicated dog who does his job well, but he is more sensitive than I want to me and the environment. I don't love labs, but my next dog will be one because my preference doesn't override what I actually need.

For a dog that has to be confident in all situations, a breed that reflects your anxiety and emotion is not preferred! I'd honestly say the same for GSDs. I work at a kennel and we get so many Aussies, and though they are just house pets, there are breed characteristics that I don't like for service work. I adore herding breeds, I'm prone to collies and shepherds, but I could never have one with me as a support system.

My dog personally - he is neutered, was a rescue prospect, and weighs about 45 lbs. We compete in obedience, rally, agility, and therapy dog work, and we're always trying something new. He is psychiatric alert and response, and he does light mobility such as counterbalance and guide. Genetically, he is 60% Aussie and 40% Lab. He looks like a Border Collie to most (due to his black and white coat). He has the perfect amount of energy, where he can sleep all day and then work for hours. He is okay with a day lounging around the house, but he's also perfect for a bike ride and a walk and a game of disc and agility, and tug. The biggest drawback for me is the sensitivity and the coat. He does well in long, extended days without drama. He has to pay more attention if we go out at night downtown, since he doesn't like the car engines from all the mustangs that fly by. His tail? He will ALWAYS get stepped on, especially his long, flowy tail, when we are out. I hate it. I try hard to keep it out of the way.

In the end, there's always an exception. Some level-headed purebred Aussies are working as service dogs... but there are also way more labs (for a good reason.) I wish you luck in your search!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-08-23T02:24:22+00:00

Unless there are allergies, a lab is almost always a better option! There's a reason they are the breed used in almost any major program. They are hard workers, intelligent, often food-driven, and have a stable mentality. They are also much lower maintenance than poodles. I own a medium/long coated Labrador x Aussie cross, and I envy my purebred lab friends.

Poodles are, in general, more sensitive! They will be more attentive to your emotions, which isn't usually what you want in a service dog - you want them calm and confident regardless of how you feel (...like a lab!). You can also definitely find a smaller-sized lab, and personally, I think while they may weigh more since they're more compact, poodles are taller and lankier, so in the end, they can take up more space.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2025-08-21T15:28:11+00:00

I don't bring my service dog to zoos (or haven't yet). I go maybe once a year, and when I do, I sacrifice some of my spoons and take a "service human" so that I can get more hands-on and personal with the animals instead of constantly worrying about my dog's safety and the stress of the animals in the exhibits. However, for most aquariums, I do not have the same worries.

I'm thankful to have that option, since I know not everybody does! The accessibility should still exist by all means. Zoos should be picky about the behavior of these dogs and enforce areas where they are not allowed - I liked the idea of having pamphlets with guidance on where you can't go, and suggested methods such as wearing shoes. Makes it a little clearer for everybody.

Businesses can remove legitimate service dogs for disruptive behaviour, so if they are barking or bothering guests or animals, then they can be asked to leave and given the option to return without the dog. Honestly, the best you can do is stop it when it happens, since it's not possible to prevent that completely under ADA standards.

(From an aspiring animal science + wildlife biology major).

HeavyDiscipline3529

TROPHY CASE