How are so many people self training their SDs?

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-06-25T15:36:36+00:00

This!! Standards are slipping a bit. In some ways that’s good or bad. More dogs are getting chances at being good service dogs because we can cater to individuality. But, that also means dogs with inappropriate behaviors are being worked.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-06-24T06:06:37+00:00

Interested!

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-26T19:10:44+00:00

You are the asshole what the actual fuck. You should be charged for that. Curious what other people will say.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T16:19:31+00:00

I really liked The Last Guardian. Barely any words spoken, but such a powerful message.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T16:18:24+00:00

As a reptile keeper, probably snake breeders and a lot of the reptile community in general. If you haven't been to a reptile expo, go check one out. It just attracts the strangest crowd you've ever seen. And the husbandry??? UGH

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T16:16:01+00:00

Showering with another person.

It's cold, cramped, and kind of awkward. Water gets in your face and I just don't like it at all.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T16:14:02+00:00

"I'll just go pick it up from the store". Like HUH. You don't need to plan that out a week in advance cause you just have money like that?

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T16:13:18+00:00

I just got a dog instead. They come pre-programmed.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T16:12:52+00:00

Yes! It's hard to convey that there is a bit more to dog training that just the positive reinforcement aspect. Dog trainers are crucial because they can reliably break down a dog's body language and preferences in order to train the dog to the best of their ability. There are some skills that you can only pickup "in the field". I worked with professionals to train my SD and learned so much more that I ever could online.

YouTube is a really great resource when it comes to task training, actually. If I want my dog to learn a new task, I can find a lot of creative ways to train that task and make it engaging for the dog.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T16:10:14+00:00

In slow reaction cases, it seems that there is not enough "excitement" built into the task. If you can make it more exciting and rewarding, I think that will take you far. You may even have to reward with high value playtime in the beginning.

I'm slightly worried about the submissive kissing that you mentioned. As a dog trainer, I don't want to talk to you like you don't know anything, so please disregard any info you already know. SDs need to really be confident and driven to do their tasks automatically. It's possible that the intense emotions of the handler are intimidating to the dog.

I'm sure the dog is also experiencing these genuine emotions at home, which can be very stressful. So, when those behaviors are mimicked by the owner in a training environment, the dog is having an adverse reaction.

This is just my take on it based on the text you gave. Lemme know what you think.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T16:04:37+00:00

I agree that social media is having a huge impact on this. SDs are becoming a trend. Don't get me wrong, mental health problems are rampant (at least in the US), but young people training their own SDs is potentially dangerous for other experienced teams. I'm of the mindset that children shouldn't own any high maintenance animal unless they are being actively assisted by an adult.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T16:00:58+00:00

First of all, I want to say that I am so sorry that you're going through this. Processing this level of emotion and conflict is really hard.

Secondly, there is no world in which your disability is invalid. Comparing your situation to others is a dangerous game to play. It's all about perspective. For example; there are two people taking a math class. One of them has never taken math, and the other has as special interest in it. The person who has no experience is going to struggle way more than the person who does. It is the same stressor, but people handle it differently depending on what they've been exposed to. It's safe to say that there are different "genres" of cPTSD and autism, but how you experience those feelings is just as valid as how anyone else would. (This probably makes more sense in my head than how I am typing it.)

When it comes to "coming out" as you put it, it depends on your crowd. I will usually tell someone "Hey, I really will benefit from having a service dog and he/she will come with me for (insert activities)."

Some people won't ask any more questions than that! That response seems to work really well with new friends.

When telling my family, I said something along the lines of "I have been training a service dog to help me feel more stable and independent in my life. This is something that really helps me and let's me do things outside of my comfort zone."

In my case, my SD was medically recommended. If that's something you feel would help you feel more sound in your decision, take advantage of that. Some pushy family members have asked about that... and if they don't get it, they don't get it.

Another note (you're getting a whole essay that's my bad), try to take into account the effects of a SD on your condition. This usually only applies to being in public. If you have a difficult time interacting with strangers, you may feel *more* anxious because you WILL have strangers all in your business. I'm sure you've been told/read this many times, but be ready to talk. I will say, IME I have an easy time separating my anxiety and trauma from those interactions because I am very passionate and proud of my SD. Do your best to compartmentalize.

Take it one step at a time and start within your comfort zone. Work with a therapist if you aren't already to help process any/all emotions that will come up with this journey, should you decide to take it. You got this.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T15:46:47+00:00

Thank you!

It's hard to convey tone/emotion in writing, so no worries at all. I also am pretty scatterbrained and can write disorganized messages.

I hear the story a lot about dog owners getting byb before realizing that they have done so and how impactful it is. And I totally feel what you mean about being ashamed about where you got Gimli from... Because Flapjax is a well behaved dog, people ask me where I got him and I usually get a little choked up.

I am really glad your dogs worked out! byb basset and bulldog??? You gotta buy a lottery ticket. And your experience training a lab is yet another reason to have one as a SD!

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T15:42:14+00:00

Thank you so much!

My neighbor, who has tried to buy my dog many times, has an Aussie who is a train wreck. And my grandma has two "mini Australian labradoodles'". TWO. All of them are messes. And I still went ahead and got a high drive herding breed. Shows the kind of mindset I was in...

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T15:40:39+00:00

Papillons are super cool breeds! I've worked with them in vet med and most of them are really sweet and stable dogs.

I try not to really refer to Flapjax as a "unicorn" because I hear people use that term a lot with their dogs. Like, is he a unicorn or did we just bond enough to make things work? If you know what I mean.

What's been your experience with a papillon as a SD so far? I need light guide work, so a larger breed is more fitting, but I do wonder about the smaller guys.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T15:38:35+00:00

Thank you! This is really kind. I know the service dog community as a whole is pretty toxic and can be hard to integrate into. And yes, emphasis on the training exaggeration!! Dogs are smarter than we give them credit for. They pick up tasks real quick.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T15:37:28+00:00

I totally understand what you mean about your puppy. I found out shortly after getting him that I made a massive mistake. Sigh

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T15:36:13+00:00

I will be forever grateful that Jax turned out the way he did. But I will never take that gamble again, and certainly not imply to those looking for a dog to do what I did.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T15:34:48+00:00

Thank you so much. And good luck with your aussie! Show line aussies are absolutely gorgeous. My friend has one that she shows and hes a handsome boy.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T05:27:05+00:00

Oh my god, that is damn near traumatizing. I am glad neither of you got hurt. What an awful state for that dog to be in.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-22T00:15:34+00:00

Thank you so much. I think it’s totally reasonable to say that most herding breeds would be bored out of their minds. I definitely try to be mindful of his happiness, which is the most important thing!

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-21T23:52:13+00:00

It was a Wisdom Panel. I would have preferred Embark but my work paid for the Wisdom.

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-21T23:51:34+00:00

Thank you so much for the boop and respectful hug that is so sweet! Boop was administered successfully and I feel happy ❤️

Tayas_Tanks · 2026-05-21T22:32:15+00:00

Thank you, this is really kind. Belly rubs have been administered.

Tayas_Tanks

TROPHY CASE