FYI- Psychiatric Service Dogs- The lesser known type of Service Dog

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I've had alot of questions from people concerning the program I'm developing for the rescue and surrendered labradoodles and goldendoodles (aussiedoodles haven't come my way yet) that qualify. There are many types of Service Dogs-Most well known are the Guide Dogs for the Blind. These dogs go through the most INTENSIVE training. Then, there are the Hearing Impaired dogs, Medic Alert and Seizure Alert dogs, and then the lesser known type of Service Dogs, the Psychiatric Service Dogs, which encompasses dogs for Autistic Children, Asperger's Syndrome, Depression, Phobias, Anxiety and Panic disorders, Post Traumatic Stress syndrome et.al; that is seen in our heroic Veterans. Most breeds can be used but I prefer working with our Doodles, along with Golden retrievers and Labs. I will work with smaller breeds if requested by an individual who doesn't feel he/she can handle a large breed. I'm a "profit" company but I don't get rich off the dogs. I'm compensated for my time in training but the money paid for the dogs goes back into paying fees, food, vet care, spay /neutering, microchips, treats, toys, crates, vitamins, equipment, etc. I try to keep the costs lower than most other private trainers and even suggest ways for the person to work with me that would cut their expense futher. I work on a small scale basis so the dogs get the individualized attention and home atmosphere to make their transition easy. I have a VERY STRICT criteria as to who can purchase a dog from me as the dog's welfare comes first! I'm hoping to get my website up soon when my hectic schedule slows down enough for me to work on it.If anyone is interested in reading more about these lesser known Service Dogs, go to www.psychdog.org. This website contains lots of info including how to train your own dog or with the assistance of a private trainer. Be sure to read "What does this symbol mean?" found toward the bottom left of the home page. Its very rare to see this symbol as a patch because of the stigma that some people attach to it. Hopefully this answers some questions and enlightens the subject of what our Doodles can do for people who need a companion. Those of you who have Therapy Dogs that work in different areas already understand what a dog can do for a person or child's mental well being. I love to see the smiles and changes in attitudes when Deuce shows up at the nursing home or when we visit businesses around the area.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I just have time to scan through this now but it's very interesting to me.

[Lynn D.]

I have been looking into this, for the past 8 months, as I thought the breed fits the bill very well!

'cept not for profit. I know it takes money to care for these dogs. I am just saying that my plan was to do it as a hobby.

[20xlhzzaoccks]

Thank you for this post and the explanation of what a psychiatric service dog is. I think this is something that is so needed and I'm glad that you are training dogs for this purpose. I think people need to know the difference between a guide dog, psychiatric service dog, and a therapy dog. My dog is a therapy dog registered with The Delta Society and I'm active in the therapy dog community in the area. I get really upset and tend to get on my soapbox when people try to pass therapy dogs off as service dogs. I am a mental health counselor at an elementary school and we do lots of classroom visits. I always try to explain the difference to the kids because when they see a dog in vest they immediately say, "your not blind." I see the difference that my dog makes especially with our students with Aspergers/Autism. I know that psychiatric service dogs can make a huge difference for these kids.

[Ann W]

Leigh, I think it is wonderful what you are doing this. I did look at the website. I have always been amazed at what dogs can do for a person. I share Charlie with children, but he is really my Thearpy Dog. I would be interested in learning more about the teaching methods for the skills required. I too love the way the kids eye light up when he is in the building.

[carey white]

I had just enough time to glance through your website. Love what you appear to be doing. I bought my goldendoodle with the purpose of training him to be a companion dog for my son with asbergers. The wait list and money is just too long and too much so we have a pet with the hopes of some training that will make it a good companion for my son. I am also an elementary special ed teacher who would love to use pet therapy. I have always involved hamsters, fish, rabbits, in my classrooms. I know firsthand the value of animals with children with special needs.