WANTED-Doodle =to be trained as hearing dog-service dog-central california no puppies

[Sharon]

Hoping to find adult so he or she can be trained to be a hearing/service dog for myself.  Must be good with small children, dogs, cats, non agressive, socialized (they will go every place with me) and be willing to be loved!!!

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Typically when one of my dogs is trained for service it is taken at 8 weeks, placed with a puppy raiser for 6 months then taken on to training and placed as an adult. This is done to insure lack of baggage associated with proper raising, socialization and training.

It sounds like you already have a dog (per your comment about getting along with dogs). Why not have your current dog trained?

I find very few breeders who are placing adults have taken the care to do everything you will need to have had done with the adult dog to get a good fit. I do not mean this as a slam to breeders but most of us have guardian homes so that our dogs live out their lives from puppyhood to adulthood in the same home. There are exceptions but you will have to find a breeder who is into training and obedience to find such a dog.

There are also rehomes which might work but you will have to be patient. There are doodle rescues but most will not place for service because service lives can be hard and if the dog doesnt work out to be able to perform a service then it is out of a job and home again.

If you take a retired breeding dog I would only do so after meeting the dog, talking to the dog's trainer and vet.

[Sharon]

Thanks so much for responding that was so kind of you. What you say is true, except this is the Hearing dog program that will be doing all the tests to see if the dog is appropriate, and the lady has thirty years of experience. The service dog trainer was with a national organization and he will do the testing with her. I leave everything up to them. With me if the dog does not make it the dog will stay with me, my retired dog who is gone now at 14, retired at 10 and stayed with me until he passed on.
Thanks so much for your kindness, I so appreciate your post.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

What area of the country are you in? I would think you will need a dog close by so that the trainer you have selected can evaluate prior to purchasing the dog.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I would suggest you go to Jacque Reynolds page (just search under members). You will get all kinds of info there on Gabby Jack Ranch Service Companions and you can also leave her a message. I'm sure she can be a great help to you.

[Sharon]

I did and thanks so much, but she only has puppies and I can not raise a puppy. I need dog now to go back to work. But I thank you so much!

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

I know of a breeder who had to retire a dog from her program but she requires a monthly shot because she has a medical condition, I know this dog well and she is very sweet. Again where in the USA are you? I may be able to aid in referring you on based on your area.

[Sharon]

What kind of medical condition, if it is minor I certainly do not mind giving a shot. Where is she? What kind of dog, and how old? I am in Merced, California. The middle of the state of California. What color, size and does she look like a lab or a doodle. Thanks so much

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Sharon,

I do not know you or of your specific situation so I hope not to come off to judgmental. I have a great deal of experience placing for service (I am not suggesting you get a dog from me, just stating my experience).

I recommend contacting breeders in your area vs reaching out broadly in this setting. Since your trainer will need to evaluate the dog prior to placement. You will likely need to be put on a waiting list in case a breeder gets a dog returned to them by an owner who is unable to keep their pet. Most of these dogs get scooped up within hours as long as the dog does not have baggage.

It is also my recommendation that you consider buying a puppy and having it raised then trained so that you can hone the dogs skills early and not have to fix any baggage an adult dog might have.

Do you have to have a doodle? Will any trainable dog work? Most families coming to me for service are not concerned with color or gender only temperament and proper fit.

I know you mentioned that you would keep the doodle even if it didn't work out, you already have at least 1 dog, I assume your search will continue if the dog didn't work out, this would make 3 dogs~ what are your communities laws about the number of dogs in a home?

What is your budget? Most doodles are $2,000 to $3,000.00, trained adults are generally sold for much more.

[Sharon]

I know you are not trying to be judgment and appreciate your concern.
But I am working with the Hearing Dog Program and this is my fifth dog. I have based my decisions on what is best for my life and the one thing I do not want is a puppy. I so appreciate your time
Sharon Bias, MAVRC, LPC, MAH

[Adina P]

Hi Sharon, is there a reason it HAS to be a doodle? Yes, it is possible to come across such a dog you describe in rescue...and on rare occasions a breeder might have an adult, but not too commonly one that is socialized to all the things you want it socialized to. Not too many doodle breeder PLAN on selling adults for service, so they don't have any around.

If you were open to other breeds maybe your search would be easier. How does the organization you are working with typically suggest people find suitable dogs?

[Sharon]

They rescue dogs and breeders donate them. They are the Hearing Dog Program in San Francisco.

I thought that it would be hard to find a doodle, but I was praying for a miracle. I am open to a standard poodle, golden retriever, doodle or a very small small dog. My first dog was a doberman, and the next three were golden retrievers. People were terrified of the doberman so I probably will not go with another. I would either get one of the big dogs, or a very small dog (tweney) so I can carry it, so people will not step on it.

I am so grateful for your post, you are a tactful and kind lady. You must be a wonderful mom also

[F, Calla & Luca]

She is indeed. Well I have no direct evidence of the wonderful mom part other than the fabulous pictures of an always fashionably dressed usually smiling Natalie.