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We’ve probably all seen a service dog helping to guide a person that is physically challenged but did you know you can also have a service dog if you suffer from anxiety?
Dogs can be especially helpful to those that suffer from any number of mental or emotional issues such as PTSD or social anxiety. However, unlike a service dog that has been trained by professionals to work with their owner, you can train your own dog to help you cope with your emotional trauma. Here are some basic steps on how to train a service dog for anxiety.
Step #1 – Choosing the Right Service DogIt is highly recommended to start out with the right breed for being a service dog. Some canines just do not exhibit the right temperament to do this important and demanding job.
To ensure you are getting a pup that can be trained for service, it’s advised to look to those reputable breeders that are raising dogs for this specific purpose. You can also find great service dog candidates at your local shelters too!
According to Psychiatric Service Dog Partners when choosing a puppy for service work, look for these qualities;
Social – quick to greet Does not startle easily Follows Eager to be held Alert Step #2 – Determine the Service Dog’s JobOnce you have your puppy you must determine what you will need the dog to do for you in order to guide its training. Once this is established you can begin bonding with your puppy. This helps create a baseline for your dog to recognize when you are in a relaxed state and when you are beginning to experience anxiety – dogs are very intuitive so the right dog will pick up on this naturally.
Step #3 – Develop Socialization SkillsReputable breeders will have already started the socialization process with their puppies. This means the puppy has been handled extensively, been introduced to new people and new situations as well as being taken outside of the home.
When you get your puppy, it’s important that you keep up the socialization. The last thing you want is a dog that is frightened or stressed each time it encounters something new.
Step #4 – Start Basic Training SkillsAll dogs should have the basics of training and good behavior, but it is doubly important if you plan to bring your dog with you into public areas. These skills include;
Sit Stay Drop Heel Leave ComeIf you feel you cannot teach your canine companion the basic obedience skills needed, then enlist the help of a professional trainer. These people have the knowledge to, not only teach your dog, but also teach you how to continue the training outside of the weekly sessions.
Step #5 – Fine Tune Public Access SkillsOnce your service dog-in-training has mastered his/her basic commands, then you can begin to work on public access skills. Use those pet-friendly areas like retail pet stores, outdoor cafes etc. to help your dog become accustomed to the hustle and bustle of public places.
Step #6 – Individual Response TrainingIt may be difficult to train a dog to alert a person before a panic attack, but with a close bond, your dog may pick up on your different body language and, if you are completely fear-stricken, the chemical changes in your body.
Some people who suffer from anxiety and stress have reported that giving the puppy/dog a treat when they are experiencing the symptoms is a helpful way to teach your dog to respond; however, not everyone is capable of this type of action when in the midst of anxiety, stress or fear.
Cuddling your dog close when you feel stressed is not only a great way to help bring relief to you, but will also allow the dog the chance to pick up on your “tell” signs. This is why it is crucial to find the right breed and/or temperament of your canine service dog.
Training a Service Dog for AnxietyWhen training a service dog for anxiety you will have to have patience and persistence, especially with puppies. Begin with the basic training skills and socialization, then work your dog up for public access. Having a dog that helps with severe anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and so on is a therapeutic way to get your life back on track.
Delta carries approximately 250,000 Service and Emotional Support Animals each year. However, as of March 01, 2018, they are tightening their policy for these working animals in an effort to reduce “misbehavior” by dogs (and other creatures). Although the carrier is required by law to admit Service animals and ESA’s into the cabin of the craft, they can and are putting extra rules into place.
What is the new policy? How does this affect those with disabilities that need a Service Dog? Read on for the important facts you will need to know before you book your next flight with Delta.
What is a Service Animal?
There is a difference between a Service Animal and an Emotional Support Animal. Service animals are typically dogs that have been trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability. This can be any number of things from picking up dropped items to opening doors, to alerting the person to an oncoming medical situation.
The Emotional Support Animal, on the other hand, is there only to provide the individual with comfort and support. These can be of any species of animal and do not need to be trained for a specific service, other than comfort.
Why is Delta Changing Their Service Dog Policy?Delta has seen a surge of 150 percent in service animals (that by Federal law must be allowed to fly uncaged and at no additional cost to the passenger) since 2015. However, there have been incidences of customers “attempting to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums known as sugar gliders, snakes, spiders and more.”
This has increased the complaints from Delta passengers concerning allergies, and other disturbances, as well as abuse to the Service Dog policy, with some of these clients just trying to fly their pets for free.
With an average of more than 200 service animals and 500 support animals flying on a daily basis, and the fact that in-flight incidences with these types of animals have risen 84 percent since 2016, Delta felt the need to change-up their policies.
Delta said; More untrained animals are being brought onto planes, where they urinate, defecate, bark, growl, lunge and exhibit other behavior uncommon among companions that are properly taught.”
What is the New Delta Policy Regarding Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals?As of the first of March 2018, Delta will require all passengers with service dogs or emotional support animals to submit proof of health or vaccinations. This will have to be done through Delta’s website 48 hours before flight time.
Those customers requiring an ESA or Psychiatric Service Animal must (in addition to the health record) sign a document stating the animal’s “ability to behave in the cabin or risk being barred from boarding or removed from the plane.”
However, Delta does not require any proof that the animal has graduated from obedience school. But be aware that you will need to provide a letter prepared and signed by your licensed mental health professional explaining why you need an ESA to accompany you on the flight.
Where can I get the new Delta service dog forms?
Before you fly with Delta, be sure to visit their website to download the proper forms you will need before your flight. The new Delta service dog travel forms can be accessed here.
Behaviors Delta Will Not TolerateWith these stricter policies, Delta urges those folks traveling with animals in the cabin of the aircraft to have their “working” animals under control at all times. Behaviors that will not be tolerated include;
Growling Jumping on passengers Relieving themselves in the gate area or cabin Barking excessively, not in response to a handler’s need or distress Eating off seat back tray tablesDelta reserves the right to refuse transportation for any animal exhibiting unruly behavior.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip on Delta airlines and need a Service or an Emotional Support Animal, be sure to have your animal’s health or proof of vaccination certificate. If you are traveling with an ESA or psychiatric service animal, you will also need a note from your mental health professional stating your need for the animal. Be sure to visit Delta’s website for further downloads and let them know you will be traveling with a “working” animal 48 hours prior to your flight. To register your service animal and receive your service dog certification, complete the registration in the link below.
Feb 05
Uber’s Service Animal Policy
Uber is working to make catching a ride easier, safer, and always a five-star experience. They connect the rider with affordable transportation anytime, anywhere, all at a tap of a button. You can also see your driver’s contact information and the vehicle’s details in the app, so you will always know you’re getting into the right car.
This company is working towards making the most affordable and pleasant experience they can when it comes to using this type of transportation, and that includes working with those folks that need a Service Animal.
In this post, we will cover Uber’s Service Animal policies in both the United States and Canada, so that you can ride in style and with peace-of-mind.
Does Uber Allow Service Animals?US and Canada Uber drivers must allow service animals in their vehicles. If you experience discrimination, please contact Uber customer service.
In both the United States and Canada, Uber does allow Service Animals into their vehicles. However, be aware of their definition of “service.”
According to Uber’s website, a Service Animal is one that assists the person with a disability that is both visible and nonvisible.
What Are the Uber Rules in the United States Regarding Service Animals?Uber in the United States does allow Service Animals in their vehicles as both state and Federal laws prevent the discrimination against these working animals.
In the US, Uber defines a Service Animal as one that is trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability.
There are only two questions a driver may ask the disabled individual to confirm his/her need for the Service Animal;
1. Is the animal required because of a disability? 2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?Note: The driver-partner may not request that the rider present documentation proving that the rider’s animal is a Service Animal. In the United States, there is also no requirement that a Service Animal must wear a tag, be registered, or display any proof that it is a Service Animal.
If you require a Service Animal and are refused entry to an Uber due to having one, the driver-partner will be permanently banned from using the Driver app.
There are also no cleaning fees charged for the shedding of a Service Animal or the first and second reported incidences of its bodily fluids. However, you may be charged a cleaning fee for the third reported incident of bodily fluids emitted by your Service Animal.
What Are the Uber Rules in Canada Regarding Service Animals?If your Uber driver does not accept your Service Animal, you can contact Uber’s customer service.
There are two ways that Uber will qualify an animal as a Service Animal in Canada;
1. The animal is easily identified as a service animal. For example, it is wearing a service vest or harness and is helping the individual. 2. The person may also present documentation confirming the animal is a Service Animal. This could be in the form of a letter from a health professional stating that the animal is needed due to a disability, a government-issued Service-Animal card, or, in Quebec, a certificate from a Service-Animal training school.Note: In Canada, a driver may ask to see this documentation.
Canadian laws prohibit Uber driver-partners using the Driver App from discriminating against riders with Service Animals.
If a driver refuses to give the rider service due to a Service Animal, it is considered to be a discriminatory act, and they will lose their ability to use the Driver app.; as explained in Uber’s Non-Discrimination Policy,
“Riders cannot be charged cleaning fees for shedding by their service animals. Riders will be refunded any cleaning fees charged for shedding by their service animals.
A rider will not be charged for the first or second reported mess involving a service animal’s bodily fluids. A rider can be charged for the third reported mess involving a service animal’s bodily fluids. The rider may contest that such a mess occurred by responding to the fee notification email to notify customer support.”
Riding With “Non-Service” AnimalsThe definition of “Service Animal” within the Uber policy is well-defined. Therefore an Emotional Support Animal would not fall under this definition. According to their website, when riding with “non-service” animals they suggest it’s good practice to contact the driver who accepts your ride request. Using your app, send a text message or call to let the driver know you’d like to bring a pet.
They also suggest you bring a crate or blanket to help reduce the risk of damage or mess. Some drivers may keep a blanket in the trunk.
Conclusion
Both the United States and Canada will accept the Service Animal in the Uber, but both regions also have their requirements; this is especially important to know if you are traveling from one country to the next. Know your rights when it comes to bringing your Service Animal in an Uber and plan accordingly.
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