Where Can I Adopt A Golden Retriever Service Dog
If you are looking to adopt a fully trained golden retriever service dog, you can search the website of agencies like this one that works to connect eligible owners with a service dog suited to their needs. You can also search for national non-profits or local organizations in your area that may be able to help you find a golden retriever service dog at a lower cost than purchasing one would be.
Additionally, if you want to train your dog yourself or you wish to hire a personal trainer, you can adopt a golden retriever from any local rescue or shelter. You may be able to find a breeder in your area to purchase a golden retriever puppy from, but you should take steps to ensure the breeder is reputable before buying a puppy from them.
Give Them Plenty Of Exercise
As close to leaving time as possible, give your dog plenty of opportunity to work off his excess energy. If you have to travel a few hours or more to get to the airport, leave some extra time to stop shortly before arrival at the airport and let your dog out to run.
Plane rides can be really stressful and hard to deal with. Ignoring your dog and assuming they will sit well in the car and then for a long plane ride can be disastrous. They need to use up some of that energy before being cooped up in the crate for traveling. You should do this even if your dog is a service animal and will be coming with you in the passenger cabin.
Take them on a long walk, play fetch, and get them moving as much as possible during this time. Hopefully, that will help wear the dog out and makes it easier for them to be relaxed and calm during the flight.
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Can Emotional Support Dogs Go Anywhere
While a service dog can generally go anywhere in public, an emotional support dog cannot. Emotional support animals are required by law to be allowed in any residence, regardless of whether that place typically allows pets or not. But only some airlines allow ESAs.
Other public places, such as restaurants and stores, have no obligation to allow your ESA to enter. However, it doesnât hurt to ask, and some places may accommodate emotional support animals if you simply show your ESA letter.
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Emotional Support Dog Vs Psychiatric Service Dog: Whats The Difference
While both emotional support dogs and psychiatric service dogs provide emotional and mental support to their owner, only one is a recognized service animal, and thats a psychiatric service dog. These dogs undergo specialized training and have federally protected rights, such as the right to accompany their owner anywhere, including businesses, schools, non-pet friendly housing, on airplanes, etc. To get a psychiatric service dog, you must be diagnosed with a disability and prescribed a service dog who undergoes vigorous training to support you.
An emotional support dog only requires a letter of recommendation from a doctor. They are a pet who offers mental and emotional benefits to their owner. They cant accompany their owners in public places, nor do they have access on flights, in schools, etc. and have no federally protected rights. Dogs and cats are the most common types of ESAs, but any animal has the chance to become an ESA with a doctors note.
It is very important to recognize the difference between these two types of dogs. Service dogs wear vests to set themselves apart, as they have a very important job and should be recognized as working dogs. Pretending a dog is a service dog is actually illegal in 20+ states and is very damaging to service dogs reputations. It makes life for people with disabilities much harder, and poses a challenge to service dog owners, making the conditions of service dogs worse.
What Breed Of Dog Is Best For Anxiety
It would be remiss to say that a single breed of dog is best for calming someone who suffers from anxiety. Any of these dogs on this list can accomplish that goal, as well as breeds that didnt make the list. When it really comes down to it, its about finding a dog that you connect with, one where a special bond exists. Ideally, you want to find one that makes you feel calm when you think about that particular animal. Once you accomplish that goal, some basic obedience training and specialty training for emotional support may be all thats needed.
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Service Dogs Vs Emotional Support Dogs
The waters can get kind of muddy when determining the difference between a service and emotional support dog. The American Disabilities Act states, A service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
Service dogs are trained to do specific tasks for the person with a disability. For example, a seeing eye dog helps people who are blind or have visual impairments travel safely, and a psychiatric service dog helps people with psychiatric episodes. The dog can remind a person to take their medicine or turn on lights and do safety checks for people with post-traumatic stress disorder. A service dog is virtually allowed anywhere the public is permitted.
Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are not considered service animals under ADA because they dont have special training to perform specific tasks that assist people with disabilities. Emotional support dogs provide their human with love and companionship. By definition, they arent considered pets, though they live with their human and typically live a pets life. Therapy dogs are usually seen in hospitals and nursing rooms. They offer a pleasant distraction by lavishing affection and cuddling service to patients and clients who could use some encouragement. When the dogs are done working, they go home with their handler and are treated as pets.
Put A Collar Around Your Dog
Even if they dont traditionally wear one at home, having a collar on your dog, one that wont slip off easily, and has the name of your dog and your own contact information is important.
This makes it easier for someone to get a hold of you if your dog slips out or gets lost for some reason. Your golden should be perfectly safe when traveling on a plane, but it is always best to err on the side of caution.
You should also put a lead into your carry-on as well. Your dog likely wont need this when you drop them off, but they may need it after you pick them up and at other times while youre on your trip. Take some time to adjust your dog to using the collar to ensure they its comfortable, and it isnt something new.
I actually prefer a harness over a collar. It wont chock the dog and you can easily attach a dog tag to it. Amazon has a number of harnesses that will work, like this harness by WalktoFine. It also prevents pulling while on a leash and is reflective at night.
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What Do I Need For Training
Once youve determined your dog has the right temperament to become a service animal, youll next need the right items to complete your training program.
Dogs respond well to treats! A tasty treat is a great way to reinforce positive behavior and motivate faster progress. Also, dont forget toys. Golden retrievers are packed with energy and enjoy having a toy to chew on and paw around. Playful activity enhances your dogs cognitive abilities and strengthens your bond.
Next, be sure to get a nice, strong leash with a soft, padded collar. A leash will help coordinate your dogs movements during training, walking, or exercising outdoors. Include a name tag for easier identification.
Remember, service dogs in training have a special responsibility and should stand out. You can strap a comfortable, clearly labeled vest around your golden retriever to notify the public of your dogs status.
All thats left is a comprehensive training schedule that should at least cover half a year or more. Consistency is key in maintaining high levels of performance from your service dog.
Golden Retrievers As Service Dogs
Service dogs can be an incredibly important part of an individuals life, whether they are there for emotional support or to assist in performing daily tasks. Because of this, it is important that the dog breeds chosen to be trained as service dogs have the correct disposition. They must further have the ability to be properly trained in service tasks in order to fully assist individuals with disabilities.
One example of a dog breed especially suited to being a service dog is the golden retriever. This dog is kind, intelligent, and dependable, making it a perfect candidate for service dog training. In this article we will discuss the specifics of why golden retrievers make fantastic service dogs and give you some tips on starting to train your own golden retriever in service tasks.
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Emotional Support Animal Certification In The Uk
Sadly, unlike in the USA, the UK government doesnt currently recognise emotional support animals with any type of certification or accreditation.
This poses all sorts of problems as legally an emotional support dog is treated the same as any other dog. This means there are no special allowances made when it comes to travel and animal-friendly housing, like with legally recognised assistance dogs.
In the case of air travel, access depends on individual airlines some are more accommodating than others. Currently, Virgin Airlines, EasyJet, and Ryanair allow emotional support dogs on board, while British Airways does not.
It should be noted that there appear to be a lot of websites out there that position themselves as authorities that certify emotional support animals for a fee. This might be possible in the US but it is definitely NOT currently possible to do this in the UK. These websites are acting fraudulently and have no authority.
What Kind Of Dog Should I Get For Emotional Support
As previously mentioned, you might consider one of the breeds listed here or even consider a different breed altogether. If you have a favorite breed of dog and you are confident that they can be trained properly, there is nothing stopping you from choosing that particular breed to be used as an emotional support animal.
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Types Of Support Dogs
Dogs are so good at supporting humans when it comes to mental health, weve given them official titles! There are emotional support dogs, therapy dogs and service dogs, just to name a few. These are all different in the eyes of the law – and a person can definitely adopt a dog specifically to help ease anxiety without having to register the animal anywhere as such. These designations come in handy primarily when its time to travel or visit a public space.
Service dogs are top tier. Theyre highly trained animals recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act that not only provide emotional support but also perform a function that their human owner cannot. Service dogs are trainedand legally allowedto go everywhere with their owner.
Therapy dogs also go through rigorous training and testing to get certified, but arent usually employed full-time by someone in need. Instead, they provide social-emotional benefits to a variety of people like students, hospital patients and nursing home residents. Therapy dogs do not have the legal access or privileges that a service dog has.
Finally, there are companion pets. Companion dogs are similar to emotional support and therapy dogs but are different in the eyes of the law. Aka, these pets do not have legal access to the same areas that emotional support, therapy and service animals do. People suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD and similar ailments that prevent them from enjoying life are ideal candidates for companion dogs.
How To Get A Golden Retriever Service Dog
Are you interested in having a Golden Retriever service dog? Good news, Golden Retrievers are very commonly bred for this sole purpose. They begin training as a puppy and are trained to be excellent service companions.
First, youll want to make sure you are able to receive a service dog. Service dogs are only given to people with disabilities that hinder their quality of life. For a psychiatric service dog, you must consult with a licensed mental health professional. This is the only legitimate way to acquire a service dog. For physical disabilities, you must consult with a doctor in your area.
If they recommend a service dog, the next step is finding a service dog for you. Look at rescues in your local area to see if they have any Golden Retrievers or Golden mixes available, or you can purchase a Golden from a breeder or service dog organization. If you adopt one or purchase one from a breeder, you will want to work with a service dog trainer or service dog program training to make sure your pooch becomes the best assistance dog possible.
Look for reputable breeders that stick to the breeds standards. This is the best way to ensure you get a Golden Retriever that is healthy and has all the characteristics we love about the popular breed. What makes Golden Retrievers great service dogs is their amazing personality, so we dont want to sacrifice some of those things for a cheaper price.
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The Air Carrier Access Act
There are some ESA rights related to travel, but these changed significantly in January 2021. Before then, the U.S. Department of Transportation required air carriers to allow ESAs under the Air Carrier Access Act. The ACAA prohibits air carriers from discriminating against passengers with disabilities and requires them to accommodate disabled passengersâ needs. Up until 2021, that meant that you could bring your ESA with you in the planeâs cabin for no additional fee.
However, the DOT amended the Air Carrier Access Act in January 2021 â the law no longer protects ESAs. Trained service animals are still protected under the ACAA, but emotional support animals are not. While the amended law does not prevent air carriers from allowing ESAs to fly for free in the cabin, it no longer requires them to.
Some domestic and international airlines have chosen to continue allowing ESAs. Other carriers have changed their policies to allow only certain types of ESAs, such as small dogs. Unfortunately, many airlines have discontinued their ESA programs.
Before you fly, itâs essential to check with your airline to see if you can keep your ESA with you. If not, your emotional support animal may be able to fly as a pet, which means they must be in a carrier in the cargo compartment.
Golden Retrievers As Emotional Support Animals
Golden Retrievers can function as an emotional support animal for many disabilities. Because they are gentle and attentive, they work well with children. But their size and discipline also make them suitable ESAs for adults.
Golden Retrievers can grow to about 55-95 pounds. Although they are generally peaceful and docile dogs, their size provides people who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with a feeling of security and safety. Having an almost human-sized animal next to them at night can provide PTSD patients with the peace of mind needed for a good nights sleep.
People with depression can also benefit from a Goldens sunshiny, goofy, and playful nature. Goldens like to seek attention and will try to gain it by doing silly things. They are natural comedians. Goldens are very attuned to the emotions of the people around them and can provide comfort when it is needed. For people with depression, having an animal like a Golden Retriever can serve as a protective factor, providing them with a reason to perform their activities of daily living.
Children can also benefit from having a Golden Retriever as an ESA. Despite their large size, Goldens are careful and gentle around small children and are very protective. For autistic children and children with a history of trauma, the size and attentiveness of a Golden can help them adjust to the outside world. Non-judgemental and caring, a Golden Retriever can help a disabled child feel less alienated.
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Ideal Characteristics Your Esa Should Have
Once you have established with your mental health professional your need for an ESA, the next challenge is to find an appropriate animal for the task.
Many people choose to use existing pets as ESAs, as the bond required to deliver emotional support already exists. However, not everyone already has a devoted canine companion, and not all dogs are well-suited for the role.
Since your mental health practitioner will need to describe your ESAs in their ESA letter, they will need to approve of your choice of animal.
When it comes to dogs, the principal characteristics that make for a good emotional support animal are the following.
1. Trainable
It is recommended to train your emotional support dog to learn specific techniques to support you during emotional issues, but they also need to be very well behaved in general.
When you are having an emotionally challenging day at home, you need a dog that will respond to your commands quickly, rather than one that will misbehave and possibly cause you further difficulty. They may also need to learn how to behave in tough situations, such as if they need to accompany you on a flight.
2. Affectionate
To provide you with emotional support, there needs to be a strong bond between you and your dog. This is why dogs often make better ESAs than cats. Dogs that naturally bond with their humans and are good at reading their humans emotional state make the best ESAs.
3. Intelligent
4. Social
5. Calm