Is a Service Dog Right for You?

Our Dogs are very special! 

Are you willing to assume the responsibility of another family member?

A dog's arrival will be like adding a new family member. Routines will change and priorities rearranged. A dog has natural canine needs that must be met at appropriate times whether it's convenient for you or not. If you are unable to meet these needs yourself, you will still be responsible for making sure someone takes care of the dog. Even though a service dog will be highly trained by the time it is transferred to you, incidents may occur that are the result of stress, illness or extreme change in routine. This might include unwanted elimination, chewing, barking or vomiting. As unpleasant as these incidents are, immediate clean-up is necessary. Housecleaning chores will also increase, due to dog hair, tracked in dirt, etc.  High quality dog food and even routine vet bills can be costly. 

Do you have the time and energy?

Even though a service dog is to benefit the disabled individual there is a time and energy commitment necessary.  The dog must be fed, taken outside to relieve itself, groomed, exercised, played with and yes even trained!  Some of these items must be done several times daily.  Even though our dogs will be well trained when a match is made training is on going for the life of the dog.  Skills must be kept up to remain sharp, as your life may change the dog can learn new skills to enable it to assist you.  You must come for 3 weeks training when a dog is matched with you.  This is for you to learn how to care for, work with, and how to teach your dog new skills.

Do I Have the Resources to Care for a Service Dog?

Owning any dog is not a cheap commitment.  Our dogs have already received medical care, medical clearances, and are fully inoculated before training is ever started.  We insist that after placement our dogs eat a premium dog food, have regular veterinary checkups and inoculations, receive heartworm medication, and flea preventative.  If there is an illness that is also extra expense.  There will also be additional expenses for a crate, bedding, worn out equipment, toys, grooming and nail care if you cannot do this yourself.  We have a lifelong commitment to these dogs and will check often to make sure everything is going well for our teams.

Am I Willing to be Inconvenienced?

Going out into the public can both be rewarding and an inconvenience.  When out in the public you will be noticed because of the dog.  The majority of reactions are positive, but there are some negative reactions and situations as well.  People you have never met will want to talk to you or pet the dog.  Are you willing to talk to people and be an ambassador for the service dog community?  Are you willing to learn how to be able to say no in a positive way to different situations?  Are you willing to always keep an eye on the dog to protect him from hazardous situations for the dog that can and will occur? 

Are there other animals

 in the household?

Do you currently have a pet in the household?  If so, how do they adapt to other animals?

You must           1.  Remember. . .

Even though dogs can be trained to help almost any disability, not everyone who has a disability is fit for a service dog. Unlike a walker or cane, at day's end a dog can't simply be stood up in the corner. A dog requires constant love and attention. He needs to be exercised, fed, taken to the vet, cleaned up after, brushed, bathed and many other things that come with residing with another living being. Dogs are also an added expense. Food and vet bills unfortunately don't come cheap. One has to be prepared for the cost and time that a Service Dog requires.

2.  Ask yourself. . .

"Am I willing to make the commitment necessary to have a service dog?" If you have thought this over very carefully - and you have the desire to maintain your independence - it's time to think about what you'd want a dog to do for you. Sit down and make a list of specific tasks, such as retrieving objects, turning lights on or off, opening or closing doors. At this point, don't worry whether or not the dog is capable of doing these tasks. We just want to know what you really need help with. Our staff will assess the feasibility of training a dog to do the tasks. Because safety for both you and the dog is a major consideration in making an appropriate team match, it's very important we find out as much as possible about you.

What happens if you get

a service dog?

It's important that the relationship between you and a service dog be one of mutual trust, caring and support. Building a close working relationship takes time. When one of our dogs is initially teamed with you, it's already changed lifestyles, and possibly the only real home it has known, and experienced several different training environments.  The dog will need time to adjust as it shifts allegiance from its previous trainers to you. The dog needs to learn how to trust and respect you as the new leader of its extended family. This will be a time of confusion for the dog and you need to be patient and supportive.

If you are accepted into

the program.

Once accepted and matched with a service dog, you will be given the education and training you need to assure the dog is cared for appropriately and to acquire the skills to work with and use your dog in the best possible way. On-going contact with you and your dog will be maintained by Eagles' Wings Service Dogs. It's very important to us that you and your dog are a successful working team. You will be an "ambassador" for Eagles' Wings. We also want you to be pleased with your service dog and pleased with us, and we want the dog to be a well cared for and devoted worker.