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strawberrydog

2y ago

Struggling to Get a Service Dog

This is definitely for a more specific group of disabled people, specifically those with service dogs, though I’m super desperate for answers so anyone can answer. I have been looking into a service dog since I was in 7th grade. I had sent in application after application to every service dog training place but it was declined every single time. Though my chronic pain, my hearing loss and my hip dysplasia worsened and eventually I had more surgery to correct it, I am considering getting one again. I’ve tried self training one, but the dog my brother got was from a shitty backyard breeder (I had no control over this, I didn’t even know about it). Peanut is an amazing dog but he has issues with trusting people and was not good with service work, I had no choice but to wash him. So here I am, 10th grade. 3 years later and I’m still sending in applications. They keep getting denied and the reasoning is either “You’re not suitable for a service dog” or “Not allowed to disclose”. I find myself in a stupid war with myself and though I have a list of reasons for needing one, I always feel like I don’t deserve one and there are those worse than me. I’ve also gotten stupidly jealous over those with a service dog. I know it’s a lot of training, work and especially money. I tell myself I should be happy, that these people are getting the help they deserve but it’s so hard to just avoid it because it’s been on my mind for so long. I’m in pain and my parents won’t even consider mobility aids besides a cane I already that makes my pain worse now. They (mostly my mom) considered a service dog and is willing to put in the money for it as well as outside family but I have never gotten past the application process and I’m losing hope.

Your answer

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Dawn_Recreated

2y ago

I had a 16 year old Rotty that helped me a lot! Great breed when handled properly. He was my world! 😥😥😥
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strawberrydog

2y ago

I’m so sorry to hear that, he sounded like a great dog ❤️
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laidir

2y ago

I have a bunch of links to service dog places if you would like to look at it
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strawberrydog

2y ago

That would be great, thanks :D
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dollipop

2y ago

I am currently in the process of getting a service dog to train myself. I am also active in the dog community and can definitely help find a good reputable ethical breeder of a breed that will fit your wants and needs and even possibly a trainer or training program to help you if you dont want to train a service dog alone. Feel free to DM.
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strawberrydog

2y ago

I’m thinking of taking a class with a trainer nearby who I worked with before that specializes in service dog training. As much as I would like to, I don’t think I would be able to train by myself considering I am 16 and still in school, which affects a lot of things. Though owner training is still my go-to
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Maddawg

2y ago

I trained by own service dog and I don’t regret it at all. As a first-time service dog owner trainer the concept I struggled with slow is fast in dog training but it definitely has payed off. DM me if you want to know more
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strawberrydog

2y ago

Thank you. I think the biggest thing I struggle with now is the cost, we just lost our 14 year old Golden Retriever and have a 4 year old mix breed (One mentioned in post). Because we had the idea of service work, we spent a lot of money on training and it honestly depends on what my parents think.
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Student_girl

2y ago

I use platform crutches as a mobility aid, I have severe Eds and pots and had hip displaysia as well but had surgery to correct it. My dog just started training to be a service dog. He has some reactivity issues, which might be problematic. I’m going to college next year, and the plan is to bring him. My parents are weird and not very supportive about it, which sometimes makes me question it, but I think he will be good for me. Feel free to DM
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strawberrydog

2y ago

I am planning on talking to my parents about it and saving up a couple hundred for the dog itself. Thank you so much for your reply, I hope your training goes well :D
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SunkistHippie

2y ago

My mom and I have always trained out own. I'd get a pure bred rottweiler. That's what I've had the best experience with loving and very teachable. They are strong without even trying. Get one as a puppy and my mom would be more than willing to explain how to train it. My mom's been disabled since before I was born. I grew up with a rottweiler puppy that helped my mom out of bed, helped her walk through the house while being by her side but not in the way, to protecting her from people that wanted to hurt her. So so many reasons she helped. I'm not on this app much. But let me know or if you can message me and my mom can try to help you with advice training a dog of your own. It'll take time and commitment but it skips so much cost and application denials. 💕💕 Hope this helps somehow.
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strawberrydog

2y ago

I have been thinking of a taller breed, a great dane or doberman maybe. I planned on using a balance command or a command that allowed me to lean on? If that makes sense. Rottweilers are a good breed but my parents have biases against bully breeds or those similar so I’m unsure if I could, I will have to look into it more.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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