DVC with service dog in training

[hobie]

Can anyone share their DVC member experiences with service dogs in training at any of the DVC resorts. We will be in the middle of training a service dog for our 11 year old dd during our trip in August. I have seen SDIT at the different parks over the years but not at the DVC resorts. Are there restrictions as to where the SDIT can go? Public areas, pools, etc. We will be staying at BWV and OKW and possibly BCV.

I appreciate any information to help with our trip.

 

[videogal1]

Can anyone share their DVC member experiences with service dogs in training at any of the DVC resorts. We will be in the middle of training a service dog for our 11 year old dd during our trip in August. I have seen SDIT at the different parks over the years but not at the DVC resorts. Are there restrictions as to where the SDIT can go? Public areas, pools, etc. We will be staying at BWV and OKW and possibly BCV.

I appreciate any information to help with our trip.

Whether or not a DISer has, themselves, successfully taken an SDIT to a DVC resort, your experience, should you attempt it, may not be the same. The same service dog public access rights that are accorded to qualified persons with a disability by the ADA do not apply to qualified persons with a disability accompanied by service dogs in training. Unless the laws of the state of Florida address public access by SDITs you are at the mercy of DVC and Disney management policy. Otherwise, every Tom, Dick, and Harry would be bringing their pet puppy and claiming it was an SDIT. The management would, probably, rightly, ask anyone who wished to be accompanied by a service dog in training just what kind of training experience would the puppy be experiencing there that it could not get at the non-vacation places where it usually gets its training and decide from there whether or not they wished to put up with the immature and unpredictable behaviors of an untrained canine. Check Florida service dog law, but be prepared to board your puppy for the duration. Remember, experiencing boarding is just as valuable a training exercise for a future Service Dog as being subjected to the terrors of an unfamiliar hoard of tourists.

 

[hobie]

Our daughters SDIT is fully obedience trained. The continued training would allow us to expose her to environments that we could not duplicate at home. Her ability to detect medical issues with our daughter while in a WDW type of environment is the training that we are seeking for her.

 

[stitch'sgirl]

Hi Hobie, we took our Leader Dog puppy to Disney in April of 09. We stayed at Jambo House. She was only 4 months old at the time. If I was to do it again, I would stay at SSR, or another DVC resort that you could walk out your door and be in the outdoors. Since I had to take the puppy from the room to oudoors via hallways and elevators, I carried her a lot to avoid accidents. Member services was very accommodating, as well as the all of the cast members at the resort. I just made sure I picked up after her - and all was well. Not too many places to go though at AKL if you know what I mean. We hung out by the pool too. One day we went over to the dog run at Fort Wilderness just to give her a break, because so many people there did not understand guide dog training and handled her without asking. A little boy even walked right up to her and squirted her in the face with a squirt gun. It was nice to get her over to Fort Wilderness, take off her bandana and let her act like a dog for a while. We both needed the break!

Also, to the PP, I think it is pretty far-fetched that someone would bring a dog to the resort and pretend that they are a service dog. I have an ID card with the puppy number on it which matches the puppy tag. That tag is turned in with the puppy. It can't be worn on another dog.

Best part of the trip: when the barbershop quartet sang "Cruella Deville" to her when my son was getting his haircut. I'll try to find a picture for you. Good luck to your family! Don't stress over it!!

 

[livndisney]

Hi Hobie, we took our Leader Dog puppy to Disney in April of 09. We stayed at Jambo House. She was only 4 months old at the time. If I was to do it again, I would stay at SSR, or another DVC resort that you could walk out your door and be in the outdoors. Since I had to take the puppy from the room to oudoors via hallways and elevators, I carried her a lot to avoid accidents. Member services was very accommodating, as well as the all of the cast members at the resort. I just made sure I picked up after her - and all was well. Not too many places to go though at AKL if you know what I mean. We hung out by the pool too. One day we went over to the dog run at Fort Wilderness just to give her a break, because so many people there did not understand guide dog training and handled her without asking. A little boy even walked right up to her and squirted her in the face with a squirt gun. It was nice to get her over to Fort Wilderness, take off her bandana and let her act like a dog for a while. We both needed the break!

Also, to the PP, I think it is pretty far-fetched that someone would bring a dog to the resort and pretend that they are a service dog. I have an ID card with the puppy number on it which matches the puppy tag. That tag is turned in with the puppy. It can't be worn on another dog.

Best part of the trip: when the barbershop quartet sang "Cruella Deville" to her when my son was getting his haircut. I'll try to find a picture for you. Good luck to your family! Don't stress over it!!

Sadly it is not far fetched.

 

[hobie]

I spoke with Member Services and they said that there should not be a problem as long as the dogs medical records and vaccinations are current and there is something on the dog to identify it as a service dog in training.

 

[dclfun]

Sadly, people bring puppies and dogs into the resorts and parks all the time who are NOT service dogs or even SDIT's. I've run into them and have not had pleasant experiences with *my* SD ( ie:growling, barking, and lunging/trying to bite my dog). I would not expect this behavior from any SD or even SDIT. This is becoming more common not only at WDW but in local stores where pets are not allowed. As to access, SD's are not allowed in the pools and must stay on leash or harness at all times unless you do go to the Ft. Wilderness dog park/run, but then remember your dog will be exposed to other dogs who may not be compatible. I always ask when checking in as to where my SD should take her potty breaks. If I'm not given specific advice there, we go to the farthest area away from any guests such as parking medians with grass or mulch. Remember a barefooted guest may walk on the grass where your dog may have left his "gift" even if you've picked up. If you are planning a trip this summer remember to hydrate and to be aware of your dog's behavior. Dogs can quickly overheat and die ( I was told this by my SD's trainer) without warning. The pavement is burning hot to paws, so beware of blacktop areas. It's already in the 80's here and should be in the 90's by this weekend, unfortunately. You will likely not be able to keep up a full touring pace and will need rest breaks, but then you may not be "park commandos" anyway- I just wanted to mention that it's similar to travelling with a young child who may not have the stamina to keep up in an unfamiliar and stimulating environment. ---Kathy

 

[pezter]

Can anyone share their DVC member experiences with service dogs in training at any of the DVC resorts.

Assistance Dog International puts out a book called "Guide to Assistance Dog Laws". In the book are regulations for each state, including access by trainers. In Florida, trainers "has the same rights and privileges with respect to access to public facilities ... as is provided for deaf or hard of hearing or blind or mobility impaired persons accompanied by dog guides or service dogs".