Service Dog in training

[Gitts2008]

Hello.

We try to get to WDW once a year. We just started working with a service dog. I estimate that he will be 11-13 months old when we travel. I understand that Service Dogs are permitted at WDW resorts and in the parks, BUT what about dogs that are in service dogs in training.

I know that we can board the dog at the Guide Dog Foundation while away, but it would be wonderful and educational to go to WDW with our new, although temporary, family member. I also know that this would be a learning opportunity, not a chance to take a dog to Disney.

Has anyone ever taken a service dog in training to WDW?

 

[disney david]

Hello.

We try to get to WDW once a year. We just started working with a service dog. I estimate that he will be 11-13 months old when we travel. I understand that Service Dogs are permitted at WDW resorts and in the parks, BUT what about dogs that are in service dogs in training.

I know that we can board the dog at the Guide Dog Foundation while away, but it would be wonderful and educational to go to WDW with our new, although temporary, family member. I also know that this would be a learning opportunity, not a chance to take a dog to Disney.

Has anyone ever taken a service dog in training to WDW?

A lot of places work with Disney and train dogs so you should be okay. If you think about it what other place is better then Disney to train your dog you get everything. Crowds working in a loud place riding a bus,monorail,and maybe ferry. I don't junk heir any where else that can give as much real world environment for a service dog to train at. Only down side is your get more kids to deal with.


You just need to know your dog limitation because you don't want to over do it if their still in training. They also have a nice boarding place at wdw if you wanted to give them a break to chill out for awhile so you can go and enjoy more time.

If you go on you tube you will see videos of them on Disney land and Disney world. You get to see them training not just walking around you are the dog first time getting on a ride and other things.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Several years ago, we saw a service dog in training at Disneyland. He was an adorable golden retriever puppy and was wearing a vest. We passed by him in a very crowded area during the fireworks. We were very impressed with the way he was behaving and stopped to talk to his handler. She said she regularly trains service dogs, and Disneyland at fireworks time is one of the best ways she knows to assess the dogs' ability to focus and stay calm. This guy looked a little scared, but she said he was doing very well for his age and his experience level. She was sure that with more training and maturity, he would be very successful as a service dog.

I would think that whether training or working, a service dog should be welcomed anywhere. They have to be exposed to the types of places they'll be going when they graduate and get their own humans to take care of. As long as he has his vest, people will know he's learning important skills and not just a doggy who wants ride Dumbo!

 

[bidnow5]

I saw a couple with a dog in training at WDW in May he had service animal in training on his vest I didn't talk to them because it was very crowded

 

[sonnyjane]

My friend lives in West Palm and trains service dogs and yes, she takes them to WDW as part of their training.

 

[Gracie09]

I have seen guide dogs in training in the parks but my concern would be the length of the day and amount of walking. We have a ten month old beagle mix that we take for 3+ mile walks at night and she is done at that point. Even if we so her walk in the morning after three to four miles she needs a nap. Now at wdw you can take some breaks but its still a lot of walking for a puppy and depending on the time of year you go, hot and humid when they are not use to it.

 

[Gitts2008]

It's good to know that if we decide to take Luis to the parks that he would be welcomed.

If he did come with us, it would not be a whole day at the parks type of trip.

Can Luis stay at the WDW resort?

I can not board him anywhere but an approved Guide Dog location. He's our new baby but he's only a loaner so we must abide by the agency rules.

Our trip is not booked or planned, yet, but I would love for Luis to be at that point in his socialization training that a few days in WDW would be helpful for him, us and whomever he goes to help.
Thanks a bunch all.

 

[disney david]

It's good to know that if we decide to take Luis to the parks that he would be welcomed.

If he did come with us, it would not be a whole day at the parks type of trip.

Can Luis stay at the WDW resort?

I can not board him anywhere but an approved Guide Dog location. He's our new baby but he's only a loaner so we must abide by the agency rules.

Our trip is not booked or planned, yet, but I would love for Luis to be at that point in his socialization training that a few days in WDW would be helpful for him, us and whomever he goes to help.
Thanks a bunch all.

Mr Luis can't stay by him self Disney dose not want them ordering room service lol. Seriously he can't stay by him self but he can stay with you over night they have relief areas and at the parks they are through out the park and if any cm can help direct you to the nearest one.

 

[disney david]

Here some info and a nice update where you can see where the relief areas are in each park.


https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/service-animals/

 

[disney david]

Sorry for duplicate post

 

[1000HappyWishes]

I have seen guide dogs in training in the parks but my concern would be the length of the day and amount of walking. We have a ten month old beagle mix that we take for 3+ mile walks at night and she is done at that point. Even if we so her walk in the morning after three to four miles she needs a nap. Now at wdw you can take some breaks but its still a lot of walking for a puppy and depending on the time of year you go, hot and humid when they are not use to it.

It's a service dog. They have to be used to such conditions. As for the OP's question about the dog staying in the resort, yes, I believe he can. However, you CANNOT leave the dog unattended in the hotel room. He must accompany you at all times. I suggest boarding him at least at night to give him a little while to wind down after a long day and then getting him bright and early in the morning. This is what my friend did with her seizure dog.

 

[Gracie09]

It's a service dog. They have to be used to such conditions. As for the OP's question about the dog staying in the resort, yes, I believe he can. However, you CANNOT leave the dog unattended in the hotel room. He must accompany you at all times. I suggest boarding him at least at night to give him a little while to wind down after a long day and then getting him bright and early in the morning. This is what my friend did with her seizure dog.

Its not a service dog yet. Its a puppy training to be a service dog. Like a child who can't physically walk as long or fast as an adult a puppy doesnt physically have the stamina of an adult dog.

The ada allows for service dogs and dogs training to be service dogs to stay in hotels even when companion animals (pets) would not be allowed. They cannot be left alone in the room. So the op or someone in her party would have to go back with the dog when he is spent.

 

[SueM in MN]

Its not a service dog yet. Its a puppy training to be a service dog. Like a child who can't physically walk as long or fast as an adult a puppy doesnt physically have the stamina of an adult dog.

The ada allows for service dogs and dogs training to be service dogs to stay in hotels even when companion animals (pets) would not be allowed. They cannot be left alone in the room. So the op or someone in her party would have to go back with the dog when he is spent.

Even a fully trained service dog may have difficulty at WDW.

This is a link to a mini trip report written by a frequent poster with a service dog.
His dog was able to last only a few hours in the parks - it's a lot of walking, it's hot (all pavement, no grass for the of to cool off walking on) and lots of stimulation.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3115369

 

[videogal1]

Its not a service dog yet. Its a puppy training to be a service dog. Like a child who can't physically walk as long or fast as an adult a puppy doesnt physically have the stamina of an adult dog.

The ada allows for service dogs and dogs training to be service dogs to stay in hotels even when companion animals (pets) would not be allowed. They cannot be left alone in the room. So the op or someone in her party would have to go back with the dog when he is spent.

You might just want to check the applicable part of the ADA regarding Service dogs in training...As only service dogs are accorded special access privileges and are defined in the ADA as individually trained (as opposed to individually partially trained) it would be prudent for you to check. When I started using a service dog a dozen or more years ago dogs in training were absolutely not covered by the ADA and you had to ask the facility you wished to enter for their permission to bring a dog in training. Congress, when passing the ADA into law, left the subject of dogs in training up to the states to regulate and I do believe that Florida state law does address dogs in training. It would be too bad to get there and be refused entry because someone in charge knows the law better than you do and is prepared to enforce it...

 

[livndisney]

From my understanding the ADA covers service animals.

Individual states cover animals in training.

Florida statues say:

"Any trainer of a service animal, while engaged in the training of such an animal, has the same rights and privileges with respect to access to public facilities and the same liability for damage as is provided for those persons described in subsection (3) accompanied by service animals."

http://nfbflorida.org/legislation/floridastatute41308.htm

http://2012.servicedogsfl.org/?p=21

Traveling to a different state subject you to the laws of that state for example:

It is important to remember this, if you have an SDiT and cross state lines, your now under that states laws, which may be different. Georgia for example, requires all trainers to be a registered agent for an organization that trains service dogs, which is why all SDFL trainers carry a company trainer ID."


It would seem there is also a difference between a service dog in training and "puppy raising". From what I see on Guide Dog sites "training" doesn't start until after the animal is 12 months old. (14-18 months in some cases).

 

[Gitts2008]

Oh my...from the trip report that I read it does not sound like it would be fun for us or Luis.

Thankfully, we have time to decide and make an appropriate decision.

Yes, I did mis-speak (type) Luis is being puppy raised by me. I am not training, only teaching him good manners and socialization.

We normally drive, so crossing state lines might be in the plan.

Even if Luis goes on vacation to the foundations kennel, I hope that he does gets to go to Disney one day.


Thanks all. When the time gets closer to going, I will post again.

 

[Gracie09]

You might just want to check the applicable part of the ADA regarding Service dogs in training...As only service dogs are accorded special access privileges and are defined in the ADA as individually trained (as opposed to individually partially trained) it would be prudent for you to check. When I started using a service dog a dozen or more years ago dogs in training were absolutely not covered by the ADA and you had to ask the facility you wished to enter for their permission to bring a dog in training. Congress, when passing the ADA into law, left the subject of dogs in training up to the states to regulate and I do believe that Florida state law does address dogs in training. It would be too bad to get there and be refused entry because someone in charge knows the law better than you do and is prepared to enforce it...

You're right it was the state law I was thinking about. It's been several years since this came up at work and I misremembered.

 

[SueM in MN]

From my understanding the ADA covers service animals.

Individual states cover animals in training.

Florida statues say:

"Any trainer of a service animal, while engaged in the training of such an animal, has the same rights and privileges with respect to access to public facilities and the same liability for damage as is provided for those persons described in subsection (3) accompanied by service animals."

http://nfbflorida.org/legislation/floridastatute41308.htm

http://2012.servicedogsfl.org/?p=21

Traveling to a different state subject you to the laws of that state for example:

It is important to remember this, if you have an SDiT and cross state lines, your now under that states laws, which may be different. Georgia for example, requires all trainers to be a registered agent for an organization that trains service dogs, which is why all SDFL trainers carry a company trainer ID."


It would seem there is also a difference between a service dog in training and "puppy raising". From what I see on Guide Dog sites "training" does start until after the animal is 12 months old. (14-18 months in some cases).

Good catch - he is a puppy being socialized, so not really training yet.

To the OP - as you saw in the trip report link I posted, taking even a fully trained service dog to WDW is not the same as 'normal life' as a service dog.
There is a lot more stimulation - constant noise, constant close people. That doesn't happen so constantly in 'normal life'. The dog may help someone to navigate to work, but then gets 'down time' while the person is working unless they need the dog's help.
At WDW, the time during rides where the people might be resting are high stimulation for most dogs. Even though they are trained to ignore things, it's still a lot of stimulation.

Other people have posted that taking a service dog to WDW has a lot of similarities to taking a 2 year old. A well behaved one, but the dog is counting on the humans to know when he/she needs a rest, needs water and doesn't overdo things/get too tired. And, if the dog is too tired, that means taking a quiet break or leaving the park so the dog can get a rest.

That's some of why we have not brought DD's service dog to WDW. The things he would do for her - picking things up, getting one of us for her - are not services she needs at WDW. So, the benefits of having him with her are not worth the 'costs' of binging him with her.

If you still decide to go with the puppy, it will be important to discuss and get the OK of the training organization. The puppy may only last a few hours out and about in that very stimulating environment, so if the organization is not OK with him being in a kennel, someone would need to go back to the room with him.
P
There are also attractions that dogs are not allowed on, so you would need to plan for that. There is more information in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[buffettgirl]

Oh my...from the trip report that I read it does not sound like it would be fun for us or Luis.

Thankfully, we have time to decide and make an appropriate decision.

Yes, I did mis-speak (type) Luis is being puppy raised by me. I am not training, only teaching him good manners and socialization.

We normally drive, so crossing state lines might be in the plan.

Even if Luis goes on vacation to the foundations kennel, I hope that he does gets to go to Disney one day.


Thanks all. When the time gets closer to going, I will post again.

I have a friend who also does this part of the training with the puppies, and even though it's socialization, it's still considered part of the training and the dog is afforded the same protections as an 'in training' service dog and she's allowed to take him anywhere. Her dogs are being trained to go into guide dog training programs so they do have a vest and special harness (maybe a muzzle..) and she works with him on behaving around people when he's wearing that vest. So even though he's not training to do his eventual job, he's learning how to be a guide dog.

 

[Gitts2008]

Yes, as much as I want him to be mannered and that I LOVE WDW, it does not look like such a trip would be beneficial to anyone. Time will only tell. Thankfully, it looks like I am working with a GREAT bunch of people and will assist me with vacationing Luis at the foundation.

For now, I am thinking... The foundation encourages boarding and/or changing the environment so that when the dog is returned he/she is familiar with changes, the kennel and new people....Again, it so far looks like I have great "Trainers" so when he stays I know that he will be safe, cared for and of course see the people who raised him for the first 8 weeks of his life.

Thanks again