Service Dog in training

[JLC44]

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.

Yes socialization is still part of the training process. SDiT covers this, not just the "task training".

To OP, just so you have it during the trip here is a link to the Michigan State College of Law website that has a table of all state laws regarding service dogs and SDiT. Texas has changed their law since the table was last updated, that is the only one as far as I know.

http://animallaw.info/articles/State%20Tables/tbusassistanceanimals.htm

 

[videogal1]

Yes socialization is still part of the training process. SDiT covers this, not just the "task training".

To OP, just so you have it during the trip here is a link to the Michigan State College of Law website that has a table of all state laws regarding service dogs and SDiT. Texas has changed their law since the table was last updated, that is the only one as far as I know.

http://animallaw.info/articles/State%20Tables/tbusassistanceanimals.htm

Regardless of the governor's " I've made it easier for servicemen and women to get service dogs" statements, Texas law on Service Dogs is little changed from its original content. It is still unenforceable, still in contradiction to the ADA, and a prime example of what can happen when those who run service dog training schools are allowed to influence lawmakers regarding certification of service dogs. There is no organization here that will touch training schools with a ten-foot pole (DARS won't...I asked) so Texas law is useless...and I've forgotten the third thing....

 

[lunapnp]

Just my two cents! My daughter received a service dog about 4 years ago. We were in Orlando for a weekend and decided to take her dog with us to the parks for one night. Remember....he was a service dog....not in training. It was a lot for him. He did very well, but I could tell from his ques that he was a little stressed with the crowds, the rides, the monorail, etc. If this trip with Luis is a true vacation for your family, I would probably advise against taking him. Even with my daughter's fully trained service dog it was a lot for all of us! I will say, though, that Disney's CM's are absolutely wonderful in accommodating service dogs.

I just want to say I admire you for doing the puppy in training! It definitely takes a special calling to be willing to raise a puppy as your own and then turn it over. I know YOU know from beginning what the end result is but I also know its hard! My hats off to you!!!!

 

[Friend of a Mouse]

We are puppy raisers for Leaderdogs for the blind and are on our second puppy. How many have you raised?

When I travel I make sure that I look up the laws for each individual state as federal statute does not mention dogs in training. Each individual state decides whether to cover them had have different requirements. I have heard from other raisers that some states require some type of identification, but have not travelled to one yet. The most important thing is to know your dog.

I took our first dog Mercy to the NEA's national convention. She did fairly well for a seven month old puppy, but it was a lot of stimulation and I left her behind for parts of two days.

I work at an amusement park and both Mercy and my current dog Percy have been. One aspect of raising is the fact that they cannot go on many rides so you will need to switch off. This can be a pain. At 7 weeks Percy went to Silver Dollar City and we rented a stroller for him as he was building stamina. There are many pros and cons to such a long trip. On the plus side both of my puppies were exposed early to large crowds, loud noises, and heavy traffic by going to the amusement parks with me. It also exposed many people to the idea of what we do and was great community education.

On the downside, it is stressful! I always have the "diaper bag" with me with cleanup supplies. I also always know an escape route for when the dog gets over stimulated or just needs a break. It was hard when we were in DC because it was a long trip. I couldn't just run home and drop off the dog. Having the dog at a park means that we need to switch riders and everything just takes longer. If you are training them to leash walk without pulling, you often have to stop or backtrack. They will forget how to leash walk when in a new environment like that. There is the need to park (potty( before going indoors. If it is hot you need to think about water and their paws. We gave Mercy booties for DC and always had water plus took plenty of air conditioned breaks.

Ultimately, you will need to decide what is right for your family and puppy. Would I take a puppy there? Yes. But I have had them at smaller day trips at parks well in advance. I would recommend trying it out before you take them on your vacation.