Dog-Friendly Stores & Public Access Training Tips for Your Service Dog in Training

[@LindsayHaven]

I'm going to have to watch this video a few times. A lot of amazing tips in it. Thanks Laura!

[@DoggyU]

So glad you found it helpful Lindsay!

[@Jaapy1]

“Off leash children” 😭😂 15:36

[@DoggyU]

hehe. glad you caught that ;)

[@hollyboyd1837]

Mine are straight feral. Not sure I leash trained the kids early enough 😂😂

[@Whatevadantewante]

First, we started in the car. Then we graduated to the pet store, which you are correct, so many distractions lol Then we did a slower paced, suburban hospital car park with elevators and stairs and minimal people where she did A LOT better focusing

[@DoggyU]

Yep! Pet stores are my last place for training. They are literally one of the hardest stores for your dog. No need to introduce that until successful in many other locations :) Glad you were able to find a spot that works!

[@Cuddlingus]

@@DoggyUwhat do I do if that’s the closest pet store for me ?

[@The_Wicked_Wookie]

Settling for a whole movie was probably the biggest challenge I’ve done with shadow. We typically fill instacart orders and so don’t settle often.

[@DoggyU]

A whole movie is super challenging. I actually have a protocol over on Patreon to help get a dog ready for their first movie, as there's so many components, including the long settling period that's required!

[@bethhayes8427]

I'm training my second dog. It took me a year to get up the nerve to take my first dog to non pet friendly stores. And around family and friends. Stores because I have agoraphobia and to me every interaction with a stranger and some friends equaled a terrifying confrontation. Family and friends because I had functions for years doing well on the outside while miserable on the inside. When I was diagnosed with cptsd, the agoraphobia, anxiety and panic attacks, family had a hard time believing and accepting it. Then when I started taking her out to places, it still took me a couple of years to get real comfortable. Do not give up. Do it for 5 minutes, take someone with you, what ever you need to do to get comfortable in public. PA was harder for me than it was my dog. She is 9 now and has pretty much seen and done it all.

[@DoggyU]

Hi Soquili - thank you for sharing your experience! Yes, integrating a service dog into the family can be really tough at first. I'm sorry your family wasn't initially supportive but I'm glad you persevered and she helped you gain more independence

[@MrCurtisbwp]

I was at Sam's today...there eas a woman with A Pit bull in her cart I asked if her dog was a Service dog.. she said YES it is a service dog...I asked what it was trained for..she said it was trained for emotional support... I replied that it is NOT a service dog. She agreed. I was happy with that and let it go

[@alishawallo5670]

Lol, yuuurp. I hope all these folks with therapy, emotional support dogs do at the very least heavily train their dogs to be relaxed in every place they bring them to. I LOVE the idea of being able to train with my dog everywhere and these ESP ads are so tempting. But, I feel like it's ignoring the wishes of the store owners for my own, when I know I don't neeed emotional support from a dog. I think I'm going to teach mine to remind me to stop biting my lip or nails though. I have often forgotten I'm doing it when I'm momentarily stressed, which can often occur when away from home... and away from my dog. See? The temptation is real!

[@alexevans5708]

I did my CGC with my (pet, 10yo) dog at a Petco as an added challenge and it was excellent. Really tested her and made me confident about taking her out different places with reliable behavior. I love taking tests at pet stores with already well trained dogs to really test them against heavy distractions. I'm using my current girl to train myself in task training before my SD prospect arrives next year!

[@EpsilonAD]

We get a lot out of going to the tip shop (recycling at the dump). Exciting and interesting stuff for Eps and sometimes great cheap second hand dog gear. We had a huge adventure at a busy market that included a random stranger, swift and unstoppable, pat on top of her head (which she doesn't like much) while wearing her jacket saying 'do not distract', doing a lap grounding task for me, ignoring her nemesis pigeons and another dog in the passing crowd. Last week we managed a great airport visit. The pat down at the gate was the hardest bit for Eps. She wanted to play (like when we take off or on in training jacket and celebrate). It has been a gradual learning process for improving cue giving and slowing down. Trying to break training into smaller, more easily and successfully done moments can be the challenge. Eps has improved a lot. Your clips help. The tips on this clip are terrific. Thank you.

[@anablandinadea.p.carvalho2252]

I have basilar migraine, and had known idea that dog could help me with that . I lose peripheral vision, and notice that when I am driving, it is a really bad situation that can be avoided with a dog! That is really amazing! And also to be able to take your medication before hand is so helpful!

[@hallows1988]

I'm currently training my border collie to be a service dog in Australia, we have a specific public access test that has to be passed before they are deemed ready for work, they also have to be retested every 12 months. So might be worth looking into it for a reference :)

[@DoggyU]

Hey Matt! I'm a little bit familiar with this test which has a lot of similar components to the ADI test. Good luck with your PAT! Happy Training!

[@daddysenpaiuwu9630]

Im so proud of my girl. I didnt think her automatic leave it was that good until yesterday when i dropped a slice of pizza on the floor with my hands full. Poor girl had the most intense eyecontact with that slice and enough drool for it to be considered a river but she was so determined not to eat the slice

[@Chaos.Spamss]

My sdit just finished her public access test (yes, I am the one who made the test.) and only thing we need to work on is “leave it” although she is amazing at it. We had a man come up to us and follow us while my dog was doing a guide task (she is cleared!!) and was talking to us. She needed 1 reminder to leave it, and did amazing!! I can’t wait to start actual PA, because I’m hoping to start school with her next year.

[@DoggyU]

That's awesome! Congrats! If you're on my Patreon, I have a few videos on training an auto-leave it with food and other objects :) patreon.com/doggyu

[@Thehannahweknow]

This is my first video of yours and the most helpful of any I have found so far on ANY service dog training topics. I appreciate that you give options for people who are triggered by crowded places. I have had a really hard time finding a trainer in my area that will train a ptsd service dog (except for one who has a waiting list two years out) so I resorted to owner training. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, just would have felt way more comfortable going places if a trainer was with me. I am starting public access, not vested, in the next week or two at pet friendly locations

[@DoggyU]

I'm so glad this video was helpful! Definitely check out my Service Dog Playlist for more videos like this one, as well as my courses at courses.doggyu.com :) Welcome to the community!

[@valeriefuquanOreo]

I’ve just learned that the At Home store and Homegoods are both pet friendly… We try to take a “field trip” twice a week to different stores at different times of the day to get exposure and to learn to settle. We went to the At home store today and it was GREAT!

[@barronleeds4585]

Great video Laura. I live in Massachusetts where SDiT's have the same access as fully trained SD's. My dog came to me having already passed the AKC CGC test. I'm still going to do this at some point so she goes through it with me. One thing I've noticed there is a need for based on a Facebook group I belong to is a means to train the SD and owner on ambulance operations. As we know, many SD's are for medical reasons such as low blood sugar, seizures, etc. Some of these incidents will result in the handler being transported to the hospital. It's important, IMHO, to expose the dog and handler to what they can expect will happen in the patient compartment of an ambulance. I've started helping some local handlers by offering access to an ambulance at my FD. I would highly suggest seeing if your local FD would be willing to do this. Laura, if you'd like, I can expand on this some more based on my experience with helping local handlers acclimate their dogs to an ambulance environment.😊

[@DoggyU]

That's awesome that you're doing that Baron! I recently read a great article directed at EMTs about this ... wish I had saved it! Thanks for your comment!

[@omniphoenix6482]

I love how you break it down. Thank you for creating this content :)

[@DoggyU]

I'm so glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment

[@greetingsinbraille.]

Awesome information, thanks for sharing ❤

[@coor0kun]

I have an anxious pet dog who can't always be left alone (separation anxiety) but never got introduced to a lot of environments and gets nervous in them as an adult (almost 3y/o) and developed a fear of the pet store. My trainer recommended rebuilding her confidence in a plant nursery - unless it's a sunny weekend traffic is slow, aisles are wide, and there are a lot of exits to go outside and hide behind a tree or shrub if needed!

[@kiscrazyreptiles]

Aslong as you're only going into pet friendly places then that's great to help her get used to those situations. Although constantly bringing her with you doesn't really help the separation anxiety unfortunately.

[@coor0kun]

@kiscrazyreptiles when I posted this we could maybe do 10 - 15 min of isolation tops. Many people when training SA have to start with seconds, or even just the triggers (shoes, keys, jacket) and can't even go out the door. We've now built up and she can be alone for a few hours at a time, so I go shopping without her, but for many months leaving her long enough to buy a bag of dog food wasn't an option unless she was with a sitter! Delivery groceries were a lifesaver!

[@kiscrazyreptiles]

@@coor0kun I understand what you're saying, i use to have a dogo with terrible separation anxiety, but I was just saying to be sure to not go into non pet friendly stores with her.

[@coor0kun]

@@kiscrazyreptiles Oh, absolutely! Kind of sad it needs to be said (but it does) - always ask before entering any private place with a pet! It's crazy what people think is ok sometimes. Sorry you also struggled with SA with your pooch.

[@Offishal_Lifestyle]

another great and informative video thanks Laura. I love the suggestions and since I have Laura's permission to start drinking earlier since that is a requirement of training at dog friendly breweries ;) LOL

[@DoggyU]

🍻

[@CanineCommanders57]

Panera is a great place too!

[@DoggyU]

Unfortunately, Panera is not actually pet-dog friendly. Any restaurant in the US would not be pet-friendly legally unless they had an outdoor patio.

[@CanineCommanders57]

@@DoggyU my Panera has a outdoor patio I know it’s not pet friendly though

[@DoggyU]

@@CanineCommanders57 Ah yes! I thought you were talking about inside the panera, but yes, their outside patio is an awesome option!

[@CanineCommanders57]

@@DoggyU yup! Thank you!

[@charlieatmusicals]

I looooooove your purple hair

[@DoggyU]

Thanks!

[@enzo_theservicedog]

I always Love your stuff I was fortunate enough that my husband has a van that can fit create plus some started with small sessions by myself in the Walmart parking lot and then at hardware stores my trainer would come with us then bring her dog now this year he went to a monster truck show with us for my son perfect giving the foundation is so crucial because you never know where you may go to in the future

[@DoggyU]

Sounds like you built your dog's confidence up nice and slowly! That's awesome :)

[@hollyboyd1837]

I have to save this. ❤ Thank you. ❤❤

[@DoggyU]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@ThePyrshepnBelgn]

I didn't know that a lot of these places accepted pets. Thanks!

[@DoggyU]

Always check with each individual store, but yes, there are so many places that are pet friendly!

[@maddigrace9535]

Canadian tire is really great if you are in canada

[@DoggyU]

Great recommendation Maddi! Thanks!

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

It totally makes sense why pet stores would be a really complicated and highly distracting environment especially for young dogs. I’m surprised that a lot of the stores are named like Barnes & Noble‘s HomeGoods and Home Depot are pet friendly though because the ones around me or not. When hardware stores be very overwhelming in terms of how loud they are for young dogs?

[@DoggyU]

Yes - the stores definitely can all have their own policies. For example, Home Depot's national policy is "no pets" but all the ones around here allow dogs. Whereas, Barnes and Noble's website states that each store must follow local health codes. As far as hardware stores, there's pros and cons. I love that most people leave you alone in them, the isles are wide and there's tons or room to move away from things like loud noises. But yes, there are definitely challenges too. You could always start in a smaller store like ACE and then branch out to larger hardware stores.

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

@@DoggyU that’s true that hardware stores generally have wide isles and people usually don’t bother too much. That’s interesting with Home Depot but nationally they say no but some local on the tube allow it. The closest Barnes & Noble‘s to me is in the mall so I don’t think that would have pets.

[@nadinabbott3991]

We have been doing the farmers market as well as the humane society. He has been doing well with the farmers market. However, he is not yet ready to graduate to vest at the market. He is at the humane society. Concerts are challenging for humans.

[@DoggyU]

Those are both super challenging locations! Wishing you continued success on your journey!

[@nadinabbott3991]

@@DoggyU he is doing well. He will settle at the market while hubby has breakfast and we talk with friends. He mostly does not react to other dogs any longer. Still working on leave it…it’s more the pizza construction workers leave behind near where we live. Been doing serious scent imprinting now for a week. And he now gets the point of the game. Oh and joined the patreon. Binging on content.

[@DoggyU]

@@nadinabbott3991 wahooo!

[@margobrannan1966]

Thank U Laura for all your service dog videos. SO SO helpful - I love them all - Do U have more on your Patreon doggyu?

[@DoggyU]

Hey Margo! Thanks so much for your kind words! So, in short YES! The form is slightly different. So my patreon videos are less "polished" for youtube and more raw sessions. So, for instance, there's a series on training a medication retrieve that has 8 episodes so far of all of my training so you can see mistakes, how I handle them, etc. There's videos of how I train certain skills, confidence building exercises, and problem solving session. So that's one video format on there. And then the other is livestreams. At the $3/$6 level you can see all of my Q&As where I answer lots of SD questions. Then at the Inner Circle or Elite level you also get my "special topics" livestreams which I started about 5 months ago. In those I deep dive into different concepts. They may include video, so for instance, of my evaluating a puppy, or showing training a skill and talking about it, or it could be a deep dive talk into a topic. Those typically last 30-60 minutes. You can always join at a lower level and then upgrade to higher levels or vice-versa. When you join you can see ALL of the content I've ever made, so over 100+ extra videos not available on youtube going back 2 years. Hope that answers your question. Let me know if you have any others!

[@margobrannan1966]

@@DoggyU Great & Thank U for your quick reply - I definitely will check out your Patreon page - So excited !

[@DoggyU]

@@margobrannan1966 hope to see you over there!

[@DrSouss117]

Great video! If my dog isn’t being trained to assist me with a disability, can I still train her to pass the public access test?

[@user-rp3iv8mu5k]

My first time sevie dog

[@515aleon]

Your timing is so excellent. Though Snickers is not a young dog--she's a young prospect. It was recommended to me that I vest her. This person (who has some background with trainign service dogs) said that it would help her get into an appropriate mind set. I think that's true for Snickers, but it does make it a little higher pressure for me. I took her to Harbor Freight vested for the first time (she is an adaptable dog and has been everywhere, I am trying to avoid places she may have a behavior pattern that's set--for instance, I am not going to Lowes yet, because there is a sweet lady who gives out large dehydrated chicken breasts. She knows that counter!! :) ) She did very well on the first one though (she passed CGC and Advanced CGC, but years ago). Thinking we will be going to JoAnnes next. I also thought Petco, etc were advanced. No current plans. Btw, this is nitty gritty--but I got a 4' leash---now I am thinking THAT Is too long. I'm short. Any recommendations. She usually has her leash on the harness, but I started putting it on her collar. She is not a puller, and her LLW is pretty nice,

[@DoggyU]

It's amazing how a vest can put pressure on the handler, which in turn puts pressure on the dog! As far as leashes, that's totally a personal preference. I like multi-function leashes, so those that can be made long for peeing and short for working. My go-tos would be the Blue-9 multi-function (it is relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and great function for an SD): amzn.to/3lqpXN6 And then I like lether and biothane leashes from Bold Lead Design. These are more of an investment, but they hold up really well!

[@nadinabbott3991]

We had two harnesses. They are blue and yellow, the colors dogs can see well. One is for work, one is for play. The dog knows.

[@ritasimmons7978]

Agree about pet stores. Too stimulating

[@assistancepaws362]

Any tips/help with/for: Us handlers+our SA/SDs during+after an attack/incident+close calls. (Have had a few VERY close ones over the years) -what to do immediately...?? -overall next steps...?? -retraining...?? -pull or not pull SD....?? -also including the "drive by pets" that accidentally cause accident/injury...??

[@DoggyU]

It's always a good idea to take a decompression period. Cookie scatter if they will take food and deep breaths from the handler to try to self-regulate. The next steps really depend on the incident/dog/handler etc.

[@tarrabirdsell7695]

Do you start task training before you know if the dog is going to pass all of the public access? Are they both done at the same time or do you wait for public access/task training until you know they're able to preform the other?

[@DoggyU]

This really depends on the team. That being said, I typically wait until at least the CGC is passed. We also train foundations prior to the CGC that can be transfefred and used for task training. So I guess the answer is, it depends :0) . The dog can always be used as an at-home service dog even if it isn't suitable for public access work.

[@andeesignsable]

I have ADHD and mild hearing loss. My husband is Deaf. I've been training my goldendoodle for 2 years do you have recommendation of where/ who I can hire for specific skills related to my ADHD?

[@DoggyU]

This really depends on what you're looking for your dog to do to mitigate your disability. For instance, my dog interrupts leg shaking and retrieves my medication on an alarm each day so I don't forget to take it. You can find my entire step by step course on behavior interruption here: courses.doggyu.com/p/bia I also have a series of videos on training the medication retrieve, but this video outlines some general tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lafGp6hqj7Z6g9U But the tasks your dog does can be really specific to your disability.

[@sunkissed_grl]

Is taking a prospective medication & retrieval SD puppy to the dog park (once they have all shots) to socialize them something you recommend or discourage? I became disabled about a year after getting my last dog, and noticed about a year after that she would wake me up to take my meds. I then started working on other things with her. She was never SD certified. She past in Sept, and I never realized how much more comfortable in public I was w/her. So now I’m just starting to look into training a SD to do what Brantley did. I had gotten used to only going places I could bring her, but my mental health has declined because I’m uncomfortable going out alone.

[@DoggyU]

Hi Sun Kissed! I typically don't recommend using dog parks for socialization. Each dog is different, but in general, dog parks can be doggy mosh pits. You never know what dogs are going in there, if they are aggressive, or if they are carrying disease. I do like to stay outside of dog parks and train around them as a nice distraction, or go in them when there are no other dogs present. Socialization does not mean your dog has to greet every dog they see. Instead I recommend walking with dog friends, finding a friend or a few neighbors that you can set up one on one play dates with, going to a puppy socialization class where you have a trainer there to moderate and observe play, etc. Here's an article on finding an appropriate breed/breeder that you might find helpful. Finding the right dog is the biggest part of successful outcomes: www.doggyu.com/post/2022/05/19/how-to-choose-a-service-dog-breeder/

[@JohnnyBravo-gv1uj]

Do you know if how much do you charge to train a dog and what state are you also in?

[@DoggyU]

Hi Johnny! I am not taking clients but I do have Patreon and courses for additional training support: DOGGYU.com

[@Mushuservicedragonprospect]

The list on this video is outdated a lot of these stores are not pet friendly anymore, can you please make a new video with an updated list? Thanks in advance

[@AnimeGamerCreater]

i still wanna become a service dog trainer....

[@DoggyU]

There's more opportunities than ever to make that happen!

[@AnimeGamerCreater]

@@DoggyU wish there was for me but my disability doesnt help me at all...

[@DoggyU]

@@AnimeGamerCreater

[@AnimeGamerCreater]

@@DoggyU theres one thing I wanna do thats kinda impossible I wanna research cats for service animal needs...there's been a few service cats before(idk if they were legal by state but they preformed tasks even alerts and were trained) but no research for ada along with learning how to be a service dog trainer...but I'm stuck...my first job was a terrible experience where they took advantage of me...and the one school I found for service dog trainers u need 2 different recommendations...

[@DoggyU]

@@AnimeGamerCreater cats are incredibly smart! But you're right in that they wouldn't be covered under the ADA.

[@user-vj4tf3wi6r]

I know in my area tisenssens is pet friendly

[@DoggyU]

I'm not familiar with that store.

[@MysticalHomeCreations]

I have tried everything and my dog won’t take treats or toys in public regardless of what it is do you have any tips on how to train a dog without these things I have been having a hard time finding service training videos that don’t require the use of treats and for my boy that just doesn’t work

[@DoggyU]

Hey MHC! So, if it were me, the behavior I'd be working on teaching is the act of eating on cue. I want a dog that wants to take food out in public, and that is actually something that can be trained, starting at home. Food is the easiest reinforcer to use, so we want to build up the dog's excitement around eating food so that we can use it out in public as well.

[@h-dubs9999]

What do you recommend for a first-time service dog trainer? I would like to train my own puppy when I get one to be a service dog, specifically for POTS(postural orthostatic tachycardia), and aiding in disabilities like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I would also like to train for hospital and nursing home therapy access. I have done dog training before but never specifically targeted service access.

[@DoggyU]

Hi H-Dubs and welcome to the channel! I don't generally recommend doing service dog and therapy work simultaneously until your dog is well-established as your service dog (ie. 5+ years of age) and really knows their job. If you haven't gotten a prospect yet, I recommend you start here: www.doggyu.com/post/2022/05/19/how-to-choose-a-service-dog-breeder/

[@breahogenkamp]

Do you have a YT video about dog being vocal barking/whining at people other dogs ect and tips when your dog stands on hind legs and whines at another dog these are play whines not aggressive whines he just wants to play with everyone 😅 he did bark in walmart at another dog for that dog ignoring him

[@DoggyU]

Hey Brea! I think you just joined my Patreon! Do a search for "engage/disengage" on the community and you'll see a couple videos that will be helpful!

[@breahogenkamp]

@DOGGY•U yeah I did I had it last month but it canceled for some reason so got it again mightve been cuz someone stole my card as a precaution. I will Def check out thank you!!!

[@steelstrings4]

Off-leash children! 😂

[@DoggyU]

😆 hehe.