some things you should know before getting a service dog! | pros & cons of a service dog!

it's been a while since I've done a video like this, and they're one of my favorites to make!
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Hey, I'm Annika, a dog loving, photographer, video game, fashion loving girl living my life with autism! I started making videos to track Sherlock (my service dog's) training journey, and to advocate for invisible disabilities!

[@breebrat56]

Thank you for doing such a good job on this! I have a Labrador retriever as my service dog and she is amazing! You were very good at putting everything into simple terms for those looking into getting a service dog. You Pretty much summed up what I would tell people about me and my service dog. I definitely can relate to packing for two. It can take a lot longer to get out the door because of it! Looking forward to many long years of service with my dog and I wish you the best with yours! 😊❤️

[@SherbertShenanigans_]

I'm so glad I was able to help 🥰 I often find it hard to understand when people use big words and service dog community terms

[@rhettoneill836]

Thanku for ur great vid...pros & cons...very greatful for ur exsperience sharing...take care..from Australia 😎

[@SherbertShenanigans_]

Happy to help! 🤘

[@AnoraJohnson]

Oh yeah...training bumps. Those extinction bursts right before my dog decides to accept my expectations are a _nightmare._ It makes each step closer to my goal a sweeter accomplishment, but whoa. I feel like we skim uncomfortably close to failure at times.

[@SherbertShenanigans_]

Yes, I often would try not to think much about the chance of Sherlock failing, but it's important to recognize those training bumps and work with them to the best of your ability 🥰

[@brittanyschneider6109]

I will be a new service dog handler in September. Do you have any advice?

[@SherbertShenanigans_]

Hey, best thing would be to focus on you and your dog, not what others and their dogs are doing. Each team is different and moves at different paces. I also read, watched, and talked to a lot of handlers because I was so excited and nervous and wanted to know all I could. 😅 And knowing you rights as a handler and person with disabilities is very important as well.

[@CedesTheSavageBeauty]

Talking to my therapist about a recommendation letter. Under ada it's not required though? I do have diagnosed disabilities and these disabilities have made me not leave my house alone for 2 years, I'm looking forward to regaining freedom and independence. I've read some facilities who do training or provide puppies/trained s.d. they require a doctor recommendation for s.d. for disabilities...but a.d.a does not require you to have doctors recommendation or even to be seen by doctors as form of treatment to have an s.d.... just a disability. Trying to clarify the back and forth. I am afraid of potential encounters and confrontations like you have said. California says each s.d. must wear a s.d. tag that you get from the animal services.... is this allowed? I don't know any other s.d. handler in California.

[@SherbertShenanigans_]

Hey there! 👋 Per the ADA you do not need a letter of recommendation to achieve public access with your dog, in the FAQ section of the ADA, question 17 says: "Does the ADA require that service animals be certified as service animals? A. No. Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry." Thus, a letter isn't required, unless you're applying to a program and they request a doctor's note usually something like "client ___ is a patient of mine, and a service dog could be beneficial for their treatment plan, signed Dr. ___" www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html I am not in California so I am not certain, I would recommend reading up on the California specific service dog rules and regulations. From what I recall in some parts of California a pet registration with the township/city is optional but most city pet registrations are encouraged.

[@CedesTheSavageBeauty]

@@SherbertShenanigans_ thank you!!! I appreciate this.

[@AnoraJohnson]

Getting a prescription letter is actually very helpful. It isn't something you would show to gain access to public spaces. (Please don't - it confuses people about the law.) However, you will need a letter or script to live with your service dog in no pet housing. Also, government assistance programs and other programs that offer financial assistance may ask for a letter to show that your service dog expenses are medically neccessary. Same for taxes. Keep it locked away at home in your filing cabinet (or messy paper drawer) and you're good to go. :)

[@harlows.journey]

FYI in the description it says you started the Channel to track Sherlock your service dogS this is not meant to be rude but sorry is it does.

[@SherbertShenanigans_]

Hey thanks! I actually didn't notice until you said that 😅

[@harlows.journey]

Saved by the Paw no problem

[@brynnnoelle5356]

I’ve had five access issues in the 8 months we’ve been doing PA 😑

[@SherbertShenanigans_]

Omg, I'm so sorry to hear that! 😞 Hopefully things start to improve soon

[@The_gay_cousin]

im looking into getting a service dog, Any tips?

[@SherbertShenanigans_]

Try looking into your local service dog programs if you're not sure you want to train your dog yourself, talk to those programs volunteers, staff, and current clients to make sure you're working with a reputable organization, so you'll get a great dog! If your are wanting to owner train, work with a reputable breeder to get a health tested dog from proven parents. For service dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Standard Poodles are the top recommended breeds because they're easier to train for beginners! Best of luck on your service dog journey!

[@guestuser1671]

Why does no one mention the money thing? A good puppy from a reputable breeder is expensive. Quality dog food is expensive. Gear and equipment like dog beds are expensive and you might have to replace them along the way. A good trainer and a groomer are expensive. And you still need extra money stashed away for emergency vet visits. A service dog is expensive, more expensive than a pet dog.