Service dog

[milos_mommy]

ok, I've made a million of these threads before.

Every time I start becoming really involved in finding a psychiatric service dog, I start to get a little better and have an okay time functioning on my own. And then a couple of weeks go by and I can't function like a normal human being in society. And I realize how much a service dog would help me.

This is the first time I talked to my mom about it. I'm going to ask my doctor tomorrow if she has any other patients using a service dog.

I think I need to find a trainer first. I think I'd like to train my own dog with the help of a trainer, as opposed to purchasing a dog from a program. I'm not sure I want a puppy. The idea is appealing, but I am worried about having the time/schedule for a puppy. I also would like to have a working service dog as soon as possible, which with a puppy could be 3+ years...if I get an older dog who already has his basic training down, it might be less time.

I will most likely get an adult dog from a breeder. I don't know what breed, though. Finding a trainer comes first, really. I'm considering larger breeds, german shepherds and a larger boxer are high on my list.

I'd appreciate any PMs with info on trainers, programs, breeders, etc.

 

[CharlieDog]

Hmm. I'm not sure exactly what you're needing, but I will say that I'm in the same boat. Days I can function perfectly normally, and then days where it's all I can do to get out of bed and go to work.

I'm going with a one year old evaluated dog from working lines, who's already had a crap ton of obedience work and socialization. Eventually. The breeder I'm working with is one I've worked with before, she knows what I like in a dog and what I need in a dog, and is going to select one for me.

 

[milos_mommy]

I think that's probably the route I'll end up going....are you getting a GSD?

 

[CharlieDog]

Yeah, I'm getting a GSD. Hopefully in August.

 

[milos_mommy]

Would you mind me PMing me breeder info?

 

[skittledoo]

I'm kind of in the same boat, but I'm still not sure if I'm going to end up going the SD route. I want to wait until this situation with me and Josh being so far apart blows over and see how much better I get first. From there I'm going to see a doctor to try and get my anxiety under control and I'd like to see a therapist as well. My anxiety is the real issue with me. It's a big part of why I've been having impulse control issues with the scab picking and eyebrow pulling. Right now I'm working on trying to train the dogs to alert me whenever I pull or pick. That way at least for now they can hopefully help me keep it under control some at home.

Let us know what you end up doing.

 

[CharlieDog]

Her website is rather crappy right now, and she's in the middle of re-doing it, but I can send you her kennels FB page and you can get in touch with her from there.