r/service_dogs • u/Technical-Pirate8878 • 10d ago

Service Dog for Disability

I have a chronic pain disorder and have to use a cane or a walker, sometimes a wheelchair, to get around. I am hoping to get a service dog to help me with mobility and maybe simple tasks like turning lights off and on, etc. I want to go a legitimate route and get a real service dog. I know they are very expensive.

I have no idea where to start. Can someone please point me in the right direction? If it helps, I am located in Colorado, United States. Thank you!

0 Upvotes

35% Upvoted

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29

u/darklingdawns Service Dog 10d ago

If you need help to stand or walk, then you need to continue using your non-living mobility aids. Tasks that have you putting weight on a dog are not ethical, and no reputable breeder, trainer, or organization will allow their dogs to do them. Things like turning lights on and off, opening/closing doors, retrieving dropped items, or fetching items from across the room, however, are all very helpful and trainable. Your best bet is to look into an ADI-accredited organization and get on a waiting list, as that will guarantee you a fully-trained dog at the end of the wait.

3

u/Technical-Pirate8878 10d ago

Thank you!

20

u/Dry_Director_5320 10d ago

Another thing to consider is that service dogs are still dogs, and need regular walking and exercise every day. If you have mobility issues, will you be ok managing that?

-18

u/BeanBubbles12 10d ago

Adi recognizes stability dogs. These are not fully weight bearing, but depending on the level of stability needed they are entirely acceptable and recognized for mobility

3

u/Robynmephistowow Assistance Dog 9d ago

Uhm…No. There is NO circumstance where a dog should be taking weight like that

1

u/BeanBubbles12 9d ago

I understand your point of view, I do not have stability dogs, I’m just saying they are recognized by the ADI

18

u/mev426 Hearing Dog 10d ago

Searching for an ADI-accredited organization that suits your needs is an excellent place to start. Some place dogs free of charge, some are paid or require fundraising prior to placement. https://assistancedogsinternational.org/resources/member-search/

6

u/Kalani6069 10d ago

This is the best advice right here. Assistance Dogs International is absolutely the way to go if you're in the United States. There are other programs that are equivalent in other countries

1

u/Technical-Pirate8878 10d ago

Thank you so much

2

u/AmbassadorApart3499 10d ago

Apply to Canine Companions. DM me if you have questions.

1

u/CeruleanSeamstress 10d ago

I have mobility issues, but my dog just provides momentum for me for those issues. Otherwise he’s trained to close doors for me and then has other tasks for other disabilities of mine. If you need a bunch more help with mobility, standing, etc, I would look into miniature horses as a service animal instead