Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, & Facility Dogs
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At Appalachian Dog Training, LLC we clearly distinguish the differences, roles, and rules of service dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support animals, and facility dogs. Each type of dog has a different skill set, temperament, and rights or limitations to access public spaces.
Dogs have an amazing capacity to help us mitigate this sometimes very challenging world in a loving and comforting fashion. However comforting their mere presence, this alone does not make a dog a service dog. To be a handler with a service dog one must have a disability with significant impairment of life functions, and have a dog trained to perform tasks that mitigate the symptoms in virtually any environment without falter. Having a dog that makes your feel better, safer, or just more comfortable is not a service dog. This type of dog is an emotional support dog. When you benefit psychologically from the presence of your dog, there are housing rights that may allow you to keep your pet as an emotional support animal where pets are not allowed. An emotional support dog does not require any training, does not perform any tasks, and does not have the right to access public spaces with their handler, such as the grocery store or restaurant. Have you seen a dog visiting a school, hospital, nursing home, or airport to help provide comfort everyone? This type of dog is a therapy dog. A therapy dog works as a "team" with his or her handler. They naturally have a calm and people-oriented temperament. Training is required for both the dog and the handler. The therapy dog must never jump onto people and must demonstrate excellent, controlled obedience while working. The handler must learn how to position their dog to help clients reach them safely, in addition to learning and following the guidelines of the establishment they are visiting, including, but not limited to, HIPPA laws. A therapy dog may not have to be registered, however, passing a national certification test proves the teams working ability and may provide insurance coverage for the therapy dog team during their visits. Our Therapy Dog Training Program prepares you for the certification test with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Facilities sometimes have special needs of love and comfort only a canine companion can provide, such as family center for displaced children and teens, domestic crisis safe havens, or rehabilitation centers. Facility dogs are trained to live on-site, providing love and support to all residents 24/7. The facility dog requires extensive training, similar to that of a service dog, however facility dogs are not trained to perform tasks for disabilities. Facility dogs can only access the facility where they reside. They cannot go into grocery stores or other facilities like hospitals. One person is responsible for the ongoing care and handling of the facility dog, usually the program director or long term employee. Service Dogs Appalachian Dog Training LLC trains service dogs above and beyond the suggested standards set forth by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. Our dogs are a reflection of our hard work and commitment to ensuring a lifelong partnership with you and your service dog. Our service puppies are selected from stock with excellent temperament and heath clearances. They begin their training on day one which includes yummy treats, handling, socializing, field trips, learning, play and so much more. They are not raised by volunteers, they live with with our experienced trainer from start to finish. Our puppies stay with us until training is complete, up to 2 years. Every service dog receives annual refresher training to ensure a successful, lifelong partnership. Our service dogs are committed to their handlers and we are committed to you. We are here to help you navigate the possibilities and limitations a service dog can bring, helping you to understand if your qualify for a service dog and to help you decide if a service dog is right for you. Should you decide the benefits of a service dog are significant to improving your quality of life, you can begin the Preliminary Application Process. There is no fee to apply for a service dog. Start Free Application
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