dogs for the disabled advice please

[TheHumanCatapult]

Am considering applying for myself once we have a permant council h/a sorted as think defintley will help with doing things around the house and out .Rather than getting apuppy hat though i may be able to each it to do some things to help is not allowed to come to shops etc .

Am i right in presuming that dogs for the disabled are allowed in places like guide dogs

any tips advice to consider about getting a dog from here or in genral .Walking wise is not a problem as we are pretty active as a family and for longer days #i use power chair

[Vallhala]

Legally, unless the premises is a food preparation area, both you and this able-bodied poster may take a dog into a shop or restaurant/cafe/pub etc, regardless of our reason for owing the dog. Anything else is a decision made purely at the whim of the management of the premises, as is his right.

A lot of the time you'll see notices saying "NO DOGS EXCEPT ASSISTANCE DOGS", which would cover your chap too so my guess is that the existance of helper-dogs other than guide dogs for the blind is becoming more widely known now, thankfully.

That aside I'd suggest that you speak to some relevant organisations and some assistance dog owners for tips and advice and practice pointing out what the law says in very firm tones! :o

[TheHumanCatapult]

Thank you .

It was someone on another board who has mentioned it to me as we have enjoyed having my mums puppy for dog sitting days .

But am also relastic that training from a wheelchair with a tiny puppy would be very hard.

And really would like the idea of being able to take the dog with me to help. Will maybe contact and ask some more questions .

[Vallhala]

Training a puppy can be a PITA for us all, THC. :) I can only imagine that doing so from a wheelchair would be hard work, frustrating and exhausting but an older dog who was already trained sounds like a great idea.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[RandomMess]

There are 2 organisations that provide assistant dogs aimed at wheelchair users. Dogs for disabled and canine companions. They come trained (but are still dogs and can be "naughty") you get ongoing trainging support, help towards food costs and vet bills.

Has changed the lives of 2 people I know so go for it

[RandomMess]

They match the dog in personality, size, tasks it will be performing to you and yes you can take a registered assistance dog anywhere - well not into theatre at hospital.

[Lizcat]

I have been very lucky to be the vet of two dogs for the disabled dogs who have changed their owners lives. They can be trained to perform a wide variety of tasks putting the washing in and out of the machine collecting money from the cash point are just two. One of these dogs even helped her owner meet her now husband .

[minimu11]

Don't forget Canine Partners - an excellent organisation . Do you remember Endal?

[CoffeeIsMyFriend]

yes mini I do.

DFD and Canine PArtners, both do excellent work - as do ALL assistance dogs. Every dog is matched to a potential recipient and tasks etc all assessed.

Do get in touch asap though - pretty sure there is a waiting list. I know a few people at DFD if you want to PM me.

[TheHumanCatapult]

Thank you

have made contact with both and potentially i am to able to qualify( am in a wheelchair but am reasonably independent ) but can not get any further into it .Till have housing situation sorted

[TheHumanCatapult]

oh the naughty side does not bother me .4 kids so reckon can handle a bit of doggy mischief.

Know kids be fine and will help as they are use to helping spedning time with my mums puppy

[CoffeeIsMyFriend]

good for you humancatapult keep us updated. Hope you get a fab companion who helps you around the house.

[RandomMess]

All I can say is that you're floors will be cleaner than you ever imagined, they all seem to love food