Service dog questions

[sunshinehighway]

With the exception of the fact that she is a TRAINED SERVICE dog. Many service dogs are trained to protect their handlers.

If someone tries to attack me at the park not only would I expect my dog to react but I would also expect the police to be called and for that man or woman to be banned from parks for life. If someone became aggressive and a father or husband stepped in to intimidate the person doing the assaulting then it would be the same thing. At least I have a leash for her if the situation were to ever get out of control. Not that it ever would because she is trained to listen to me above anything else.

And you don't know anything about my dog or my situation. Her training. Nothing, you were there the night she growled at the man trying to assault me. You're focusing on the wrong part of all of this. It's not your place to say what my dog should and should not be trained to do. At least she trained. Maybe you should be more concerned with the "therapy dogs" that have zero training and end up in the park. They are far far far more likely to hurt an adult or a child if something happens that freaks them out.

I posted this thread to get info on how to be polite to other guest with my service dog. Not to have a bunch of people question mine and my dogs ability to control ourselves.

The problem is that you want to take a dog trained to protect you to a place that is crowded, loud and somewhat chaotic. Disney can be stressful for service dogs. You are relying on an animal to judge whether someone is a threat in stressed, chaotic environment. You are worrying the dog will view animationic pirates as threats. That's concerning. You should be more worried about the dog viewing the crowd you will be in at Park close as a threat. If fake pirates concern you then what about the dad in the crowd who is standing a foot in front of you and yelling back to his wife that he got separated from?

 

[already]

Hey everyone... I just posted this to a different board and was redirected here. Im sure these questions have been answered already... I did a thread search but nothing really came up. So I'm sorry but your help would really be appreciated.


Let me start off by saying that I'm sorry this is so long. Before you get sucked into this my questions are mainly for those with history or experience with service dogs and mainly those who have gone to WDW with said dogs. But feel free to give advice or opinions even if you don't. I need all the input I can get! Thanks in advance!


So recently my doctor had "prescribed" me a service dog for my PTSD. It is important to know that she is a psychiatric support animal and NOT an emotional support animal. I'm not knocking ESAs but my dog is not there to simply make me happier and less angry or anxious she is there to help me walk out my door every morning with out being afraid, help me sleep at night, and is trained to help me calm down if I'm having an episode in public. The biggest thing she does for me though is help me get out of my apartment every morning and helps me feel safe through out the day. I've gotten pretty good with out her, I don't take her EVERY where with me unless I'm having a particularly "weak" couple of days. With that being said, My family is going to WDW in October. It will be me, my immediate family (7 of us), my brother in law, my newborn nephew (who will be staying in the hotel each day), and my boyfriend. I would like to leave her behind but I've decided that it's safer for me to bring her so that I don't have an episode and ruin everyone's vacation. Also, if the parks are harder for me to be in than I anticipated then it's good to at least have the option of having her with me. So here are my questions:

1. I've only had her for about two months officially. I'm still not extremely comfortable bringing INTO public places. Unless I absolutely need her I usually leave her tied up outside with a toy and some water, or I simply just don't go. I know that there's a law allowing service animals into public spaces for a reason. But since she doesn't help me see or alert seizures I almost feel like I'm taking advantage of those laws by bringing her in places dogs are not normally permitted. I've also noticed Drika's work isn't visible to most so the few times I've taken her into places dogs shouldn't be I get really dirty looks. I've only been confronted once. My question is, if I feel I need to take her with me into the parks one or all days how are CMs when is comes to dealing with Service Dogs? I plan to carry proof of her training, a doctors note, and this card with the law on it that I was given just incase. Technically, according US law I don't need any of it. But it's also really traumatic for me to have to deal with confrontation when it comes to her and talking about my PTSD. Should I prepare myself for the CMs to give me trouble or will a simple "she's a service dog" suffice?


2. If I do need to bring her into the parks how does the riders swap work with a service dog? Can I forego the riders swap and simply tie her up on the exit side of the ride for the few rides that she can't go on?


3. With the exception of roller coasters service dogs are allowed on rides. Does anyone with a service dog have experience actually bringing their service dogs onto the rides? I mean our dogs are trained REALLY well but one of Drika's jobs is to protect me non-violently. The first week I had her she actually had a chance to display what that meant... Basically a lot of growling to tell someone who is acting threatening to back off. She would never actually attack someone I think unless they attack me first. That's what I was told when I did my training. But I could only imagine her finding at least Pirates or the Haunted mansion fairly threatening. I don't want to ruin any other guests experiences by Drika trying to protect me from an animatronic. (For you who don't have any experience with service dogs don't worry, she was trained to NEVER attack or "protect" me from children.)

4. This question is for anyone with pet allergies... Are there any tricks you've used to help you be in a confined space with an animal you're allergic to? While Drika doesn't shed she still produces dander and my mother is actually allergic. She plans on getting this shot her doctor recommended. It won't cure the problem but it will also help a great deal. He also told her she could take OTC allergy medicine while on it. We booked a multi-room suite I plan on trying to just keep her as confined as possible unless my mom shows signs of being okay. Also, since I don't PLAN on bringing her into the parks I've booked her a spot in the doggy day care they have near the parks. So I'm hoping her not being in the room will keep the dander at a minimum.

With the exception of the fact that she is a TRAINED SERVICE dog. Many service dogs are trained to protect their handlers.

If someone tries to attack me at the park not only would I expect my dog to react but I would also expect the police to be called and for that man or woman to be banned from parks for life. If someone became aggressive and a father or husband stepped in to intimidate the person doing the assaulting then it would be the same thing. At least I have a leash for her if the situation were to ever get out of control. Not that it ever would because she is trained to listen to me above anything else.

And you don't know anything about my dog or my situation. Her training. Nothing, you were there the night she growled at the man trying to assault me. You're focusing on the wrong part of all of this. It's not your place to say what my dog should and should not be trained to do. At least she trained. Maybe you should be more concerned with the "therapy dogs" that have zero training and end up in the park. They are far far far more likely to hurt an adult or a child if something happens that freaks them out.

I posted this thread to get info on how to be polite to other guest with my service dog. Not to have a bunch of people question mine and my dogs ability to control ourselves.

I train dogs. I have never heard of a service dog being trained in protection and to be allowed make the decision when a person is being aggressive. At least not successfully. In my little dog training world, we would immediately suspect that a dog trained to growl was not a trained service dog at all. It is too risky to allow a dog to make a decision on when somebody approaching is being aggressive.

Unfortunately, if your dog growls at anybody, the law says that it can be removed immediately from the premises.

And no, you cannot leave your dog tied to a pole with water while you ride the rides. Especially not one that is allowed to decide whether somebody is aggressive or not and may be bothered by animatronics. What if somebody in costume comes up while you are gone and the dog feels he/she is a threat? A trained protection dog needs to have its handler with them in public. You will either need to kennel the dog if there is one available, or have another member in your party hold onto the dog while you are riding.

 

[DisneyBigSis]

Like animatronics on a ride?

Yeah, it's been a long time since I've been to a park but don't a lot of things pop out at you? This is the reason I posted this question as even service dogs can get freaked out or confused. It was for other service dog handlers. How does your dog react in the rides? I can't really remember that much about the rides. But Drika has been trained to react to gun shots and to try and get to a safe quiet area/exit. I remember there being a part on Pirates where there were bombs going off... It would be awful funny to see her try and pull me to safety on a little boat.

 

[goofy4tink]

This part of your post distresses me. How can you bring a dog into a crowded, stressful situation like a crowded theme park and make a statement like you think she would never attack someone. And you mention that she was trained to never attack children. What about adults? I have an adult daughter who is justifiably terrified of dogs after being pinned to the ground and attacked by a neighbors pet (who really was trained and should have been friendly, yeah right!). We would need assistance if you were to come near her with your dog in a confined space like a line.

I understand the government has given you rights but I am amazed that no one speaks up for those who have been traumatized by these animals. They may be trained dogs but they are still animals. After experiencing a physical attack from a "trained" animal it is very rational to fear another animal.

There is 'trained' and there's 'TRAINED'. My dog is trained, bit not to the extent a service animal is. I do not bring my dog out into public places. I do not put him in situations he is not trained for. A service is incredibly well trained. These animals have a job to so. And they do it. My question would be what the OP considers an 'attack' and why there could be a situation where the service animal would feel it's 'person' was being attacked. That is confusing to me.
But, in all reality, service animals, that have been properly trained, are not going to be a threat to anyone..

 

[dawnball]

With the exception of the fact that she is a TRAINED SERVICE dog. Many service dogs are trained to protect their handlers.

No. They are not. It is very rare to have service dogs that are also protection dogs, and it's usually done by protection dog trainers who are looking for the ability for a protection dog to be with you at all times. Animals with attack training are a weapon, and despite (maybe) being service dogs are not allowed anywhere weapons are prohibited.

Dogs might "protect" someone having a seizure, but that is not at all the kind of protection you're describing.

What concerns me is that your dog's trainer told you that the dog may "become physical" if it believes you to be in harm's way and you don't know what triggers that reaction. From your description - you didn't even know she was trained to react that way until it happened.

 

[DisneyBigSis]

You'll want to be prepared to answer the question "what tasks does she perform?" You don't have to talk about your PTSD, just her tasks. No. You can rider swap. There may be a portable kennel. You cannot leave her unattended, and CMs can't keep her for you. This is very concerning. Disney World is a chaotic place, and many innocent events can appear threatening. Having a service dog that is also a protection dog has lead to dogs being put down, as well as significant injuries to innocent people. Having a service dog for PTSD who is also trained a protection dog is generally considered a poor choice, since it encourages hyper vigilance. I would discuss this thoroughly with your trainer and your psychiatrist before your visit.

Thanks, I've never actually been asked yet. Although, I haven't taken her anywhere really inappropriate for a dog to be besides work. But my employers have a "note" from my doctor explaining everything. Plus were a small company and luckily no one has allergies so luckily she doesn't really cause any problems.

I didn't think so but I wasn't sure. We have an odd number of people going so I think if I absolutely have to bring her in it wouldn't cause too much of an issue.

She doesn't get stressed out. I'm only afraid she might think some robot/image that might jump out and scream or something and she might mistake it for a real person. I'm not worried about her attacking anyone. I just didn't want her defense sounds to annoy other passengers on the ride.

 

[goofy4tink]

To the OP....what kind of situation would your dog feel was threatening to you? I'm just curious. There are going to be a lot of different situations at WDW, with all sorts of people. Not to mention those people that have no idea your dog is 'working'. I think you may have to make some choices here. You may have to forgo some attractions.....a lot of them are not going to be able to accommodate your dog. And you certainly don't want to leave the dog tied up somewhere...and Disney isn't going to allow it.
You may want to have some alternative plans in place...just in case. And as recommended, head over to the Disabilities board...lots of great info there for you.

 

[DisneyBigSis]

The problem is that you want to take a dog trained to protect you to a place that is crowded, loud and somewhat chaotic. Disney can be stressful for service dogs. You are relying on an animal to judge whether someone is a threat in stressed, chaotic environment. You are worrying the dog will view animationic pirates as threats. That's concerning. You should be more worried about the dog viewing the crowd you will be in at Park close as a threat. If fake pirates concern you then what about the dad in the crowd who is standing a foot in front of you and yelling back to his wife that he got separated from?

Part of her training was being in large groups of chaotic people for this reason. Service dogs are conditioned to not freak themselves out. I'm not worried about her getting scared and getting defensive. I was worried about her mistaking a robot that supposed to scare you into being a threat to me. Which is why I posted this thread. I want to know if this has ever been an issue. If I'm not giving her enough credit to tell a human from a robot.

I've only had her a couple of months now. I know that she knows her responsibility, how she will react to what and how, etc. but when I went through my training we never covered animatronics.

I don't rely on her to tell if someone else is a threat. She only responded if I'm being attacked.

 

[DisneyBigSis]

I train dogs. I have NEVER heard of a service dog actually being trained in protection and to be allowed make the decision when a person is being aggressive. That is too risky to allow a dog to make a decision on when somebody approaching is being aggressive. Unfortunately, if your dog growls at anybody, the law says that it can be removed immediately from the premises. And no, you cannot leave your dog tied to a pole with water while you ride the rides. Especially not one that is allowed to decide whether somebody is aggressive or not and may be bothered by animatronics. What if somebody in costume comes up while you are gone and the dog feels he/she is a threat? A trained protection dog needs to have its handler with them in public. You will either need to kennel the dog if there is one available, or have another member in your party hold onto the dog while you are riding.

She's not trained as a protection dog. She is trained as a service dog. One of her things to help me cope and to feel more safe is to step I between me and someone who is approaching me. So that I feel a level of comfort and can deal with new people being around me so that I feel less threatened. I am more likely to get freaked out in public than she is.

I don't know how many times I have to say it. She's not trained to attack someone when SHE feels threatened. She is not trained to attack anyone.

I'm not going to share with a bunch of random strangers what happened that made her feel the need to growl that night. It's none of your business. And I don't care what you believe a dog should or should my be trained to do. I have her for a reason that directly related to being attacked.

 

[already]

No. They are not. It is very rare to have service dogs that are also protection dogs, and it's usually done by protection dog trainers who are looking for the ability for a protection dog to be with you at all times. Animals with attack training are a weapon, and despite (maybe) being service dogs are not allowed anywhere weapons are prohibited.

Dogs might "protect" someone having a seizure, but that is not at all the kind of protection you're describing.

What concerns me is that your dog's trainer told you that the dog may "become physical" if it believes you to be in harm's way and you don't know what triggers that reaction. From your description - you didn't even know she was trained to react that way until it happened.

Exactly
True service dogs are not trained for protection. That would be too dangerous, especially with a novice handler, to be out and about in public.

If your dog is growling, you need to send her back to the trainer.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I'm not going to share with a bunch of random strangers what happened that made her feel the need to growl that night. It's none of your business. And I don't care what you believe a dog should or should my be trained to do. I have her for a reason that directly related to being attacked.

You already shared it, earlier in the thread.

If I saw a service dog growling or otherwise acting in a threatening or intimidating manner, I would report it to a CM immediately and press for it to be removed from the park, period. It's completely unacceptable.

 

[DisneyBigSis]

No. They are not. It is very rare to have service dogs that are also protection dogs, and it's usually done by protection dog trainers who are looking for the ability for a protection dog to be with you at all times. Animals with attack training are a weapon, and despite (maybe) being service dogs are not allowed anywhere weapons are prohibited. Dogs might "protect" someone having a seizure, but that is not at all the kind of protection you're describing. What concerns me is that your dog's trainer told you that the dog may "become physical" if it believes you to be in harm's way and you don't know what triggers that reaction. From your description - you didn't even know she was trained to react that way until it happened.

OH MY GOD. She is not trained to attack people.


NON- VIOLENT protection. Lots of service dogs are trained for it. Look it up.


And yeah, like if I'm lying on the ground being stabbed to death. She's probably going to step in. Like any dog would. Service dog or not. I guarantee you even a seeing eye dog would intervene if his handler were being savagely attacked.

 

[DisneyBigSis]

Exactly True service dogs are not trained for protection. That would be too dangerous, especially with a novice handler, to be out and about in public.

Yeah violent protection, no. Non violent, yes. Most PTSD service dogs are trained for non violent protection.

 

[already]

She's not trained as a protection dog. She is trained as a service dog. One of her things to help me cope and to feel more safe is to step I between me and someone who is approaching me. So that I feel a level of comfort and can deal with new people being around me so that I feel less threatened. I am more likely to get freaked out in public than she is.

I don't know how many times I have to say it. She's not trained to attack someone when SHE feels threatened. She is not trained to attack anyone.

I'm not going to share with a bunch of random strangers what happened that made her feel the need to growl that night. It's none of your business. And I don't care what you believe a dog should or should my be trained to do. I have her for a reason that directly related to being attacked.

You said in your first post that she is trained to growl and to protect you. That is a protection dog.

Needless to say, if your dog growls at anybody or at the animatronics, you will be asked to leave the park.

 

[sunshinehighway]

She's not trained as a protection dog. She is trained as a service dog. One of her things to help me cope and to feel more safe is to step I between me and someone who is approaching me. So that I feel a level of comfort and can deal with new people being around me so that I feel less threatened. I am more likely to get freaked out in public than she is.

I don't know how many times I have to say it. She's not trained to attack someone when SHE feels threatened. She is not trained to attack anyone.

I'm not going to share with a bunch of random strangers what happened that made her feel the need to growl that night. It's none of your business. And I don't care what you believe a dog should or should my be trained to do. I have her for a reason that directly related to being attacked.

You keep changing what the dog is trained to do. First it was:l react if someone is aggressive towards you. Now it's if someone approaches you.
All people are trying to do is explain to you that a dog with that type of training is not a good mix for Disney World.
It seems like you are unsure of what the dog is trained for exactly. You should really think of the safety of everyone (you, the dog and other park guests) before bringing this dog.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Let me start off by saying that I'm sorry this is so long. Before you get sucked into this my questions are mainly for those with history or experience with service dogs and mainly those who have gone to WDW with said dogs. But feel free to give advice or opinions even if you don't. I need all the input I can get! Thanks in advance!


So recently my doctor had "prescribed" me a service dog for my PTSD. It is important to know that she is a psychiatric support animal and NOT an emotional support animal. I'm not knocking ESAs but my dog is not there to simply make me happier and less angry or anxious she is there to help me walk out my door every morning with out being afraid, help me sleep at night, and is trained to help me calm down if I'm having an episode in public. The biggest thing she does for me though is help me get out of my apartment every morning and helps me feel safe through out the day. I've gotten pretty good with out her, I don't take her EVERY where with me unless I'm having a particularly "weak" couple of days.

With that being said, My family is going to WDW in October. It will be me, my immediate family (7 of us), my brother in law, my newborn nephew (who will be staying in the hotel each day), and my boyfriend. I would like to leave her behind but I've decided that it's safer for me to bring her so that I don't have an episode and ruin everyone's vacation. Also, if the parks are harder for me to be in than I anticipated then it's good to at least have the option of having her with me.

So here are my questions:

1. I've only had her for about two months officially. I'm still not extremely comfortable bringing INTO public places. Unless I absolutely need her I usually leave her tied up outside with a toy and some water, or I simply just don't go. I know that there's a law allowing service animals into public spaces for a reason. But since she doesn't help me see or alert seizures I almost feel like I'm taking advantage of those laws by bringing her in places dogs are not normally permitted. I've also noticed Drika's work isn't visible to most so the few times I've taken her into places dogs shouldn't be I get really dirty looks. I've only been confronted once. My question is, if I feel I need to take her with me into the parks one or all days how are CMs when is comes to dealing with Service Dogs? I plan to carry proof of her training, a doctors note, and this card with the law on it that I was given just incase. Technically, according US law I don't need any of it. But it's also really traumatic for me to have to deal with confrontation when it comes to her and talking about my PTSD. Should I prepare myself for the CMs to give me trouble or will a simple "she's a service dog" suffice?

2. If I do need to bring her into the parks how does the riders swap work with a service dog? Can I forego the riders swap and simply tie her up on the exit side of the ride for the few rides that she can't go on?

3. With the exception of roller coasters service dogs are allowed on rides. Does anyone with a service dog have experience actually bringing their service dogs onto the rides? I mean out dogs are trained REALLY well but one of Drika's jobs is to protect me non-violently. The first week I had her she actually had a chance to display what that meant... Basically a lot of growling to tell someone who is acting threatening to back off. She would never actually attack someone I think unless they attack me first. That's what I was told when I did my training. But I could only imagine her finding at least Pirates or the Haunted mansion fairly threatening. I don't want to ruin any other guests experience by Drika trying to protect me from an animatronic. (For you who don't have any experience with service dogs don't worry, she was trained to NEVER attack or "protect" me from children.)

4. This question is for anyone with pet allergies... Are there any tricks you've used to help you be in a confined space with an animal you're allergic to? While Drika doesn't shed she still produces dander and my mother is actually allergic. She plans on getting this shot her doctor recommended. It won't cure the problem but it will also help a great deal. He also told her she could take OTC allergy medicine while on it. We booked a multi-room suite I plan on trying to just keep her as confined as possible unless my mom shows signs of being okay. Also, since I don't PLAN on bringing her into the parks I've booked her a spot in the doggy day care they have near the parks. So I'm hoping her not being in the room will keep the dander at a minimum.

5.

Two very big red flags IMHO that I have put in bold, (a PP already addressed that the dog cannot be tied up) You and this dog don't even really know each other yet. I think it is a very bad idea to use a vacation at a place like WDW or any other place with 1,000s and 1,000s of people for the getting to know each other stage. I see a potentially big safety issue problem here.

 

[DisneyBigSis]

"work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler´s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work"


Straight from the ADA law.

 

[OurBigTrip]

"work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler´s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work"


Straight from the ADA law.

Growling at someone is not non-violent.

 

[DisneyBigSis]

You keep changing what the dog is trained to do. First it was:l react if someone is aggressive towards you. Now it's if someone approaches you. All people are trying to do is explain to you that a dog with that type of training is not a good mix for Disney World. It seems like you are unsure of what the dog is trained for exactly. You should really think of the safety of everyone (you, the dog and other park guests) before bringing this dog.

Yeah, as a form of non violent protection. But she is a service dog with one of her jobs as the ability to provide me non violent protection. I know exactly what she is trained to do and what she is capable of.


The only thing I ever questioned was how she would deal with robots. And no one can tell me that's she's not going to be good anywhere because none of you know how she has been trained or what her job is.

 

[DisneyBigSis]

Growling at someone is not non-violent.

Yes, it is. It's a dogs way of saying back off.