- A New Face
- It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a Labrador!
- The First Day is a Big Day
- Day 2 with the Guide Dog puppy: Moving Fast
- Puppy Tales
- A Big Day 4 (and end of the first week)
- Service Animal Etiquette. Seriously, People.
- The Unseen Fun of a Service Dog’s Life
- Puppy’s First Clicker Session
- Steampunk Puppy: “They call me CAPTAIN Mindy!”
- Resisting Temptation
- Clicker Expo and After
- Mindy is proud.
- Practicing Recalls
- Toronto Training – a service dog in training hits the road
- Puppy Training on a FitPAWS Donut
- Puppy Goes Hiking
- Fireworks Without the Freak-Out
- Training & Gaming at Gen Con
- Assistance Dog Blog Carnival – a Call for Posts
- Perception and Service Dogs
- Recall Roundup
- Goodbye To Mindy
- Mindy: She’s Back!
- Mindy-Penny and the Return to Ordinary Life
I’m not sure I’ve ever known a puppy who didn’t like the chewing texture of wood. Our rule is, you can sample the pieces in the firewood holder, but not furniture. Seems to be a good deal so far.
Several people have asked me questions about service dogs, whether they’re always “on the job” or could have normal dog lives. A few were under the heartbreaking impression that because one isn’t supposed to pet service dogs while they’re working, that service dogs aren’t ever to be petted, even at home.
Definitely not the case! Service dogs, and service dogs-in-training, may have a distinct work ethic when they’re on the clock (which is often represented by a vest or harness, though not all service dogs wear special equipment), but when they’re off the clock they get a dog’s life like any other, including playtime and lots of affection. After all, who doesn’t do better work when it’s punctuated with plenty of breaks and relaxation?
So here are some moments from out of the vest.
Big snowfall today, but Mindy fell asleep in the car on the way home. I knew she’d want to see the snow, though!
Chilling while the human guests play Pathfinder.
Great post! I’ve been asked these kinds of questions sometimes, too. I totally respect everyone’s decision whether or not to allow people to pet their service dog, but I choose to allow petting of my Aria, in part because it helps people to get to know her and see that she has a great life. It helps me with social interactions as well. I also dress her in vests and collars that are fun, she has different colors and patterns depending on the occasion and season. Nowadays with social media, it’s easy for us to share pictures and videos of our dogs having a great time off duty!