The Hidden Complications of Fake Service Dogs

This article is about something that is one of the things that you have to deal with when you get a service dog. The complications of fake service dogs. What are fake service dogs? They are mostly dogs that are not trained to perform tasks for someone with a disability and are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which allows service animals to go into public places. So what are the complications do Fake services dogs have that effect real service dogs? here they are:

1) Service dog handlers have disabilities. 
We all know that to have a service dog you need to have a disability. And obviously, If you don't have a disability you don't qualify for a service dog. People that say to the owner, "Oh I really wish I had a service dog" or "It will be so cool to have a disability so I can bring a dog everywhere" or even just "you're so lucky to bring your dog everywhere".  These comments are hurtful to people with service dogs because then we think you're not taking our disabilities seriously and aren't real.

2) Service Dog handlers are constantly judged.
Service Dog handlers are constantly judged about their disability and about having a service dog. Sometimes it can be from the public, friends, sometimes even family. It can be frustrating when people ask: "What's wrong with you?", "Show me your Service Dog ID","I wish my dog was a service dog". This is because it's making light of our situation and all the hassle of a service dog teams daily life.

3) Fake Service Dogs can affect the Service Dog Community.
 So imagine this: you at your local Starbucks relaxing enjoying your coffee when a woman walks in with her so called "service dog". The little thing may look cute and harmless at firs, but then it's wild side comes out. it start's sniffing everything, eating things off the floor, barking at everyone, that walks by her and nips at people's feet. This is all going on while the woman is waiting in line like nothing is happening. One of the baristas comes up  to her and ask's "Were Sorry but we have to ask you to leave. Pet's aren't allowed here." She tells her "Oh it's not a pet, It's a Service Dog".

Can you see why Fake service dogs are a problem, They leave the businesses feeling suspicious of  all service dog teams real or fake. If this kind of story though gets in the news, it could have even more of a negative impact on the service dog community by letting people around the world feel that these fake service dogs are what real service dogs are like, which it isn't. I hope this article helps bring awareness to about Fake service dog's and why they are such a problem to the real service dog community.

http://www.anythingpawsable.com/fake-service-dog-complications/#.VyaepTArKUk

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Different Types of Service Dog Vests

The most important thing that you can determine whether a dog is a service dog is the vest it wears. Even though service dogs are not required to wear them most owners do so that it doesn't start a conflict when going into public places. Service dogs also wear vests sometimes because it can help the owners. For example seeing eye dogs use a special harness that has a long handle so the dog is directly in front of the owner guiding them in the right direction.

A electronic guide dog harness that uses GPS, Bluetooth and a headset that vibrates to tell the owner which way the dog is going.

But seeing eye dog vests aren't the only vest you see on a service dog. There are also mobility assistance harness for service dogs. These harnesses are meant so the owners can use there dogs for support if there disability can affect there ability to walk such as multiple sclerosis. The harnesses handle is higher then a usually service dog vest and usually goes up to the owner's waist. It can fold down gently onto the service dog's back so they can go under tables and desks. 

A mobility harness's handle height is usually up to the owners hip area. When the owner feels that there having a hard time walking they can lean on there dog to make it easier for them.

Last vest is the normal service dog vest. This vest is used for mostly all service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional assistance dogs. They have a small handle on the top that is close to the harness. What's cool about this harness is that it has 2 clips and a metal loop on it. This can be used to attach pouches to carry things in them that you might need. You can also customize it with different colors, patches and embroidery on it to make it your own.  

This is Co-Jack with his normal service dog vest on. His has a service dog patch on the front and the sides of his vest. His vest also has the logo and name of his organization. 

http://www.anythingpawsable.com/types-of-service-dog-gear-vests-jackets-and-harnesses/#.VxWGLDArKUk

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth is Important

Now I know what your thinking. I have to brush my dog's teeth? I thought the same way when I first got Co-Jack and they told me I'm going have to brush he's teeth every day. But when I started it wasn't that bad. It's like brushing your teeth, but you have to make sure you get the toothpaste in his mouth (Co-Jack likes to lick it off since it taste like chicken to him).

Now why is brushing you dog's teeth is important? it's because just like humans dogs can get gum disease. This is actually a serious problem with dogs since not alot of people know about it. Mostly about 85% of  dogs that are over the age of 5 have gum disease. Gum disease happens just like humans. Food particles get stuck in the gum line and build up into hard tartar. If it's not removed it can turn into gum disease which can cause these symptoms: Bad breath, Pain, Abscesses that form in his mouth which can cause a bacterial infection. This infection can spreed to the blood stream and can go into the brain, heart, and liver.

So in the long run it's important to brush your dog's teeth and it doesn't have to be service dogs that get the special treatment. All dog's need it to live a happy and healthier life. :)

http://www.servicedogblog.com/2016/03/brusha-brusha-brusha/