Is this really a service dog?

[disneyworlddad]

I would like to know what pray tell did someone do about seizures before these so called service animals? Frankly I don't see how having a service animal before a seizure does anything. The animal isn't going to be able to catch you when you fall, so what exactly is the point other than another excuse for someone to take free pet on a plane.

The dogs are usually for detecting diabetic seizures if I remember correctly. Even with correct monitoring some people have a very hard time regulating their blood sugar and these dogs are able to detect this. The person can then apply the correct medication to avoid the seizure.

Just to be clear. . . I very much dislike "fake" service dogs as well. I actually read a brilliant post the other day about this from a health professional who works with service dogs. It was her belief that too many people think a service dog will help and in many cases it doesn't do a thing or makes the situation worse. She has seen to many people who wern't using the dog correctly or it was trained poorly and does more damage (most mental) to the patient because they think they should be getting better but it has only made things worse.

 

[correcaminos]

I would like to know what pray tell did someone do about seizures before these so called service animals? Frankly I don't see how having a service animal before a seizure does anything. The animal isn't going to be able to catch you when you fall, so what exactly is the point other than another excuse for someone to take free pet on a plane.

They have a few things they can do to help keep the person safe or get care. They actually can break the fall contrary to belief. Considering that a fall can injure someone (gravely to), I find these animals to be fascinating. Try a little compassion and understanding before labeling a legit service dog as a pet.

Seizure Dogs

They are an alarm system. They are helpers, protectors, and service providers. So-called seizure dogs can be all these things – and more. Dogs can be trained as service animals for people with seizures, just like they can be trained to serve people with other disabilities. The law protects a...

www.epilepsy.com

The dogs are usually for detecting diabetic seizures if I remember correctly. Even with correct monitoring some people have a very hard time regulating their blood sugar and these dogs are able to detect this. The person can then apply the correct medication to avoid the seizure.

Just to be clear. . . I very much dislike "fake" service dogs as well. I actually read a brilliant post the other day about this from a health professional who works with service dogs. It was her belief that too many people think a service dog will help and in many cases it doesn't do a thing or makes the situation worse. She has seen to many people who wern't using the dog correctly or it was trained poorly and does more damage (most mental) to the patient because they think they should be getting better but it has only made things worse.

Read above, they are for people with epilepsy too.

 

[thomas998]

They have a few things they can do to help keep the person safe or get care. They actually can break the fall contrary to belief. Considering that a fall can injure someone (gravely to), I find these animals to be fascinating. Try a little compassion and understanding before labeling a legit service dog as a pet.

Seizure Dogs

They are an alarm system. They are helpers, protectors, and service providers. So-called seizure dogs can be all these things – and more. Dogs can be trained as service animals for people with seizures, just like they can be trained to serve people with other disabilities. The law protects a...

www.epilepsy.com

Read above, they are for people with epilepsy too.

Can a dog break the fall of someone falling? Sure, so could falling onto a floor of kittens, but in both cases it is hurting an animal for no legitimate reason. If you suffer from random seizure and fall down all the time then stick to wheelchair, or if you want to walk wear a helmet and knee pads either way would protect you more than falling on top of a poor dog. If the goal of these people is to use Fido for a walking pillow then you've just given a darned good reason why the practice should be banned.

 

[jloucks]

Can a dog break the fall of someone falling? Sure, so could falling onto a floor of kittens, but in both cases it is hurting an animal for no legitimate reason. If you suffer from random seizure and fall down all the time then stick to wheelchair, or if you want to walk wear a helmet and knee pads either way would protect you more than falling on top of a poor dog. If the goal of these people is to use Fido for a walking pillow then you've just given a darned good reason why the practice should be banned.

Ya know, I never thought of it this way. You have a darn good point.

But, I think really you get a warning to sit down. ...not so much aim your fall at the dog.

 

[jloucks]

Ya know, I never thought of it this way. You have a darn good point.

But, I think really you get a warning to sit down. ...not so much aim your fall at the dog.

Legit dogs are super expensive. It would be like crashing a corvette on purpose instead of just pulling over.

 

[dgauthier]

The dog is not there to break the fall that would be cruel, it is there to give enough warning so the person can either take the needed meds or to get themselves to a safe spot to prevent injury.

 

[correcaminos]

Can a dog break the fall of someone falling? Sure, so could falling onto a floor of kittens, but in both cases it is hurting an animal for no legitimate reason. If you suffer from random seizure and fall down all the time then stick to wheelchair, or if you want to walk wear a helmet and knee pads either way would protect you more than falling on top of a poor dog. If the goal of these people is to use Fido for a walking pillow then you've just given a darned good reason why the practice should be banned.

Did you read the link? I'm 5' and the size of my 11yo. A dog could easily break my fall since many weigh more than me. Or they could get help. Or be trained to alert someone. This judgmental attitude towards legitimately trained service dogs baffles me. We're talking a dog that has had tens of thousands of dollars invested in it. Not just your pet Fido.

The dog is not there to break the fall that would be cruel, it is there to give enough warning so the person can either take the needed meds or to get themselves to a safe spot to prevent injury.

What do seizure dogs do?

• Some dogs have been trained to bark or otherwise alert families when a child has a seizure while playing outside or in another room.
• Some dogs learn to lie next to someone having a seizure to prevent injury.
• Some dogs learn to put their body between the seizing individual and the floor to break the fall at the start of a seizure.
• Some dogs are trained to activate some kind of pre-programmed device, such as a pedal that rings an alarm

Just an FYI... nothing cruel there.

 

[dgauthier]

This judgmental attitude towards legitimately trained service dogs baffles me. We're talking a dog that has had tens of thousands of dollars invested in it. Not just your pet Fido.

I am in no way being judgmental towards legitimately trained animal I have a service animal myself trained by a group that train animals for my specific condition. seizure dogs are a great example as my dog is trained for diabetic seizures and mobility issues I also advocate for service animal in our state to have a recognized certification and training program not only for the animal but for the person using one, they go hand in hand

 

[jaklgreen]

Yes, I get the mentality. But ESAs are not protected by anything other than housing. They can be denied by any business without issue.

I wholeheartedly agree about the selfishness and how bad this gets. I just think they are in for a big surprise if they pay money to get a certificate thinking it'll let them take their dog anywhere.



Really? I hoped she'd be banned everywhere by now.

The problem is that businesses do not want any bad press or to be sued by someone if they kick them out. All someone has to do is claim that their dog is a service dog. We are at a point now that the government needs to step in with some kind of certification system. Harsher penalties for those who fake having a service dog is also needed.

 

[correcaminos]

I am in no way being judgmental towards legitimately trained animal I have a service animal myself trained by a group that train animals for my specific condition. seizure dogs are a great example as my dog is trained for diabetic seizures and mobility issues I also advocate for service animal in our state to have a recognized certification and training program not only for the animal but for the person using one, they go hand in hand

That comment about being judgmental wasn't for you. It was for the poster I quoted. Sorry you mistook that.

I see the good and bad to trying to get a 'certification' program across the US and even within a state. There is good and bad when it comes to how it would have to be handled. It would also cost a lot of money I think. I'd worry about those who couldn't afford a trained animal if they had to jump through hoops. A tough call. It sure would make some things easier, but could make it harder for others.

The problem is that businesses do not want any bad press or to be sued by someone if they kick them out. All someone has to do is claim that their dog is a service dog. We are at a point now that the government needs to step in with some kind of certification system. Harsher penalties for those who fake having a service dog is also needed.

That is true! I like the idea of harsh penalties for those faking it with a dog!

 

[dgauthier]

That comment about being judgmental wasn't for you. It was for the poster I quoted. Sorry you mistook that.

Sorry I see it now, there would have to be a very thoughtful approach to any certification program, it may be easier to certify the trainers of service animals , but you are right there is no easy way to do it justly unless the ADA is rewritten to include training requirements putting the burden of proof on them (government) instead of the honor system we have now and relaxing the questions that can be asked by companies or businesses

 

[jaklgreen]

Yes, but some people are alergic to dog so it's not fair to them.
It's like all of a sudden people walking around with Emotional Support Cigarettes. Not fair to everyone else.

The businesses are thinking that it is much better for them to err on the side of that it might be and actual service dog and take the chance that it might anger someone, then potentially have legal problems turning away a service animal. A business does not want to deal with that issue. The blame for all of this falls directly on all of these dishonest(most likely a bit on the crazy side) people who keep bringing their "babies" with them places.

 

[jloucks]

The blame for all of this falls directly on all of these dishonest(most likely a bit on the crazy side) people who keep bringing their "babies" with them places.

I think you are on to something. I have talked with folks who I honestly think that the pug they self trained is legit. They argue like the believe it themselves.

I think it is self brainwashing of some sort to validate their fraud on society.

 

[jloucks]

The businesses are thinking that it is much better for them to err on the side of that it might be and actual service dog and take the chance that it might anger someone, then potentially have legal problems turning away a service animal. A business does not want to deal with that issue. The blame for all of this falls directly on all of these dishonest(most likely a bit on the crazy side) people who keep bringing their "babies" with them places.

I think you are on to something. I have talked with folks who I honestly think that the pug they self trained is legit. They argue like they believe it themselves.

I think it is self brainwashing of some sort to validate their fraud on society.

 

[Incomudro]

Did you read the link? I'm 5' and the size of my 11yo. A dog could easily break my fall since many weigh more than me. Or they could get help. Or be trained to alert someone. This judgmental attitude towards legitimately trained service dogs baffles me. We're talking a dog that has had tens of thousands of dollars invested in it. Not just your pet Fido.


What do seizure dogs do?

• Some dogs have been trained to bark or otherwise alert families when a child has a seizure while playing outside or in another room.
• Some dogs learn to lie next to someone having a seizure to prevent injury.
• Some dogs learn to put their body between the seizing individual and the floor to break the fall at the start of a seizure.
• Some dogs are trained to activate some kind of pre-programmed device, such as a pedal that rings an alarm

Just an FYI... nothing cruel there.

So, they don't do much at all.

 

[FettFan]

"Why YES, he is a HIGHLY TRAINED SERVICE DOG!"

 

[Paper straw fan]

Would this count as a service dog?

Answer, as it’s MY dog, not unless that service is plopping in your lap so you can’t do your work!

If there’s a medical reason, and it’s a legit service dog, honestly it shouldn’t be an issue. WDW has given enough space to accommodate a reasonable number per day. But the emotional support angle is where people look to exploit it, which in turn gets people jaded towards even legit (perhaps the ones listed above) service animals.

It’s nice to occasionally be able to take the dog to a restaurant w outdoor seating, or an outdoor market, but otherwise taking a dog not trained to handle the crowds of WDW is just irresponsible.

 

[Shouldigo12]

So, they don't do much at all.

You have to be kidding.

 

[Incomudro]

You have to be kidding.

Not at all.
The dog might bark and alert a family member just as any other dog is likely to do if it's owner is in trouble and there are other people home.
It might get between the person and the floor, that's a might and we know little about whether the dog would actually be able to do that, or if it did successfully maneuver itself in place - whether the severity of any injury to the owner would be less.
Injury might even be worse depending on circumstances.
"Some" might activate an electronic device.
"Some." "Might."
Are there not electronic devises that activate automatically?

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

allergic to peanuts...supposed allergy.

Your post was profoundly, grievously, lacking in knowledge about allergies.