Service Dog Questions Answered!
What is a service dog?
From the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) website:
Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Where do you obtain the dogs ?
We are firm believers that it is not a specific breed or purebred dog that makes a great service dog, but the dog itself. Gutsy Mutts are typically mutts (hence our name). We like to rescue a dog with the hopes of the dog paying it forward to its person.
How long does it take to train a service dog?
Each service dog is different in his learning of trained behaviors, so there is no specific time. But, in general, it can take up to one year to complete the training.
Where do the dogs live during training?
Gutsy Mutts service dogs are trained in a home environment. We feel this is the most realistic place to train and the dog is constantly trained by a watchful trainer. The dog is part of the family and loved like it is one of our pets.
What is a seizure alert service dog?
A seizure alert service dog alerts its person of an impending seizure. This allows the person to remove himself from an environment and find a safe place, or call for help. Gutsy Mutts works directly with the client and trains the dog with specific tasks beneficial to that client.
How does a seizure alert service dog detect a seizure?
At Gutsy Mutts, we use seizure samples collected during a seizure. This "scent" sample is then used to train the service dog to alert when he smells that specific scent.
What is a PTSD and/or anxiety service dog?
A PTSD and/or anxiety service dog helps its person to break the anxiety pattern and distract its person from self harm. The dog can provide comfort to its person, and also give its person a feeling of safety when entering a room.
What is a diabetic service dog?
A diabetic service dog can alert its person when blood sugar is too high or too low. The dog can smell the scent of low or high sugar from the breath of its person.
What is an autism service dog?
A service dog trained to work with someone with autism can help its person by calming the person and also by distracting self harm behavior.
Can you train other types of service dogs?
Of course! Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Do I have to live near Gutsy Mutts to adopt a dog?
Absolutely not! We are happy to work with clients no matter the location.
Are there any service dogs available for adoption?
Yes, we have service dogs currently available for adoption. Please contact us for information.
How do I adopt a Gutsy Mutts service dog?
Gutsy Mutts likes to get to know our clients. We want to make sure the union of dog and client is a happy and successful one. We like to match the personality of the dog with the personality of the client. Once that is established, a deposit is required to "hold" the dog until it is ready for adpotion. During this time, we will train the dog to you and your lifestyle. When the dog is ready, the process of bonding and learning for both dog and client begins. We slowly transition the dog into your life. We are here to guide you through the process. We also provide help and guidance after the adoption. Owning a service dog is like any relationship, there is always work to do to keep the relationship going in the right direction, and we will be at your side helping you through.
Fees and payment schedules
Here is an example of our fee schedule. We do not take a deposit until we agree on a service dog. Travel expenses vary due to time and location. We do our best to travel on cheaper days and stay at moderately priced hotels. We only rent a car if necessary (i.e. client can't drive). Final payment is due on Day 3 of transition/placement, this allows you to see your dog in action. Most dogs cost $22,000 unless excessive additional training is required. This rarely happens.
Example:
Application Fee - $50 nonrefundable. Due when applying.
Deposit - $5,000 nonrefundable. Due when we agree on a specific dog.
Travel Expenses - varies, typically around $1,000. Due approximately one month prior to delivery of dog.
Final Payment - $17,000. Due on Day 3 of Transition/Placement.