Happy National Guide Dog Month!

Dog Guides and their people relaxiung at ACB Los Vegas 2014

September is National Guide Dog Month! Guide Dogs are near and dear to me for many reasons not the least of which is I have had the joy of living with working guides for almost seven years since my roommate is blind and has partnered with a guide since she was 18 years old.

A short history of Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs were the first type of service dog to receive formal training and recognition of what dogs could do to help people following WWI for use primarily by veterans blinded in the war. The first Guide Dog school in the U.S. was The Seeing Eye in 1928. This is why you hear people referring to all guide dogs as Seeing Eye Dogs today! (once we humans get trained on something, we can be really hard to retrain!) Read more about the history of Guide dogs

What Does a Guide Dog Do?
A guide dog guides it's human in short, but it is not really that simple. Guide Dogs and their human partners work together using the principles and skills taught in Orientation and Mobility (O &M). O &M is a huge field in blindness and visual impairment that teaches blind and visually impaired people how to navigate the world both inside and out safely, know where they are in the world, and get where they want to be. (This training often incorporates the use of a white cane, but is not limited to teaching only the use of the white cane.) People wishing to partner with a guide dog must demonstrate a very high level of O&M skills including very competent use of a white cane before they are accepted for partnership, because:

• O & M skills are the base for how guide dogs works and provide information about the world around the team to their partner
• O &M skills are neccessary for the human partner to be able to make decisions about where they want to go, how to get there, what is safe, and understand the information their guide is providing them through the harness.

Guide Dogs guide their people along a path of travel determined by the human partner. Their job is to guide their human around obstacles in their path of travel while maintaining the most direct path of travel possible. If the path of travel is not safe because it is either too narrow for the team to pass together or the team encounters stairs, a curb, a street, a moving car (or bicycle), a hole, or a dead end the dog will indicate this by stopping. The human partner must investigate why the dog has stopped and decide what the next best course of action will be based  O&M rules and training on where the team is trying to go. Guide dogs are also trained to find common nearby objects the handler needs in the environment including things like bus stops, curbs, stairs, doors, trash cans, check out counters, seats, and elevators.

Intelligent Disobedience 
 Guide dogs must be able to demonstrate a trained skill known as intelligent disobedience. This skill is very, very advance and very hard for dogs to learn because the majority of training for dogs is all about doing as you are cued as quickly and cleanly as possible. Intelligent disobedience comes  into play when the human partner has told the dog to go forward, but has failed to perceive some danger in the path ahead such as a car that was not there a second ago but now is, or if the human misreads the traffic and would walk into the path of a car if the dog went at that moment., or the path includes an uncovered hole for which there is no safe way around. The dog must perceive these obstacles to the path and refuse to follow the command no matter what until the path is safe. This refusal saves lives and is one of the most difficult skills to teach a dog as it goes against all of their other training. Dogs that cannot hold their ground when the cue to go forward into a path that is unsafe is given do not make it to becoming a working guide dog.

Myths about Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs know where they are going.
Guide dogs do not know where they are going. The human determines where the team is going and the best way to get there. Dogs may learn common routes the team takes, but it is still not up to the dog to know where the team is going. The dog's job is to navigate the route determine by the human in the most direct path possible while guiding the human around any obstacle in the path and stopping when obstacle like a narrow path, construction, a crossroads, stairs, a street or a curb require the dog to seek further direction about where the human wants to go from the human.

Guide Dogs know when the light is green.
Guide dogs do not know when a light is green. The human partner uses the O &M Skill of reading traffic to determine when it is their turn and safe to  cross the street giving the dog the forward cue when they think is is safe to go based on the sounds of the traffic flow around them. The dog's job when crossing streets is to:
1. refuse to go if the human has incorrectly read the traffic or if the picture suddenly changes in the seconds after the cue to go forward is given.
2. Guide the human quickly and safely across the street using a straight curb to curb path of travel stopping  momentarily to indicate the curb on each side so the human will be able to make the step up if needed and be aware of when they are entering and exiting a street.

What to do You Encounter a Guide Gog Team
1. Go on about your business as usual.The dog will go around you if you are an obstacle in the path of travel.
2. Address the person not the dog. Do not attempt to call the dog,  if you think the team is unaware of an obstacle or danger address your concern with the person.
3. Leave the Dog to their work. Please do not hold out your hand or treats to the dog. Please do attempt to pet the guide dog as it passes by you or stands in a line near you. Please do not try to get the dog's attention by calling it, whistling, making kissing sounds, snapping your fingers, clapping your hands, barking, meowing or intentionally blocking the team's path. Doing any of the above adds unnecessary stress to the dog's work and potentially puts the team in danger should they walk into an obstacles, miss a street crossing, fall off a stair or curb because the dog was distracted by you even for a second! Many states have laws making it a criminal offense to distract or injure a guide dog.
4. Keep you dogs leashed, under control,  announce your presence, and give way to a team. Guide dogs are dogs, but their are working stopping for even a second because another dog wants to greet the them or the dog ahead is causing the team to be concerned for their safety puts the team in danger again because the dog cannot focus on their work. When out with your dog and you encounter a guide dog team:
Ensure your dog is on a leash and under control. Out the the end of their flexi-leash is not under control. Barking, whining, and growling are signs your dog is not under control. Pulling towards the guide dog is not a dog under control. Please when out with your dog an you encounter a team:
a. Announce yours and your dogs presence including where you are in relation to team. For example: Say, "Guide dog handle there is a dog coming towards you on you left side." Doing this will alert the handle to your dog's presence and allow them to give their dog appropriate direction to continue working.
b. Move your dog to the side of your body that will put you between the two dogs as you pass the guide dog team.The will provide much needed space for the two dogs to pass while minimizing the potential for distraction or problem between the two dogs.
c. If you dog is not capable of calmly pass another dog without pulling, whining, barking, growling stiffening their body, or show any other sign they are overexcited/uncomfortable; step well out of the way of the way of the guide dog team and allow them to pass before you and your dog continue on you way. Remember to alert the team to your presence and where you have stepped out of the way to.
5.  Do not leave you dog tied up where they will block the right of way. Tied up dogs are very unpredictable and present an obstacle for a guide dog team for which there is often no warning and no safe way around. Dogs break collars and leashes all the time and should never be left tied up and unattended.Tied up dogs are often stolen.  If you are out with your dog and think you might stop somewhere consider what you will do with you dog and what might happen to them in the time you are away.

To learn more about Guide Dogs around the world, visit The International Guide Dog Federation.
To learn more about the Guide Dog Team experience visit Guide Dog Users Inc (GDUI) and the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners(IAADP).

News: Register Today for National Service Dog Oral Health Exam

National Service Dog Oral Health Exam

The AVDC Service Dog Oral Health Exam program is a philanthropic event provided to the Service Dog public by board certified veterinary dentists of the American Veterinary Dental College. If your Service Dog qualifies, it would receive a complimentary oral health screening exam in August 2012 to help identify any problems that may affect the dog's oral comfort and health.

Our veterinary dentists understand the tremendous daily contribution Service Dogs make to the lives of individuals and to all of us as a society. In return, we want assist in these efforts, by assuring that the Service Dogs can have pain free and healthy mouths.

Event Goals

1. To promote oral health awareness in Service Dogs by providing oral exams during August.
2. To identify painful oral disease and provide treatment options to alleviate pain, and
3. To benefit those who rely on Service Dogs by teaching preventative oral care in order to provide their dogs pain, free, healthy mouths.
4. To enhance referral relationships with primary care veterinarians.

The mission of the AVDC Service Dog Oral Health Exam is to promote oral health awareness in service dogs in order to prevent and relieve pain, which will benefit, not only the service dog, but all the people they serve every day.

Eligibility

The AVDC Service Dog Oral Health program will provide free oral health screening to Service Dog groups including seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs, search and rescue dogs and for certified therapy dogs (through the Delta Society or similar). Dogs must be active working dogs that are certified by an organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying agency must be regional or local. Essentially, the dogs need to have some form of certification and/or training paperwork from an agency to qualify for this program.

While we would like to offer complimentary oral exams to all dogs performing assistance to their owners/handlers, this program is limited to the groups listed above. There are limited appointments available to examine these animals therefore a specific group has been defined.

How will this work?

Owners/handlers of the dog will register the animal via an online registration form. Once registered, the owner/handler will be given a confirmation and list of participating dentists in their area. The owners/handlers call a participating office to schedule an appointment and provide the registration number to the clinic which will be given on the confirmation form. This process is included on the registration form.

Appointment Dates and Time

Appointment dates and times will vary based on the availability of exams offered by each clinic. The clinic sets the schedule for exams for certain set days, select times on specific days, or during times of their choice during the month of August. Identify yourself as participating in the AVDC Service Dog Oral Health Exam and provide the registration number given on your confirmation form. The appointment will be set by the clinic at that time. Some clinics may request that you present certification of the Service Dog's formal training. Be sure to ask if this is needed at the time of appointment scheduling.

Once the owner/handler has registered the Service Dog, they are asked to respect the dentist's time and show up for the appointment. Arriving on time is essential in allowing as many Service Dog's to receive exams as scheduled.

What should I expect during the appointment?

The complimentary oral health exam is of a screening nature. No sedation or anesthesia will be given. Factors that limit our ability to detect every dental or oral problem in your dog may include:

1. Lack of patient cooperation can impair proper visualization, especially of the back of the mouth
2. Many periodontal problems can be detected only by probing under the gum with a dental instrument with the dog under anesthesia,
3. Dental tartar can hide underlying cavities or fractures.

If any problems are found at the time of the exam or if additional tests are needed (e.g. dental x-rays, periodontal exam under anesthesia, etc.), the dental specialist will present options to best treat your Service Dog.

A copy of the exam form will be given to you to give to your primary care veterinarian. Data collected on each dog will remain private and be utilized for research purposes only.

How do I participate?

Step 1: Registration.
If your Service Dog qualifies, register on-line. If you do not register, you cannot participate in the program.

» Register here

Step 2: Locating a clinic.
Once you have registered, the confirmation page will provide you with a link to a page that will provide a list of participating clinics. (Clinics may not be available in every state.)

» Find a participating dentist

Step 3: Scheduling
After locating the clinic you would like to visit, call the office directly, identify yourself as participating in the Service Dog Oral Health Exam program and make an appointment. Dates and times will vary from clinic to clinic throughout August. We suggest you register in early July to ensure a better chance of securing an appointment at your Service Dog. Slots are limited, and those that wait to register may find it difficult to find a clinic that has filled all appointments for this program. There are no "rain checks".

Step 4: Visit
Visit the dentist at the appointed time. Please call ahead if you will be late or have to cancel your appointment.

Step 5: After the Exam
After your Service Dog's oral exam is complete, your veterinary dentist will give you a copy of the examination form and information. Please take this back to your primary care veterinarian to complete your Service Dog's medical care to schedule any diagnostics or treatment that may be needed. Your primary care veterinarian is an important part of the team in providing your Service Dog with the best oral health care. The dental specialist will make a recommendation for treatment for your service dog instead of present options.

Most important: You MUST pre-register prior to calling to make your appointment with veterinary dental specialist.

 

April is Autism Awareness Month 2012: Service Dogs and Autism

While looking for the latest and greatest information on Autism and Service Dogs I stumbled across this post Another Fleecing of the Autism Community, Service Dog Edition about a now defunct program that took advantage of families with children on the spectrum. A problem that is sadly too common in my opinion, because it is very easy to get people to open their wallets for anything that might help these beautiful children and their families are often desperate to find anything that might help their child. More interesting than the article itself to me was a comment posted in response by Patty Dobbs of North Star Foundation,

" I want to mention that Siberian huskies are not a good choice for a child with autism, as their breeding does not lend them the necessary qualities to help them relate and communicate gently with a child on the autism spectrum. (Golden retrievers are much better suited to this work temperamentally...we breed several sound lines of Goldens that are superior temperamentally for work with children with autism.)
There is great danger in this field if children with autism are partnered with a dog that does not have the correct temperament to work with them...improper or nonexistent socialization of the dog slated for service work is also dangerous for the child. This is a service rich field, and it is not just about the training a dog receives or the facility they grow up within to keep the placement safe as well as effective."

This comment started me off on looking for articles providing food for thought for families with members living on the autism spectrum.

Food for Thought on Autism Service Dogs

In Service Dogs and Autism, world renowned Autism and Animals advocate Temple Grandin says,

"The use of service, or assistance, dogs with spectrum children is gaining popularity. However, this is a complicated issue. Unlike other autism interventions that can be more easily started and stopped, embarking on the journey to find an appropriate service dog for a child is a long-term commitment on the part of the entire family. A service dog is much more than a well-trained pet."

She goes on to discuss the sensory issues that come with dogs that may turn a child with autism off to a service dog and the different levels of support dogs can be trained to provide families and children on the spectrum. As a follow up piece to this one Temple wrote Questions to Ask When Selecting a Service Dog Provider, a good list of question for any family considering a service dog to use and think about what answer would be acceptable and not. 

In Service Dogs Aid People With Autism, Merope Pavlides, a  Certified Pet Dog Trainer and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, as well as the mother of a son with autism discusses the common roles of a service dog placed with a child with autism and the pros and cons of such placements for families.


From The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism I found an Autism Service Dogs article 
by Sarah Oriel about her experiences in obtaining and working with a service dog for her son who has autism.  More can be found about her family's journey into the world of service dogs on her blog Planet Josh under the Paws and Effect .

From Service Dog Central, a cross disability community of service dog partners, their families and other allies Autism Service Dogs, multifaceted portal of information and issues surrounding service dogs for people with autism compiled by the members of the community living on or with someone who is on the autism spectrum.

Upcoming Teleconference: No pets allowed: Service Animals and Post Secondary Institutions

March 20, 2012»No pets allowed: Service Animals and Post Secondary Institutions

Time: 11:00a.m. -12:30p.m. PST

Recent revisions to the regulations implementing Title II and III of the ADA have raised increased focus on the issue of service animals in a variety of settings. Post secondary institutions face unique challenges around these issues when it comes to their policies and procedures regarding service animals in student housing, classroom and public spaces. This session will explore the different scenarios that often play out in post secondary education and discuss the interplay between laws governing non-discrimination in housing versus equal access to programs and services. Join this panel of presenters for a discussion of the issues and engage with them in an interactive question and answer period.

Certificate of Attendance/ CEUs offered for those participating in the live teleconference for the following fees: 

For-Profit Entities

Single Session

• Teleconference: $40.00
• Real-time Text Captioning (via Elluminate Live Platform): Free
• Real-time Streaming Audio (via Elluminate Live Platform): Free

Not-for-Profit Entities

The non-profit discount is available to education, government and service agencies operating on a not-for-profit status.

Single Session

• Teleconference: $25.00
• Real-time Text Captioning (via Elluminate Live Platform): Free
• Real-time Streaming Audio (via Elluminate Live Platform): Free

Happy National Guide Dog Month!

Eva LaRue and Omar Miller for National Guide Dog Month from Natural Balance on Vimeo.

Happy 21st ADA!

Happy 21st to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!
Find out what the ADA Does and it's history at ADA Anniversary Resources.

Pet First Aid Month April

April is Pet First Aid Month! This year's there is Pets & People Staying Healthy Together.  As service dog partners we ask our canine partners to accompany us nearly everywhere and in do so they may come across situations where we as handlers need to either be able to administer first aid or instruct someone in the proper dog first aid approach called for in the situation. In 14 years of working and living with a service dog there have been a number of situations with my dogs where I was relieved to have the basic knowledge of Basic Dog First Aid and what situations are always considered an emergency and require the attention of a veterinarian ASAP.

Finding Pet First Aid Classes Near You:
Red Cross Pet First Aid Classes

There's an App for that!
Once you have taken a class you can Download  an App to help your remember what to do in a specific situation when it really counts.

• PetTech PetSaver App

• PetCPR.com App

 Tools and Things

Now that you have the knowledge and the App make sure you have the tools you need.

• AMVA Pet first aid supplies checklist 
• Article: How do you build a first aid kit for your pet?
• Pet First Aid Complete Kits: Shop and Compare 
• Fist Aid Store.com Pet First Aid  

Happy Autism Awareness Month!

April is Autism Awareness Month! Autism is on of many, many disabilities that service dogs can be trained to assist with. I have written several posts on Autism and Service dogs I hope you will read this month:

Autism Awareness Month: Featured Links 

News: Exploring the Health Benefits of Pets 

Autism Awareness Month: Watch Temple Grandin's Eugene, OR Presentation

Autism Awareness Month: Research around Autism Service Dogs

More post can be found under the tag Autism and a few more post will be coming later this month!

 

 

 

 

Think Before You Speak-End the R-Word Day

Words do hurt and some words are meant to hurt, undermine, separate, and make people seem something less than human thereby making cruelty okay. Not only is the R-word not okay, but any word or phrase that carries with it the implication that the person is by definition something less than a human deserving of respect is not okay. My pledge is to Think before I speak. Do I really need to use the word lame to describe a boring situation? Do I really need to call something crazy just because it doesn't make sense to me?

Webinar: Flying with Service Animals: Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities at 32,000 Feet

Webinar: Flying with Service Animals:
Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities at 32,000 Feet
September 27, 2010 | 2:00 pm (EST)

 

https://s07.123signup.com/servlet/SignUp?PG=1532435182300&Info=&P=15324351911421301700

The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) will host an informative webinar on the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), specifically as it relates to flying with service animals. The webinar is being held in collaboration with the ADA National Network (formerly DBTACs).

Learn from industry experts about the following aspects of flying with service animals:

• General Tips on air travel with a service animals
• Specific issues important to passengers who are blind or visually-impaired, as it relates to their service dogs
• Specific issues important to passengers with psychiatric disabilities, as it relates to their service dogs
• Primer about ACAA provisions that govern air travel with service animals
• What are passengers rights? Responsibilities?

Speakers include:

• Becky Barnes, Guide Dog Users, Inc. & Guiding Eyes for the Blind
• Joan Esnayra, Ph.D., Psychiatric Service Dog Society
• Brandon M. Macsata, Executive Director, Association for Airline Passenger Rights (moderator)

AAPR members can participate for free and registration for non-members is only $35.00 (although non-members can join AAPR for only $10 and thereby participate for free, too).

Special benefits:

TravelPro is providing a 20% off discount coupon to all registered participants!

News: Happy 20th to the ADA

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.I hope my readers enjoy the post-a-thon celebration this momentous law.

Are You Prepared? Take Your Dog to Work Day

From Shiloh, Summit Assistance Dog

June 25,2010 is National Take You Dog to Work Day,which began more than a decade ago as an effort to celebrate all that dogs give to us,their human companions while putting the spotlight on all those dogs waiting to find their human. Having your dog with you for the day at the office can a wonderful thing if you and your are prepared... after all, still must work done.  I have been working with a dog at my feet 12 years now,and while it is great there is much preparation require for it to an enjoyable experience.

Tips to a Ensure Everyone (Dog and Human) Enjoy Take your Dog to Work Day:

1. Bath and Groom your dog a day or two before the event. This will ensure they will not offend others with doggy smells,will be less likely to accidentally scratch people while shaking paws, and will be less likely to leave fur piles behind.
2. Find out if their is anyone in your office who afraid or allergic to dogs and give them their space.
3. Bring a Bed, Blanket, or Crate for you dog that was also recently cleaned to help your dog know it's space.
4. Bring a baby gate to keep your dog in your office/Cubicle when you have to leave for a bit.
5. Exercise your dog well before bringing them to the office. After all, a tired dog is a happy and well behaved dog.
6. Follow these Introducing Your Dog to New People and Dogs Tips
7. Ensure Your dog is solid all the following Basic Behaviors: Come, Sit, Down, Stay, Quiet, Wait, Off, Leave it, Loose Leash Walking, House Broken,and knows which toys are theirs (you don't want to find your printer cord chewed coming back from a meeting). If you dog doesn't have these down yet maybe you should keep working on it to be ready for next year's Take You Dog to Work Day. First impressions are lasting ones and we all want our dogs to make the best one they can.
8. If Your Dog is working though any of the following problems you may want to reconsider taking them to work with you is likely to be too much for them (and quite probably you): Separation Anxiety, Fear Periods, Specific Fears (i.e cars,specific types of people, new places, new dogs, etc.), Generalized Fearfulness, Aggressiveness, Barking, Territoriality, Resource Gaurding.
9. No Flexible Length Leashes in the office! Six foot straight lead at the longest. The locks on flexible leashes can pop loose and it is much more polite to have your dog on a leash that is a constant length so everyone knows just how much room your dog has. If you have a very powerful and or exuberant dog you may even want to consider shorter leash lengths for your dog such as four or two feet to ensure they don't they better of you through shear momentum, and help other to feel that you are truly in control of your dog.
10. Make Sure You Collar and Leash are in good condition.
11. Bring quiet, non-smelly toys and treats to entertain your dog. A bored dog may just go looking for ways to entertain themselves some of which you may not like, not to mention other people.
12. Bring Supplies to Clean Up After Your Dog including Poop bags, disinfectant wipes, and a towel.
13. Be prepared to Catch your Dog Doing Good and Reward them! Bring the treats and use the day to remind yourself and your dog how wonderful and good they are.
14. Do not allow your dog to Disturb/Greet/ Invade the Space of Working Service/Guide Dogs. It is customary to give handlers of these dogs warning if you need to pass them such as "Dog Passing on the Left/Right" and to keep your dog at your side while passing. If you all cannot pass in the hall or other tight space let the handler know (if they were in the tight space first) that they can pass keep your dog at your side in a sit or a down leaving plenty of room for the team to pass. If you are in the tight space first again let them know you are coming through with a dog keep your dog at your side.  Please know that service dogs are generally not permitted to greet/socialize with other dogs while working as it distracts them from the reason they are there... to assist their partner with a disability. Any team you encounter today will be very grateful if they do not have be on the lookout for or surprised by unknown dogs in their path,because you are looking for them:)

If all of the above is overwhelming to you, consider leaving your dog at home on Take your Dog to Work Day and enjoying the dogs and people that do show up. Remember: Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you SHOULD do it. Make the right choice for you, your dog, and your workplace.

Autism Awareness Month: Featured Links

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  What Every Caregiver Needs To Know About Service Dogs by Joan Froling

  IAADP has been frequently contacted over the years by parents and spouses seeking a service dog to assist them in watching over a disabled loved one with Alzheimer Disease, Downs Syndrome, Autism, TBI (traumatic brain injury), or some other serious cognitive impairment. They fear for the safety of the mentally disabled person. They want a dog trained to alert them if the cognitively impaired family member attempts to leave the house or the yard.
  I view such requests with sympathy. It is exhausting to be constantly vigilant. I commend the person for leaving no stone unturned in the effort to keep a loved one safe. Then I level with them. As wonderful as service dogs can be, they are not the right kind of assistive technology for every disability and every situation.
  While in theory it is possible to teach a service dog to perform a hearing dog type alert, responding to a bell jingling on a door or back yard gate when it is opened, it is wrong to put a dog in charge of a disabled person's safety. Read More

• 
  

  Autism Service Dogs by Service Central.org

Other sensory processing disorders include blindness (vision processing) and deafness (auditory processing). Service dogs can be trained for some people with Autism to help them gain independence, confidence, and the ability to perform activities of daily living that they could not otherwise perform. For the most part these dogs are trained to perform tasks similar to those of service dogs for other sensory processing disabilities. A guide dog for a person who is blind signals the handler when the team approaches an intersection so that the handler knows to stop and check for traffic. An Autism dog might be trained to do the exact same task, except that instead of giving visual information ("I see an intersection"), the dog gives prioritizing information ("I recognize a situation that requires focused processing").Read More from Autism Service Dogs from Service Dog Central

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  Service Dogs for Children with Disabilities. Originally published in Alert, National Service Dog Center® Newsletter Vol. 6, No. 3 1995. Edited for the web and updates. 

•  By My Side- Blog by an adult with Autism partnered with a service dog
• Assistance Dog for Autism- Blog out of Ireland about a young boy with Autism and his Service Dog

 

Autism Awareness Month: Watch Temple Grandin's Eugene, OR Presentation

Dr. Temple Grandin “My Experiences with Autism and Animals”

Dr. Temple Grandin will present her highly creative and scientifically acclaimed work on autism and animal husbandry. Through her autism, she has cultivated the ability to think in pictures and developed an acute sense of the emotional life of animals. In order to understand animals, Grandin says, one has to get away from language. She has harnessed her unique abilities to develop ethical guidelines and technologies for the care and slaughter of cattle and other livestock. Grandin will explore issues of animal welfare from a practical perspective. Download the video

This is the very same presentation I attended with Shiloh on February 9, 2010. Read about our experience.

UO Today #440 – Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin, professor, Animal Science, Colorado State University, discusses her work as a designer of humane livestock handling systems. She also talks about her life as a person with autism. Bonus interview with Temple Grandin, download the video.


Want to know more about Temple Grandin and her work? Visit her website.

Autism Awareness Month: Research around Autism Service Dogs

This post shares a group of scientific studies and articles around Autism Service Dogs.

•  from Research Autism:

Introduction

An assistance dog is specially trained to act as a companion to the person with autism.
It encourages him to communicate and be more sociable.
It may also prevent him from getting lost or hurting himself.

Opinion

There is currently very limited scientifically valid or reliable evidence to support the use of assistance animals for people with autism.
However the personal experience of some of our trustees/members of our scientific and advisory committee suggests that assistance dogs may be beneficial to some individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The benefits reported are not huge but do go some way to making life better for certain individuals.
For these reasons we believe that research into this the use of assistance dogs for people with autism spectrum disorders is warranted. Read More

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  Sentinels of safety: service dogs ensure safety and enhance freedom and well-being for families with autistic children.

  Burrows KE, Adams CL, Spiers J.
  Ontario Veterinary College, Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

  Abstract

  Children with autism might display unpredictable and volatile behavior that places them in considerable physical danger and creates stress for the family. Families of autistic children often have limited freedom and experience difficulty with everyday activities. In this qualitative ethology study, we examined the effect of integrating service dogs into ten families with an autistic child. Data included participant observation, video recordings of family-parent-dog interaction, and semistructured interviews with the parents. Read More
• 
  
  

  Factors affecting behavior and welfare of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder.

  Burrows KE, Adams CL, Millman ST.
  Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

  Abstract

  The use of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder is a relatively new and growing assistance-dog application. The objectives of this article were to identify and describe the factors influencing an autism service dog's performance and the impact of this type of placement on the dog's welfare. A qualitative approach uses interview and observational data to characterize the dogs' behaviors and welfare with relevancy to the dogs' home environments. Identification of potential physical stressors included lack of rest or recovery time after working, unintentional maltreatment and prodding by children with autism, lack of predictability in daily routines, and insufficient opportunities for recreational activities. Read More
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  Challenges of service-dog ownership for families with autistic children: lessons for veterinary practitioners.

  Burrows KE, Adams CL.
  Belau National Hospital, Ministry of Health, Koror Republic of Palau. kristen.burrows@gmail.com

  Abstract

  The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges of service-dog ownership for families with autistic children. Through a qualitative interview process, this study has found that the integration of a service dog into a home environment is a highly dynamic and interactive process with numerous benefits and challenges. Public-access issues, learning to interpret dog behavior, the time constraints of increased social interactions, and the time of year the dog is placed into the family are important components affecting parental satisfaction. Parent, family, and child challenges included the dog being extra work, finding added time to maintain training, financing care for the dog, and the impact on family dynamics. Read More
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  Scientists Study How Animals Help Autism

  While service dogs for autistic kids paw their way into the classroom, scientists have decided to finally study the link between kids and their pets.
  Sponsored by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the study is meant to go beyond anecdotal evidence that therapy animals have a positive affect on kids, especially those with autism. Read More
  
  Readers may be able to easily find the full text of these studies with the help of the local public library, happy reading!
  
  
  

   

Autism Awareness Month: Past Posts on Autism and Service Dogs

The first installment of my Autism Awareness Month post-a-thon showcases past posts I have written in the past dealing in some way with autism and autism service dogs:    

1. Choosing a program  -originally published June 23, 2008- I mentioned in an early post I mention that I had been accepted as a potential recipient for the Purdy Prison Pet Program years ago. The reason I did not reapply to the that program when Bastien needed to retire was that program had changed the format of its team training format, so it was no longer possible for me to meet their requirements. Especially since I now lived more than 200 miles away. When choosing service dog programs to apply to there are many things one must consider .... Read More 
2. News: Service Dogs for Kids-originally published January 11, 2009- Today I came across two articles about service dogs for children:

• Colchester: Billy, the dog who helps Tilli hear
• Fort Lewis eighth-grader soon will welcome a new best friend

While I did not have a service dog as a child, it was the interaction between myself and one of the family dogs as a child that caused my mom and myself to think a service dog would be a great help to me as an adult on my own. Read More 
    3.  Book Review: New Blogs on Blog Roll- originally published February 14,2009-I believe that reading honest accounts of life with service dogs helps people decide whether adding a service dog to their lives and family is right for them.

New this month:

• Charlie the North Star Dog-a tale of a a boy (with Autism), his mom, and a service dog in training. This blog shares the triumphs and challenges of tandem training a service dog with a program. Read More 

    4.  Commentary: Schools and Service Dogs -originally published August 26, 2009-Recently there has been a lot of chatter on the Internet over young children with Autism and the burgeoning movement partner them with dogs. Read More

    5.  News: Exploring the Health Benefits of Pets -originally published October 9, 2009- When Chad, a yellow Labrador retriever, moved in with Claire Vaccaro’s family in Manhattan last spring, he already had an important role. As an autism service dog, he was joining the family to help protect Ms. Vaccaro’s 11-year-old son, Milo... Read More

    6.  We met Temple Grandin last night! -originally published February 10, 2010-Yesterday was a whirlwind day for Shiloh and me (though Tuesdays usually are since I work two jobs on Tuesday). After working from 9-7:30pm I drove back to the University of Oregon to hear Dr. Temple Grandin present "My Experiences with Autism and Animals" Read More

April is Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month so Service Dogs: A Way of Life will be showcasing:

• Past articles around service dogs and people with autism spectrum disorders
• Studies of Autism Services Dogs (particularly focused on children for the most part)
• Links discussing the issues Autism Service Dogs
• Video from the Temple Grandin appearance I attended in February 2010 (you can watch the entire presentation!) 

For those interested in finding out about Autism in general check out these links:

1. Centers for Disease Control Autism Spectrum Disorders 
2. Autistic Self Advocacy Network
3. Autism Society of America

Press Release:WORKING SERVICE DOGS GET FREE VETERINARY EYE EXAMS

Please note this event is for Service Dogs placed by programs only  because 

"Over the past several years we have had some individuals claim their dog was a Service Dog just to take advantage of the eye exam.  ACVO Diplomates generously donate their time and resources to provide eye exams for Service Dogs.  These resources are limited and if nonqualified dogs fill the limited time slots allotted then a qualified dog may be excluded. "

(Yet another example of how service dog fraud hurts legitimate owner -trained service dogs and their partners. Stepping off my soap box now.)

Press Release:
Certified working service dogs are being offered free screening eye examinations through Eye Care for Animals for the entire month of May. This is the third year this event has been held nationally by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists ® in association with boarded veterinary ophthalmologists. 

Screening eye examinations can detect ocular diseases at an early stage when treatment can be most successful, thereby helping preserve the sight of these dogs whose partners depend upon them. Certified working service dogs include guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs, and search and rescue dogs.

Qualified participants must register online at www.acvoeyeexam.org.  Click on Dog owners/participants at the top of the page and follow the onscreen instructions.  Once the registration number for the dog is assigned, the participant may call the participating Eye Care for Animals in their area to schedule an appointment for their dogs free eye exam during the month of May. Appointments are limited, so register and call today!

Eye Care for Animals has facilities in Arizona, California, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin, and is dedicated to providing the finest in veterinary ophthalmology services.  Their staff of board certified ophthalmologists provides the highest level of care, education, and understanding to their clients and their animal companions.  For more information visit www.eyecareforanimals.com.

ACVO® is a veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties.  Its mission is to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialist in veterinary ophthalmology.  To become board certified a candidate must complete their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, a one year internship, a three year residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations.

Contact:
Julie Gamarano
jgamarano@eyecareforanimals.com
3260 N Hayden Road, Suite 214
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
P: 480-682-6911

News: Service Animals: Unraveling the Differences and Best Practices Conference Call

The rights of people with disabilities who use service animals vary, depending on which law applies. The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Air Carrier Access Act, and the Fair Housing Act each have different standards for service animals and their owners. Complicating the topic even further is the issue of the definition of service animals, especially in relation to emotional support or therapy animals. This session will provide information about the definition of service animals and the rights of service animal owners under the ADA, the ACAA, and the FHA. We will also discuss the differences in how the various laws treat service animals versus emotional support or therapy animals, as well as model service animal policies for educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

January 19, 2010 1:00-2:30 p.m. (90 minute sessions) Central Time Zone(CT).

11:00-12:30 p.m. PT

2:00-3:30 p.m. EST

Speakers:

Jacquie Brennan, Attorney, DBTAC-Southwest ADA Center

Guest Moderator:

Wendy Wilkinson, Project Director, DBTAC-Southwest ADA Center

 

The program is available in three formats:

• Teleconference
• Streaming Audio via the Internet
• Real-time Captioning via the Internet

All sessions will have a written transcript as well as a digital recording of the session archived on this site.For assistance with any of our conferences contact us at (877) ADA - 1990 or (877) 232 - 1990 (V/TTY)
 

News: 13 Annual PawsAbilities March14-15,2009

PawsAbilities, an annual event held by Susquehanna Service Dogs, features fun, learning and cool stuff for both dogs and their people. Admission for adults is $8. I hope any of you in and around the Harrisburg area will go. This event sound a lot like a Northwest event called Canine Fest, that unfortunately seem not to be scheduled yet this year.