What Is A Companion Service Dog

Why dogs fail service dog training.

What is a companion service dog.

The ada americans with disabilities act was established in 1990 and was put into place as a way to prevent establishments from discriminating against those people with a physical or mental disability which also includes any companion they may have along for help and support. Some help wheelchair bound owners open doors while others are trained to notify deaf owners of ringing doorbells fire alarms and other important sounds. Courthouse companion dogs complete one year of training within a volunteer puppy home and are obedience trained and socialized in the same manner as a full service dog. Service companion dogs of america scdoa is a non profit 501 c 3 organization created to help individuals who could benefit from the assistance of a service dog.

A companion dog as defined by the american kennel club is one who has earned a basic title competing in an akc sanctioned obedience trial. Service dogs are valued working partners and companions to over 80 million americans. This large breed companion dog is well suited for individuals or families that want a friendly and easy going dog. The golden retriever s pleasant disposition and attentiveness to human needs also makes it an ideal choice for a service dog or therapy work.

The latter is an animal specially trained to aid people with disabilities. Service dogs defined under the ada. According to the ada a companion does not qualify as a service animal even though they may provide health. Metro mobility allows service animals to travel with owners on public transit but made it clear that this does not include companion animals.

Health wise dogs may suffer from eye issues like cataracts joint problems or have food or other allergies that make it difficult for them to be on top of their game at all times. A courthouse companion dog is usually placed with a county district attorney s office and lives with a staff member from that office during non working hours. The classic example of a service dog is a german shepherd leading a blind owner around but there are a variety of other tasks service dogs have been trained to complete. Being a service dog is a big job and not all pups are cut out for it.

Therapy dogs emotional support dogs and companion dogs are not service dogs under the ada. The reasons are either health related or behavior related. In fact companion dogs have no specific qualification requirements. A companion dog isn t the same as a service dog.

Common service dog. Unlike with qualifying for a service dog emotional support animals and companion dog qualifications are much less rigorous. A service dog is a dog specifically trained to perform work for a person with a disability.