Tips on Selecting a Service Dog Provider
& Other Frequently Asked Questions
Selecting the right provider for your service dog needs is essential. How do you find the best agency suited for your needs? How do you ensure that you are dealing with a reputable agency? There are numerous factors to consider. We encourage you to do your research!
How do I find an agency that has a solid business reputation?
Domesti-PUPS has been in business since 2000, and has an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). We are also a member of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM).
My disability is unique, how do I find an agency that will provide exactly what I need?
Domesti-PUPS trains dogs for mobility support, wheelchair assistance, seizure response and diabetic alert. All of our dogs are trained to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine tests, a public access test and each one meets or exceeds the standards set by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Once each dog has completed it's basic obedience and public access training, your dog will be trained specifically to meet your needs. Our seizure response dogs are dually trained in mobility.
Can I visit the facility and see the dogs?
Our dogs are trained by inmates in correctional institutions, so unfortunately we cannot take visitors through the general population areas to get to the kennels. Our kennels are licensed by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Industry and are inspected annually. You may, however, visit our staff and our dogs upon request. The dogs do leave the institutions on the weekends and spend time with foster families who integrate the dogs into home and community settings. The dog you receive will be very comfortable in different environments such as movie theatres, restaurants, grocery stores and malls. We would love for you to observe the dogs in training and meet and/or interview our staff. Our dogs are happy when they are working and it shows!
Can I select the dog I want?
Unfortunately, no. Service dogs are not an 'off the shelf' type item. Domesti-PUPS staff spends a considerable amount of time matching the dog with the appropriate skills for your specific needs. We do, however, take allergies into account, when making breed selections for our clients.
Any dog can be trained to be a service dog, right?
Absolutely not. Domesti-PUPS administers a very selective temperament test to find the most suitable candidates for the program. Ninety-percent of the dogs we test are not selected. The dogs also go through a throughout health screening to ensure they are physically able to do this type of work. And even after an exhaustive search and extensive health screenings, only a few dogs show the skills, talents and desires to become a great service dog.
How much training has my dog had?
As mentioned above, all of our dogs are trained to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine tests, a public access test and meet or exceed the standards set by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Once each dog has completed it's basic obedience and public access training, we begin training service dog tasks and determine the needed tasks specifically for your needs. Each dog we place has had a MINIMUM of 250 hours of training. All of our dogs are FULLY trained when they go home with you. Many dogs can make fantastic pets, but only the chosen few are truly suitable to become a solid, reliable, well-trained service dog.
I can get a dog sooner if I select a provider that will place me with a puppy and help me train it.
1) Whether you are living with a disability or caring for someone that has a disability, you already have your hands full. Do you really have time to train a dog too? Are you already a successful dog trainer? If not, you might want to steer clear of agencies that provide promises for the future rather than a proven product (a fully trained service dog).
2) There are many things that can go wrong in the process of creating the ideal service dog. If you receive a dog that develops a medical condition or negative behavior that would hinder him/her from working as a service dog, you're not likely to give up a dog that has already become a member of your family. And if that happens, that agency will give you another puppy and you start that process from scratch again. But Domesti-PUPS is different.
Let us make the hard decisions for you... sometimes we have hundreds of hours of training invested in a dog and a behavior shows in a dog that may preclude him/her from being a consistent, reliable service dog. It's hard to not utilize all that hard work, but the safety of our clients is of primary concern. We will only provide you with a dog that we consider to be a solid, reliable service dog.
I've heard that getting a puppy is the way to go as the bonding process is critical.
Domesti-PUPS dogs are trained to transfer to any handler; they will respond to whomever is holding the leash. We incorporate this into their training so the bonding process is quicker to their new owner. We also incorporate bonding techniques into the training you will receive with your new service dog. We'd rather provide you with a fully-trained dog that can begin working for you right away, than have you struggle through trying to train the dog on your own.
How does a service agency know what I need a dog to do?
At Domesti-PUPS we have years of experience of working with clients with disabilities. Your general diagnostic information provides a foundation for what we train our dogs to do, but then train each dog is specifically trained for your needs. Our "home" visit (sometimes done via Skype if you are not local to our area) encourages specific details to be shared about what your needs and expectations are in a service dog. We may provide you with suggestions you have not yet considered, and you provide us with insight into the challenges you face every day. All that information is gathered and then our team will develop a customized training plan for your dog. We aim to exceed your expectations.
I have other pets at home, can I still have a service dog?
Not all service dog agencies will allow the placement of a service dog in a home with other pets. Domesti-PUPS dogs have been acclimated to homes with other dogs, cats and sometimes other animals (examples: ferrets, rabbits, goats and horses). So, in most cases, it is not an issue if you already have pets. However, if your pet(s) have issues with other dogs or other behavior issues, it may hinder the work your service dog will do for you. These challenges can be discussed in the home visit.
Do you have age limits for your clients?
Age limits vary with each agency. Domesti-PUPS specializes in service dogs for children, and may place a service dog with a child as young as five years of age based on their maturity level. Any cognitive delay may impact the accepted age as well. Our standards require that the person receiving the dog be able to navigate the dog on their own.
Where can I find the equipment needed for my service dog?
There are many businesses out there that sell service dog equipment. At Domesti-PUPS, you will be provided all the equipment necessary to utilize your service dog before you go home. We collars, leashes and harnesses that are built help your dog do its job for you.
When I purchase the dog, do I retain ownership of the dog?
Some service dog agencies will retain ownership for a specified period of time. At Domesti-PUPS, you fully own the dog you purchase.
Will my dog be spayed or neutered? Current on vaccinations? Healthy and sound?
The dog you receive from Domesti-PUPS will be altered and current on all vaccinations. Each dog has gone through a series of health checks, including eyes, hips and general health screenings.
How long is the training?
Domesti-PUPS training is 10-12 days, located in Lincoln, Nebraska. We will host your lodging, provide your meals and activities while you are with us. Travel expenses to and from Lincoln are your responsibility.
What is the format of the training?
Training consists of small intimate groups (4-6 placements at a time) so you feel comfortable in your surroundings. The first week starts the bonding process as you begin to learn what commands your dog already knows. This is where you get trained. Then you will start going on field trips to public places where you can better utilize your dog's skills in a variety of environments. Once you and our staff are comfortable that you and the dog are well on your way to working as a team, you may take your dog home at the end of the training, and begin your journey to furthered independence.
What if I find I need my dog to perform additional commands?
Domesti-PUPS goes through a strenuous process to try provide all the commands you need based on the initial home visit interview. However, there may be things you didn't think of at that time, or new challenges awaiting. At the Domesti-PUPS training when you receive your dog, you will learn HOW your dog was trained, and the various training methods used. A short consultation with our staff, and you'll be geared up to train any new commands you need as your dog will already have a solid training foundation.
What if I experience issues with the dog after I get home?
Our staff is available to assist you with any challenges you may face with your dog when you return home. Our services are available to you for the lifetime of the dog. We're not successful unless you are successful. We also have an alumni Facebook page where you can share ideas and/or challenges with the other teams that attended your training, and with past graduates as well.
Do you provide any assistance with fundraising?
We provide fundraising ideas on how to fundraise for your dog. We just ask that if you raise over the specified amount, that you donate those funds to the Domesti-PUPS scholarship fund to help other individuals receive their service dog too.
How do I find an agency that has a solid business reputation?
Domesti-PUPS has been in business since 2000, and has an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). We are also a member of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM).
My disability is unique, how do I find an agency that will provide exactly what I need?
Domesti-PUPS trains dogs for mobility support, wheelchair assistance, seizure response and diabetic alert. All of our dogs are trained to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine tests, a public access test and each one meets or exceeds the standards set by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Once each dog has completed it's basic obedience and public access training, your dog will be trained specifically to meet your needs. Our seizure response dogs are dually trained in mobility.
Can I visit the facility and see the dogs?
Our dogs are trained by inmates in correctional institutions, so unfortunately we cannot take visitors through the general population areas to get to the kennels. Our kennels are licensed by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Industry and are inspected annually. You may, however, visit our staff and our dogs upon request. The dogs do leave the institutions on the weekends and spend time with foster families who integrate the dogs into home and community settings. The dog you receive will be very comfortable in different environments such as movie theatres, restaurants, grocery stores and malls. We would love for you to observe the dogs in training and meet and/or interview our staff. Our dogs are happy when they are working and it shows!
Can I select the dog I want?
Unfortunately, no. Service dogs are not an 'off the shelf' type item. Domesti-PUPS staff spends a considerable amount of time matching the dog with the appropriate skills for your specific needs. We do, however, take allergies into account, when making breed selections for our clients.
Any dog can be trained to be a service dog, right?
Absolutely not. Domesti-PUPS administers a very selective temperament test to find the most suitable candidates for the program. Ninety-percent of the dogs we test are not selected. The dogs also go through a throughout health screening to ensure they are physically able to do this type of work. And even after an exhaustive search and extensive health screenings, only a few dogs show the skills, talents and desires to become a great service dog.
How much training has my dog had?
As mentioned above, all of our dogs are trained to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine tests, a public access test and meet or exceed the standards set by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Once each dog has completed it's basic obedience and public access training, we begin training service dog tasks and determine the needed tasks specifically for your needs. Each dog we place has had a MINIMUM of 250 hours of training. All of our dogs are FULLY trained when they go home with you. Many dogs can make fantastic pets, but only the chosen few are truly suitable to become a solid, reliable, well-trained service dog.
I can get a dog sooner if I select a provider that will place me with a puppy and help me train it.
1) Whether you are living with a disability or caring for someone that has a disability, you already have your hands full. Do you really have time to train a dog too? Are you already a successful dog trainer? If not, you might want to steer clear of agencies that provide promises for the future rather than a proven product (a fully trained service dog).
2) There are many things that can go wrong in the process of creating the ideal service dog. If you receive a dog that develops a medical condition or negative behavior that would hinder him/her from working as a service dog, you're not likely to give up a dog that has already become a member of your family. And if that happens, that agency will give you another puppy and you start that process from scratch again. But Domesti-PUPS is different.
Let us make the hard decisions for you... sometimes we have hundreds of hours of training invested in a dog and a behavior shows in a dog that may preclude him/her from being a consistent, reliable service dog. It's hard to not utilize all that hard work, but the safety of our clients is of primary concern. We will only provide you with a dog that we consider to be a solid, reliable service dog.
I've heard that getting a puppy is the way to go as the bonding process is critical.
Domesti-PUPS dogs are trained to transfer to any handler; they will respond to whomever is holding the leash. We incorporate this into their training so the bonding process is quicker to their new owner. We also incorporate bonding techniques into the training you will receive with your new service dog. We'd rather provide you with a fully-trained dog that can begin working for you right away, than have you struggle through trying to train the dog on your own.
How does a service agency know what I need a dog to do?
At Domesti-PUPS we have years of experience of working with clients with disabilities. Your general diagnostic information provides a foundation for what we train our dogs to do, but then train each dog is specifically trained for your needs. Our "home" visit (sometimes done via Skype if you are not local to our area) encourages specific details to be shared about what your needs and expectations are in a service dog. We may provide you with suggestions you have not yet considered, and you provide us with insight into the challenges you face every day. All that information is gathered and then our team will develop a customized training plan for your dog. We aim to exceed your expectations.
I have other pets at home, can I still have a service dog?
Not all service dog agencies will allow the placement of a service dog in a home with other pets. Domesti-PUPS dogs have been acclimated to homes with other dogs, cats and sometimes other animals (examples: ferrets, rabbits, goats and horses). So, in most cases, it is not an issue if you already have pets. However, if your pet(s) have issues with other dogs or other behavior issues, it may hinder the work your service dog will do for you. These challenges can be discussed in the home visit.
Do you have age limits for your clients?
Age limits vary with each agency. Domesti-PUPS specializes in service dogs for children, and may place a service dog with a child as young as five years of age based on their maturity level. Any cognitive delay may impact the accepted age as well. Our standards require that the person receiving the dog be able to navigate the dog on their own.
Where can I find the equipment needed for my service dog?
There are many businesses out there that sell service dog equipment. At Domesti-PUPS, you will be provided all the equipment necessary to utilize your service dog before you go home. We collars, leashes and harnesses that are built help your dog do its job for you.
When I purchase the dog, do I retain ownership of the dog?
Some service dog agencies will retain ownership for a specified period of time. At Domesti-PUPS, you fully own the dog you purchase.
Will my dog be spayed or neutered? Current on vaccinations? Healthy and sound?
The dog you receive from Domesti-PUPS will be altered and current on all vaccinations. Each dog has gone through a series of health checks, including eyes, hips and general health screenings.
How long is the training?
Domesti-PUPS training is 10-12 days, located in Lincoln, Nebraska. We will host your lodging, provide your meals and activities while you are with us. Travel expenses to and from Lincoln are your responsibility.
What is the format of the training?
Training consists of small intimate groups (4-6 placements at a time) so you feel comfortable in your surroundings. The first week starts the bonding process as you begin to learn what commands your dog already knows. This is where you get trained. Then you will start going on field trips to public places where you can better utilize your dog's skills in a variety of environments. Once you and our staff are comfortable that you and the dog are well on your way to working as a team, you may take your dog home at the end of the training, and begin your journey to furthered independence.
What if I find I need my dog to perform additional commands?
Domesti-PUPS goes through a strenuous process to try provide all the commands you need based on the initial home visit interview. However, there may be things you didn't think of at that time, or new challenges awaiting. At the Domesti-PUPS training when you receive your dog, you will learn HOW your dog was trained, and the various training methods used. A short consultation with our staff, and you'll be geared up to train any new commands you need as your dog will already have a solid training foundation.
What if I experience issues with the dog after I get home?
Our staff is available to assist you with any challenges you may face with your dog when you return home. Our services are available to you for the lifetime of the dog. We're not successful unless you are successful. We also have an alumni Facebook page where you can share ideas and/or challenges with the other teams that attended your training, and with past graduates as well.
Do you provide any assistance with fundraising?
We provide fundraising ideas on how to fundraise for your dog. We just ask that if you raise over the specified amount, that you donate those funds to the Domesti-PUPS scholarship fund to help other individuals receive their service dog too.