If you think you could benefit from a service dog but can’t afford one, then training your own can be a good alternative. Training your own dog is often less expensive, allows you to create a stronger bond with your service dog, and may be faster than getting a dog from an organization with a long waitlist.
If you plan to get a service dog, then you should know about the laws protecting and regulating service animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that governs and protects service animals; this law supersedes all state laws.
The ADA requires that businesses treat those with disabilities equally. Service dogs cannot be turned away even in establishments that do not allow dogs. Establishments are allowed to ask two questions: “Is the dog required for a disability,” and “What work is the dog trained to do?” They cannot ask for a demonstration, they cannot ask about your disability, and they cannot ask for proof.
North Dakota law follows the ADA but does have some provisions for service dogs in training as well as repercussions for anyone who would harm a service dog. Service dogs in training are also allowed public access, but only if they are accompanied by a trainer with a photo ID from a nationally recognized service dog training program.
Now that you understand the laws surrounding service dogs in North Dakota, it’s time to check out what training options are available. Let’s get started!
What to Look for When Choosing Service Dog Training
There are always risks involved with training service dogs. Some dogs just don’t end up being a good fit for the job. However, you can increase your chances of success by working with an experienced trainer. You’ll want to look into how long a trainer has been working with service dogs and see if there are any reviews about their service.
You should also consider what training methods are used and what you are personally comfortable with. Some trainers may use corrections (a fancy word for punishment) or corrective tools such as prong collars or e-collars. At USSA, all of our classes use positive reinforcement methods. We do not use fear, intimidation, or physical force to try to get dogs to cooperate.
Finally, you should consider if you’re willing to travel and how far. If there aren’t any trainers within a feasible traveling distance (or if you’d prefer to train in your home), then online training is always a great option. Let’s learn more about online vs in-person training.
