Finding the Right Service Dog
While we love all canines, not all of them make good service dogs. The tips below can help you find the right canine for you.
What you DO WANT in a Service Dog
Age-2 years old and under. Our program is approximately 12-18 months long. We want our student's to have the most time with their working dog, as typically a service dog will retire around 8 years old.
Confident- can navigate new situations and environments
Has the ability to calm - They can be active and busy, but can settle when needed.
Wants to be with you - The canine seeks out people over environment.
Adult size is best between 25 and 80 pounds - Canines smaller than 25 pounds are harder to train and tend to get stepped on. Canines larger than 80 pound are so big that they can limit your access to places.
Eager to please - Canine seeks the handler's approval.
What you DO NOT WANT
Timid, shy, jumpy - Service dogs go into many new situations as part of their work. A canine who is fearful of sounds, sights, and new experiences will not make it as a service dog.
Submissive or excitement urination - Puppies or canines who submissively urinate or excitement urinate will not be accepted into the program. Not all canines outgrow this behavior. A canine who urinates when excited or worried can not go into public places.
Does not like kids - Even if you don't have children, they will still approach and touch your canine without your consent. Your canine must be good with kids when this occurs.
Is obsessed with chasing cats - Canines with high prey drive do not do well in service dog work.
Aggressive or Dog Reactive - All service dogs must be free of aggression. To people, new objects, other animals, or in new situations.
Not healthy - Service work is stressful and not all canines enjoy it. This is not the time to choose a canine who has a disability itself or is old, or not healthy.
Successor Canines
Students who have received training through the 4 Paws 2 Freedom service dog programs will receive priority standing in beginning classes with a successor canine. All application materials must be completed prior to beginning a new class. The successor canine must be evaluated before admission into the program.
All canines placed through the 4 Paws 2 Freedom program are to notify 4 Paws 2 Freedom if, for any reason they can no longer keep their canine. 4 Paws 2 Freedom keeps yearly ongoing records on the status of all canines going through the service dog program.
