Feywild Dog Training

Is a service dog right for everyone?.. Nope!

There are many factors to consider before thinking about a service dog. These include:

Disability Status - Not everyone with a chronic mental or physical health condition qualifies for a service dog. Service dogs are task trained to assist people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities.”

Attention - Service dog handlers can unfortunately expect to be stared at, pointed out, talked about, and asked many questions. For some people, this added attention can create more anxiety than it solves.

Conflict - How do you handle conflict? Having a service dog is a journey in self advocacy and may require that you learn to manage conflict with others in order to access the public.

Time + Finances - Service dogs take a long time to train/obtain and have high associated costs. They are a longterm, high maintenance option.

Training + Maintenance: Service dogs are always in training. You will need to be able to maintain and tune up training for the entire working life of the dog.

Needs of the dog: Service dogs need mental enrichment and physical exercise outside of work. Will your health allow you to spend the time and energy it takes to ensure your dog's needs are met?

Expectations vs. reality: Service dogs are not a cure. They cannot replace DME or medication. Your disability will still impact you. For some, you may become visibly disabled for the first time, impacting how you are treated by others.

Service dogs are a viable addition to a treatment plan for a disabled individual who has the time, money, ability, and means to both care for a dog and maintain a high standard of training. Service dogs are a longterm, high maintenance commitment. Having a service dog may change how you are perceived by the public, and will likely create unwanted attention for the handler. However, for those who are able to fulfill their dog and engage in self advocacy, service dogs can bring a sense of independence to the lives of disabled people.

Are you in Minnesota, near the twin cities area? Have you wanted an opportunity to work with me individually in person? Looking for a group class to brush up your service dog's skills in a fun and engaging way? Perhaps wondering about your dog's journey to being ""fully trained"" and interested in a public access test administered by a trusted trainer?

Well, my friend... Here's your chance!

My clients Ellie and Elijah .on.duty are graciously organizing a Minnesota trip for some Feywild training time. I'll be offering two group classes (one focusing on task work, emphasizing DPT and mobility foundations, one being advanced public access, and the final being a pet friendly public access group class), several private lessons, and potentially public access tests (if any teams are interested) while I'm there.

- Single group class: $55
- Audit slots for single group class (no dog): $30
- Private lesson: $80
- PA testing: $25
- Group and private class bundle: $125 for one group class and one private lesson

Reach out for more details on how to join us!

Client Echo here to help us explain... What is a working dog?

The internet has made this question a little complicated. How can we define what people mean when they say “working dog?”

1. A Dog That Performs A Practical Task: A dog that is trained for and employed in “meaningful work” (ie: work that serves a practical purpose for humans). This can include service dogs, search and rescue dogs, facility dogs, demo dogs, herding dogs employed on farms, etc.

2. Certain Breeds of Dogs: Sometimes, people use the term “working dog” to refer to certain breeds of dogs. They may mean the working dog group (including dobermans and huskies). They may be referring to any breed created with the original purpose of doing a job for humans (including labradors or german shepherds). Hint: That is almost every breed of dog!

3. Dogs Given a “Job”: We’ve all heard it: “That dog needs a job!” Sometimes, people say “working dog” and mean any dog that has been given a “job.” Many times, they mean dogs involved in sports (protection sports, herding trials, barn hunt, and more).

Why does it matter?
1. It's confusing! When one phrase has so many definitions, it can be hard to understand what we’re talking about at a glance!

2. It’s A Respect Thing: Look, we’re not here to gatekeep who can and cannot use the term “working dog.” But, it is worth noting, dogs that perform a practical task for humans have a hard job. They put in long hours, risk their physical safety, calm emotionally volatile situations, and help to preserve human life. The handlers of these dogs structure their entire lifestyle around that dog’s work. It looks a little different than owning a pet dog that is very active and driven. It looks different than the vast majority of “sport homes.”

How do I talk about it? You won’t catch me policing how people use those terms! But this is how I, a service dog trainer, put language to these concepts in a way that may be less confusing!

1. A Dog That Performs A Practical Task: These dogs are “working dogs!” They perform real world jobs that benefit humans.

2. Dogs of a certain breed: Certain breeds of dogs belong to the “working group.” Other breeds are “active breeds”, “driven breeds”, “busy breeds”... and part of a historical legacy of dogs doing work for humans.

3. Dogs given a “job”: Dogs given a “job” are very often “sport dogs!” Sports are a great way to keep a dog fulfilled. Many sport dog handlers are incredibly dedicated. Although I would not consider these dogs “working dogs”, it it worth noting that many are incredibly well trained.

t’s not a perfect system... There’s a reason these terms became muddy. Dogs who work herding on farms (working dogs) often also compete in herding trials (a sport!). Dogs who compete in sports may become demo dogs for their human trainers, pouring in long hours helping others to learn. While clarifying these terms within the dog world would be incredibly useful, ask questions before gatekeeping! There may be a nuance that is worth learning from!

Another video from Feywild Dog Training TikTok account. Some of you may remember that I did live in Illinois just north of Chicago for a while. And oh my God When I lived there I was terrified of all of the police dogs in the area because they were so god awful! Personally how I handled this situation was to look for a different way to get around these teams if I could. I’ve only ever had to cross by one in close proximity once and luckily they were behind glass. But The dog lunged and hit the glass so hard I thought it was going to break. Scared the s**t out of me luckily Jax wasn’t fazed and we went on our way. The only other thing I can suggest is if you do have to cross in close proximity is to politely ask if they can step back so you can safely cross with your service dog. Whether or not they will do it is another story.