[secretgalaxy]

So I have come to the terrible conclusion that if I am not more stable by the middle to end of next year, I will have to apply for disability. And if I do get it then I want to have a service dog ready from the get-go. My dog, Amari, the first out of three, has an amazing temperament and has been progressing well in learning his tasks. He was already trained the basics very intensely from a young age, so now we are adding in tasks. To me, a well-behaved dog is one that can be taken, close to anywhere, off leash and for them to stay in a military-style heel position. I am very strict. Anyway, today we have been working on teaching him to wake me up in the morning. So far he has the idea. We are going to do it 15-20 times a day. I hope that my bipolar gets better and I don't need him that much but I am glad to have such an awesome dog if I do.

So far he has learned:

• Stand behind me to keep people from approaching behind
• Deep pressure therapy when I am having a high anxiety or paranoia
• Face the opposite way from me to watch for people (used when severely paranoid)
• Nudge my chin to get me out of dissociation
• Plays with me when manic to get energy out
• Pick up things off the floor

He is the one to the right
Amari and Ellie.jpg

Amari-12-6(2).jpg

Amari-12-6.JPG
And no, I will not neuter him (or any dog)

[Standup2me]

Why will you not neuter? Are you going to breed him?

[secretgalaxy]

Because there is no reason to. And there is a very low chance he will be bred.

It can increase aggression:
http://www.saveourdogs.net/wp/wp-con...er-in-dogs.pdf

It increases unhealthy risks:
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongT...uterInDogs.pdf

And here are a few more scientific journals and websites that has shown there are no benefits to spaying and neutering:

http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/...tions_2013.pdf
https://naturaldogtraining.com/blog/...ver-neutering/
Why I've Had A Change Of Heart About Spaying And Neutering | Retriever Life : Retriever Life
http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/...avma_study.pdf
Spaying and Neutering: New Warnings About Health Problems | Truth4Dogs
I refuse to neuter my dogs | PawshPal.com Blog

[~Christina]

"Most" all service dogs are infact neutered or spayed.

Lets just hope your male dog doesn't stumble across a intact female in heat while you need his service dog services. Even the most well trained male dog is going to have mass problems ignoring a female in heat.

Congrats on training your dog so well! I wish all pet owners took the time

[secretgalaxy]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

"Most" all service dogs are infact neutered or spayed.

Lets just hope your male dog doesn't stumble across a intact female in heat while you need his service dog services. Even the most well trained male dog is going to have mass problems ignoring a female in heat.

Congrats on training your dog so well! I wish all pet owners took the time

Actually he has been trained to fully ignore an intact female in heat (mine). Even through standing heat which is the only time where it is very hard because she is receptive. The rest of the heat cycle is easy for him. He has been through 3 heats and trains through them beautifully. We also allow females in heat in class to train with us so he is definitely up for the job. But thank you for the heads up! It doesn't take much to train a dog to do literally anything.

I know nothing of service animals. But if you plan to apply for SSDI do it now. I was approved within three months but it usually takes years. xo

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by secretgalaxy

So I have come to the terrible conclusion that if I am not more stable by the middle to end of next year, I will have to apply for disability. And if I do get it then I want to have a service dog ready from the get-go. My dog, Amari, the first out of three, has an amazing temperament and has been progressing well in learning his tasks. He was already trained the basics very intensely from a young age, so now we are adding in tasks. To me, a well-behaved dog is one that can be taken, close to anywhere, off leash and for them to stay in a military-style heel position. I am very strict. Anyway, today we have been working on teaching him to wake me up in the morning. So far he has the idea. We are going to do it 15-20 times a day. I hope that my bipolar gets better and I don't need him that much but I am glad to have such an awesome dog if I do.

So far he has learned:

• Stand behind me to keep people from approaching behind
• Deep pressure therapy when I am having a high anxiety or paranoia
• Face the opposite way from me to watch for people (used when severely paranoid)
• Nudge my chin to get me out of dissociation
• Plays with me when manic to get energy out
• Pick up things off the floor

He is the one to the right
Attachment 6195

Attachment 6196

Attachment 6197
And no, I will not neuter him (or any dog)

I like your doggy. I want to pet

[Unrigged64072835]

That's cool that you're training your service dog. I was going to do the same with a Golden Retriever until I sustained rotator cuff damage in both shoulders and I could no longer do so. It costs so much for a psychiatric service dog and most only do PTSD.

[secretgalaxy]

Originally Posted by Fharraige

That's cool that you're training your service dog. I was going to do the same with a Golden Retriever until I sustained rotator cuff damage in both shoulders and I could no longer do so. It costs so much for a psychiatric service dog and most only do PTSD.

Thanks he has been pretty good at his job so far. And you can train your service dog to be without leash, like mine, so that you do not have to have a leash, which would take away your at least one of your problem. Would that be an idea you could implement? And yea, I saw that on most of the service dog programs and places that would train your dog if you brought one in were the same. Thankfully my trainer and I are going to work together and get him as custom made as a service dog could get haha

[secretgalaxy]

Today was a crazy day! My anxiety increased like crazy to the point I was nauseated and trembling like a leaf. My paranoia was extremely high and I had to get Amari to ground me so that I could stop shaking. My friend and I were shopping at different shops and at the end when we were in my apartment parking lot, my anxiety came over me, and I threw up in her car. Amari all throughout the shopping keep bugging me by nudging my hand but I didn't listen (silly human!!!).