[LiteraryLark]

I want to take on the responsibility for caring for my brother's dog Max, but I don't know how to proceed. It will be like caring for a dog for the first time as I've never cared for a dog before. I want to take Max everywhere with me. So walks for starters, I'll have to learn how to take him for a walk. The times I have taken him for a walk he had super high energy for the first ten minutes and then he mellowed out. Where could I take my dog, or places where it will be allowed to bring your dog? What else should I do with my dog?

Advice for taking on the responsibility for caring for a dog?

[DogTrainingLove]

It's great that you are trying to take care of the dog! First, on places you can take your dog, most pet stores (Pet smart, Pet co, ect) will allow pets. However make sure your dog is fine with all other sorts of people/pets and that he is up to date on important shots before bringing him anywhere.

Training is a really fun thing you could do with him. All you really need is food or treats, and a clicker (It's not needed, but very helpful) and you can teach him some wonderful and fun things. It's great mental stimulation for animals as they have to work out what they need to do to be able to get the treat from you. If you look up Kiko Pup on Youtube, she's got some great training videos. You can teach anything from a simple sit, lay down, or leave it, to opening the fridge and bringing you a drink, reading words on paper, or putting their nose in a glass of water.

Dog sports are also great fun for both human and animal. Agility, Fly ball, Treibball, and Heel work to music (Or doggy dancing) are just a few great dog sports.

My one piece of advice is to research, research, research. Learn the signs of illness in dogs, what foods are dangerous to feed (Like chocolate, grapes, tomatoes, and garlic) dog body language, correct foods to feed (Most of the big brands aren't very healthy, I'd go with something like Call of the Wild, Orijen, Blue Wilderness, or Wellness CORE) ect. Joining a dog forum would be a good idea, so you can ask whenever you have questions about sometime.

Hope this helps!

[LiteraryLark]

My dog is 5-7 years old. Dunno if he can learn new tricks, but we taught him how to dance.

[DogTrainingLove]

My dog was about three when she started training to become a Service Dog. (Which takes a whole bunch of training) and is still learning new things every day at six years old. That whole "Old dogs can't learn new tricks." things is just a saying. In fact I find it much easier to train older dogs than puppies because older dogs aren't as hyper and have a longer attention span.

[LiteraryLark]

How do service dogs work?

I'm bipolar and I'm wondering if it'd be possible to train Max to become a service dog and take him around with me.

[DogTrainingLove]

Here's the ADA law which pertains to Service Dogs: Revised ADA Requirements: Service Animals

To qualify for a Service Dog you must have a disability, meaning a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activity. For example getting the mail, breathing, walking, learning, ect. Plus your disability must be one that a dog could be trained to help with.

A Service Dog must be trained in tasks or work to help mitigate your disability. Examples of task are leading someone who is blind, picking up items for someone with mobility issues, ect. Emotional support or guarding, don't count as trained tasks or work.

Service dogs must be well behaved, clean, you must learn how to handle the dog well, and have a vast knowledge of the law.

Most people agree that a Service Dog should at least be able to pass a public access test which is this: Assistance Dogs International : Public Access Test

Service dog training takes about six months to two years.

[LiteraryLark]

I did it!

I took Max to a popular park with hiking trails. We were there for a half hour but there was so many dogs it was overwhelming. And Max is a big dog compared to the other dogs being a mixed blonde lab. And somehow I was able to predict that there was going to be a mean German Sheppard. How sad.

And I did pick up after him! I threw up afterward but I did it.

He got all muddy so when I got home he let me give him a bath. At first he was like "nope" but then he got in the tub and let me wash him. And then I brushed him.

[lizardlady]

Dr. Skipper, could you play in the yard with Max for 10 or 15 minutes before setting out on a walk? That would let him burn off some energy before walking.

I agree with DogTrainingLove. Dogs of all ages can learn.