Feywild Dog Training

10/01/2025

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.

01/05/2024

What can service dogs do for people with EDS/HSD?

(A lot!)

"Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures in your body." Symptomatology is broad, and can very widely between both individuals and types, but can include.... joint hypermobility, loose, unstable joints that dislocate easily, joint pain and clicking joints, extreme tiredness (fatigue), skin that bruises easily, fragile blood vessels, Weak muscle tone, digestive problems, dizziness and an increased heart rate after standing up, problems with internal organs, such as mitral valve prolapse or organ prolapse, wounds that are slow to heal and leave wide scars, and problems with bladder control (stress incontinence).

Service dogs for EDS/HSD patients serve a wide variety of functions, including mobility tasks. Forward Momentum Pull (FMP) as tolerated by unstable joints, counter Balance, wheelchair pull lading tasks, assist to stand, dropped Item retrieval, and named item retrieval are popular choices.

EDS/HSD often comes with a wide variety of comorbid conditions including autonomic issues, heart issues, hypoglycemia, and mast cell activation syndrome. Alert tasks can help warn a handler about a problem before it happens. Therefore, alerts to high/low heart rate, High/Low blood pressure, migraine, low blood sugar, and allergens may be beneficial.

27/10/2023

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!

18/10/2023

I'm headed to Minnesota for a weekend in December, and there's still space to train with me!

My clients Felicia Jasco ([email protected]) and Elijah Rose ([email protected]) 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. the other being a public access group class), several private lessons, and potentially public access tests (if any teams are interested) while I'm there. Please direct your inquiries to them, as THEY ARE ORGANIZING THE TRIP. Major thanks and kudos to them, as I would not have the bandwidth to make it happen otherwise. As they are paying my expenses for the trip, payment and scheduling inquiries will be fielded through them to make the experience smooth for all involved.

I will be there Saturday December 2nd & Sunday December 3rd. They are offering group classes, private lessons, and public access testing. There are options for teams well into training who are PA ready, as well as options for new teams getting started, puppies, and other dogs not ready for PA.

Saturday is PA day! If your dog hasnt started PA training or you dont feel confident, please schedule for Sunday. Privates and PA testing will be hosted at the Mall of America, and a group class will be held at Indoor Zoomies in Eden Prairie. For privates Morgan will work with you in a quiet part of the mall, outside, or in a busier part of the mall depending on what you need and where you are as a team. For PA tests, expect to be inside in a reasonably busy part of the mall. Group class on Saturday will focus on mobility foundation exercises and breaking down DPT. There are audit spots available. Group class will take place at 4:30pm, privates are available throughout the day, and Saturdays PA test will take place at 2pm and last about an hour. During the PA test, up to 4 teams will be present and testing at once.

If you have a puppy, are a new team, or just don't feel ready for PA yet but want to start or continue working on those skills in a pet friendly low pressure environment, Sunday is for you. On Sunday Morgan will be hosting privates, PA tests, and a group class at Eden Prairie Scheels, a pet friendly store. For privates, Morgan will work inside or outside depending on what you and your dog need and where you are in your training. For PA tests, expect to be inside and testing with other teams. Also on Sunday at Scheels Morgan will be hosting a Public Access group class. This class is appropriate for new teams, puppies over 6 month with a good obedience foundation, and handlers not confident in their dogs PA skills. Dogs should have a strong obedience foundation and be dog friendly.

There are also audit slots available for this group class. Group class will take place at 4:10pm, privates are available throughout the day, and Sundays PA test will start at 3pm. It will last about an hour and there will be up to 4 teams testing at once.

Classes offered, slots, and pricing:
-Audit slot for Saturday task group class (4 slots) $30
-Audit slot for Sunday PA group class (4 slots) $30
-PA testing (8 slots) $25
-Bundle: 1 group and 1 private of your choosing (10 slots) $125
-Private only $80
-Group of your choice only $55. Minors are welcome but must be accompanied by their adult for the duration of their session. A general background of your dog will be collected at sign up.

04/10/2023

Photo of client dog Lincoln here to help us critique ""“Seizure-alert dogs”: Observations from an inpatient video/EEG unit" by Ortiz & Liporace (2005).

This study has a death grip in (a) certain facebook group(s) and some medical communities, despite some glaring flaws... and being 18! Years! Old!

01/10/2023

October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month!

Dysautonomia refers to a group of medical conditions caused by problems with the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This part of your nervous system controls involuntary body functions like your heartbeat, breathing and digestion. Dysautonomia can affect ANS functions including:
•Blood pressure.
•Breathing.
•Digestion.
•Heart rate.
•Kidney function.
•Pupil dilation and constriction in the eyes.
•Sexual function.
•Body and skin temperature control.

How can a service dog help?
Service dogs for dysautonomia patients serve a variety of functions, including but not limited to…

Alert Tasks
⁃High/Low Heart Rate alert
⁃High-Low Blood Pressure Alert
⁃Migraine Alert
⁃Low Blood Sugar Alert

Response Tasks
⁃Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
⁃Leg Elevation
⁃Pressing an emergency alert button
⁃Bringing handler their medication, phone, water, etc.
⁃Barking to attract help in case of a fall
⁃Many more…

Mobility Tasks
⁃Counter Balance
⁃Forward Momentum Pull
⁃Sighted Guide
⁃Assist to Stand
⁃Bracing
⁃Dropped Item Retrieval
⁃Pressing automatic door switch
⁃Named item retrieval (phone, water, meds, etc.)
⁃Turning on/off lights
⁃Many more…

These are just a few examples of tasks that dysautonomia service dogs perform to help their humans. There are countless more examples, tailored to the individual needs of each handler. Generally, a dog will provide a handful of these tasks, not the complete list.

Service dogs can give back quality of life and independence to dysautonomia patients suffering from disabling symptoms. They help to keep us comfortable and safe!

If you suffer from dysautonomia, or suspect you might, it is vitally important to talk to a doctor before pursuing a service dog. A service dog is a treatment plan, not a cure! While they can help us to gain back independence, it is important to ensure that the benefit will outweigh the cost and effort of training or obtaining a service dog.

For more information on dysautonomia, check out Dysautonomia International

20/09/2023

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!

17/08/2023

07/08/2023

Client helping to demonstrate!

No idea is truly novel, but this is how I teach deep pressure therapy... The Feywild way! I don't see this literature or these ideas talked about too much in the spheres of dog trainers. While I don't claim to be the first to alter this task in this way (simply because service dog handlers and trainers are a huge, diverse, and clever group) I'm pleased to bring you some of the how and the why. I'm thinking of teaching another virtual class on this soon... Any interest?

Deep Pressure Therapy… It's not just snuggles! Science and technique.

Deep pressure therapy (DPT), also known in scientific literature as deep pressure touch and deep touch therapy, is meant to relax an individual through firm but gentle pressure. This can be elicited by hugging, special vests, weighted blankets... and service dogs! DPT is more than just snuggles. Service dogs should be specially trained to provide the most benefit to their handler, based on their individual needs.

Research into DPT is still ongoing, but it shows promise.

"Deep pressure input to the thorax is capable of influencing autonomic arousal through reduction of sympathetic and enhancement of parasympathetic nervous system activity” (Reynolds et al., 2015).

"Deep pressure input may be an appropriate therapeutic modality to use with people with difficulty with arousal regulation and sensory modulation during or in preparation for functional tasks” (Champagne, 2011; Pfeiffer, Kinnealey et al., 2005; Reynolds, et al., 2010; Sergeant, 2000, 2005; Tomchek & Dunn, 2007 as cited by Reynolds et al., 2015).

"Deep pressure may be useful for reducing maladaptive internalizing and externalizing behaviors, increasing attention to task, and reducing impulsivity, all of which would support the client's ability to successfully perform daily life activities and engage in appropriate social-emotional, motor, and organizational tasks” (Champagne, 2011; Pfeiffer, Kinnealey et al., 2005; Reynolds, et al., 2010; Sergeant, 2000, 2005; Tomchek & Dunn, 2007 as cited by Reynolds et al., 2015).

Pressure on the thorax may be sufficient in some cases. However, pressure applied from axillary (armpit) to ankles shows great efficacy for (Mullen et al., 2008). In terms of the weight of the dog, in studies of DPT with weighted blankets, weights of 30lbs (Mullen et al., 2008) and 10% of body weight were both sufficient (Danoff-Burg et al., 2020). Note: blankets distribute weight more evenly than a dog. Another method through which DPT may prove helpful is stimulation of the vagus nerve.

According to Dr. Mladen Golubic, MD, Medical Director of the Cleveland Clinic, “The vagal response reduces stress. It reduces our heart rate and blood pressure. It changes the function of certain parts of the brain, stimulates digestion, all those things that happen when we are relaxed.” A service dog can be taught to chin-rest over the vagus nerve. This may help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety, regulating heart rate and blood pressure, aiding with digestion, and reducing headache.

Research on other DPT interventions has yet to examine whether deep pressure on the lap has the same effect. However, research into service dogs shows qualitative (not yet quantitative) benefits to placing the weight of a dog across a lap (Krause-Parello & Morales, 2018). Instead of targeting certain nerves and the parasympathetic nervous system, DPT on the lap may provide sensory grounding, applying small amounts of compression, and act as heat for pain relief.

01/08/2023

This weekend I had the opportunity to present at a service dog training seminar. I had been involved in the process of planning curriculum from the beginning, brining a force free perspective to the body of knowledge. Those with the best interest of dogs at heart have more in common than we think, regardless of "training camps."

A particular gem I'd love to highlight was learning from Bold Lead Designs . Katrina and Nicole are such incredible people with a deep well of knowledge in terms of gear and mechanical safety for mobility service dogs. When I tell you I was star struck, I truly mean it. ✨

It was certainly a great learning opportunity for Ms. Dizzy the future Demo Dog too! It was her first event like this, and all in all I am pleased with how she did. As always, plenty of room for improvement, and brilliant gems of her doing exactly what she's meant to. 💗

I learned a lot throughout the process of creation and presentation, and after a year of content in the making it is so interesting to say it is over.

Thank you to everyone who came to watch, learn with an open mind, and train. Seeing people come from all over the country, many of whom had direct questions for me and learning opportunities with me, was just.... There are not words. Deeply humbled and grateful.

And also very, very tired. 🤣 It's time to recover some spoons after 2 12+ hour days for me and the puppo.

My Life Unleashed Dog Training & Luminary Service Dogs Hands and Paws Canine Training LLC

03/07/2023

T-shirts are available for the Unity Service Dog Seminar with My Life Unleashed Dog Training & Luminary Service Dogs and Hands and Paws Canine Training LLC! They turned out SO CUTE! Get one at the link below:
https://www.customink.com/g/bdy0-00cs-0fcv

24/04/2023

✨One week left to sign up! And we are almost FULL, so do it fast! ✨
This unique Service Dog Training seminar brings together both balanced and force free (LIMA) service dog trainers for two days of united curriculum. Join Makayla Binkus (Hands and Paws Canine Training LLC), Morgan Donahue (Feywild Dog Training), Lisa Lima (My Life Unleashed Dog Training & Luminary Service Dogs) and special guest Katrina Boldry (owner Bold Lead Designs) for two jam-packed days of learning. The curriculum is tailored to empower owner trainers, and the professionals that serve them, in training their canine lifelines.

We will be joined by vendors including Bold Lead Designs, and Bark On Duty.

Let’s get brainy on Day One! Topics include…
- Information on the science of learning theory, balanced training and appropriate tool use, LIMA training and the humane hierarchy….
- Puppy raising
- Confidence building
- Play as a service dog training tool
- Public access training
- Training psychiatric service dog (tasks + mindset)
And more!

Let’s get physical on Day Two! Topics include…
- Mobility gear (With special guest Katrina Boldry)
- The basics of training weight baring mobility tasks (FMP, leading/sighted guide, CB, and more)
- Many ways to train retrievals
- Medical alert training overview
And more!

The seminar will take place in Frankfort, IL (Just 30 minutes south of Chicago) on July 29th and 30th.

Working spots will be $450 for both days. Audit spots will be $350 for both days. Email [email protected] for more information on how to reserve your spot!

07/04/2023

Did you know that the dog training industry is unregulated?

That means that any person off the street can call themselves a dog trainer, and give questionable advice for a fee.

In some ways, this lack of regulation gives the industry a fluidity and freedom of perspective, which I certainly appreciate! In other ways, it can harm dogs and their owners in ways which are hard to reconcile.

Several accrediting bodies have been created as a way to create standards for trainers within the industry. While credentials are very far from the only way to gauge a quality dog trainer, I wanted to pursue them for my own peace of mind and the peace of mind of my clients. Please note that there are fabulous trainers out there without this type of credentialing, and they should not be discounted. There are bound to be flaws in any system, and this credentialing is, again, not required. This is just the route I have chosen for myself at this time!

I decided to pursue accreditation from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, due to their credentials being some of the most rigorous available in the field. Their code of ethics resonates with the way that I train, and I appreciate their emphasis on research and evidence based practice as someone with a degree in psychology.

As of today my credentials to train dogs are hands on experience and mentorship, a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, an in-progess masters degree in counseling psychology, and IAABC-ATD credentialing.

Thank you to my wonderful friends and colleagues, my amazing group of clients, and especially to Terri Vaira of FoxGem Dogs LLC for your continued support of my journey!

Back to training dogs, this time with some more fancy letters!

27/02/2023

26/01/2023

This unique Service Dog Training seminar brings together both balanced and force free (LIMA) service dog trainers for two days of united curriculum. Join Makayla Binkus (Hands and Paws Canine Training LLC), Morgan Donahue (Feywild Dog Training), Lisa Lima (My Life Unleashed Dog Training & Luminary Service Dogs) and special guest Katrina Boldry (owner of Bold Lead Designs) for two jam-packed days of learning. The curriculum is tailored to empower owner trainers, and the professionals that serve them, in training their canine lifelines.

We will be joined by vendors including Bold Lead Designs, with more to be announced.

Let’s get brainy on Day One! Topics include…
Information on the science of learning theory, balanced training and appropriate tool use, LIMA training and the humane hierarchy….
- Puppy raising
- Confidence building
- Play as a service dog training tool
- Public access training
- Training psychiatric service dog (tasks + mindset)
And more!

Let’s get physical on Day Two! Topics include…
- Mobility gear (With special guest Katrina Boldry)
- The basics of training weight baring mobility tasks (FMP, leading/sighted guide, CB, and more)
- Many ways to train retrievals
- Medical alert training overview
And more!

The seminar will take place in Frankfort, IL (Just 30 minutes south of Chicago) on July 29th and 30th.

Working spots will be $450 for both days. Audit spots will be $350 for both days. Requests for single day entry will be considered. Payment plans will be available. Email [email protected] for more information on how to reserve your spot!

20/01/2023

Adorable client dog Sage here to help us explain "Task shopping" and possible alternatives.

Tasking it's not one size fits all! It's not uncommon for handlers to ask those with the same medical conditions what tasks they use. Some have named this practice "task shopping." This term can be derogatory, but honestly...

It's not a bad thing! This is a great way to get ideas, especially for those new to the idea of service dogs. However, it can lead to some problems.

New handlers sometimes get the feeling that there are certain tasks they "HAVE" to teach. They may wind up teaching "common" tasks that don't actually wind up helping their individual symptoms.

Let's keep in mind that tasks lists are as unique as disabled people!

Handlers with the same condition may have very similar symptoms, but very different practical assistance needs.

Handlers with the same condition may have very different symptoms, pointing towards different tasking needs.

Different dog/handler teams may need to accomplish symptom mitigation in different ways, according to physical characteristics of the pair!

Are you trying to determine a task list, but are still figuring out what might help you?

Here's something you might try. You can do this on your own, with the help of family members, or with the help of a trainer....

1. Make a list of what you struggle with.
2. Determine what would help functionally.
3. Determine what a dog is capable of to help with that list. What best fits your dog/human team?
4. THEN, if you still need help, reach out to individuals with similar experiences for specific ideas. Reach out to a trainer for more breadth of knowledge, or for help making it happen!

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