Deb's In Home Training for Early Dementia & Service Dogs

I am not a dementia expert. I have become aware of the need for service dogs for persons living with dementia and it is my goal to provide affordable pets and training.

If you or your loved one is living with dementia, you are welcome to complete an application for a dog. On the application, you will be asked to indicate if you would plan to have the dog as a household pet or service dog. While it is my goal to help persons living with dementia train their dog as a full-fledged service dog, I will consider application from persons living with dementia for household pets.

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Household pet or service dog?

In order for your dog to be a service animal, you must have a disability. In addition, the dog must be trained to perform a specific task to help mitigate that disability. Persons receiving Social Security Disability are considered disabled. A dementia diagnosis may also qualify as a disability. (Attached you will find a fact sheet published by the US Department of Justice regarding the American Disabilities Act and Service Dogs.) Generally, a service animal is allowed to accompany people with disabilities in public areas.

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What tasks can a dementia service dog perform?

I will work with you to train you, your care partner and dog on specific tasks that you need assistance. Some tasks may include:

· Some dogs wear a GPS and are trained to stay with their person at all times. The GPS will provide your care partner notification of your leaving your home. Please note that a specific GPS device with a data plan is required as well as a smart phone or watch.

· A dog may be trained to find their person, if separated.

· A dog may be trained to push an emergency response button under certain conditions.

· A dog may be able to retrieve medications at a particular time by command or by alarm.

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How long will it take for my dog to be a trained service dog?

The answer to this question has many variables. These variables include:

· The type of tasks your service dog will perform.

· Your dog’s desire to learn and please you.

· The amount of time you and your care partner are willing and able to spend training your dog.

· The consistency of the dog’s training and instruction.

Typically, a service dog can be fully-trained within 18 months to 2 years. However, it is important to note that on-going training and reinforcement is a lifelong commitment.

My students frequently hear me say, “It is 80% training the person and 20% training the dog.”

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Can any dog be a service dog?

Any breed of dog can be a service animal; however, not every dog is cut out for the demands of being a service dog. While I do my best to select dogs who have the traits desirable of a service dog, I cannot guarantee that your dog will be a successful service animal and the two of you a team.

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Can my current dog be trained as a service dog?

There are many variables to determine if your current dog is suitable to be a service animal which include temperament, sociability, age, etc. If you have a dog that you would like to be considered as a service dog, I will be come to your home and help evaluate the suitability of your dog. The cost of the visit to your home for this evaluation will be $25. If your dog seems to have the potential to be a service animal, training costs are outlined further in this document.

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Dogs purchased from D & D Kennels will:

· Be neutered or spayed;

· Be micro-chipped;

· Have at least 8 weeks of basic obedience and pad training;

· Have up-to-date with shots;

· Have a veterinary health certificate; and

· Cost $2,000.

D&D Kennels nor Deb Beean are responsible for the dog’s health after purchase. In the event your dog becomes ill or dies after purchase, no refund will be issued.

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Additional training:

· Additional training $25 per session (approximately one hour) provided at your home or community location (i.e., store, restaurant, park, etc.) within Gratiot County.

o An additional fee will be agreed upon for travel outside of Gratiot County.

· Minimum of one training per week.

· Training payments must be made in advance on a monthly basis.

Training sessions can be discontinued at any time. You can continue training your dog to the desired level of competency and obedience to be a service animal or simply keep it as a household pet.

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Application and approval process:

A completed application is required as well as a home visit. I reserve the right to make the final decision in regards to the sale of the dog based on my judgement as a dog trainer on the suitability of the dog, residence and owner as a match and team. In addition, the buyer must agree that the dog will live in the house.

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Suitability and first right of refusal:

It is my goal to help you have a well-trained dog and that both you and your dog have many happy years together. However, in the event that you (or your family) are unable to keep your dog, the buyer agrees to provide me with the first right of refusal. This means that you will offer to return the dog to me (without a refund). In the event I am unable to accept the dog, you will can give it or sell it to the party of your choice.

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Buyer’s Signature Date

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Deb Beean Date