Koda the Corso

10/19/2024

09/11/2024

It was such an honor to be asked to be the guest speaker at the Mayor’s Council today to speak about Service Dog Awareness. I know the videos are not 2 minutes and we all have short attention spans lol, but I would love for you to have a listen. We were all supposed to meet in person but the space we were supposed to meet in was no longer available somehow, so we all had to go virtual. I will say yes, speaking very quickly because I technically only had 20 minutes to speak and then questions and I wanted to make sure I got through everything. I will however, attach my speech in general for those who would rather read then hear me speak. But I can’t include the questions and answers as that was unexpected.

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Hello, everyone. My name is Amber Laudicina, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today. I am both a disabled service dog handler and a certified service dog trainer. Some of you may have attended my presentation at the ADA conference, an experience I truly enjoyed, even if it was my first time public speaking. But, One significant takeaway from that event was the pressing need for increased education regarding not only service dogs in general, but also the various types available and why there is just so much confusion to it all.

Today, instead of following a traditional presentation format, I want to engage you in a conversation about some critical issues faced by our community. In our increasingly interconnected world, we have access to a wealth of information online, yet this has led to a proliferation of misinformation about service dogs. As an active member of the online service dog community, I spend much of my time educating others, advocating for our rights, and addressing some of the negative sentiments we encounter.

Im sure you may be asking yourselves, what does she mean negative sentiments? I would like to give you some examples of some of the things that have been said to me just this week and to other service dog handlers. Now, I will state trigger warning due to language used.

“Unless you are blind, Deaf or a Veteran that has killed children with bombs strapped to their chests to save their platoons, you don’t need a service dog. You just need serious mental help. If you’re fat, maybe you should just eat right and exercise. You’re just being lazy and don’t need a dog to live your pathetic, attention seeking lives. The fact the majority of you feel you need a dog to live your lives shows just how desperate and pathetic you are and maybe should just not leave your homes. Or better yet, do us all a favor and end it. Because we are sick and tired of you taking up space and if I ever saw you in public, I would purposely insert myself into your self entitled bubble and pray to God your dog bites me so I can make sure it gets put down and then go after the store for allowing you inside.” - Said by a US Marine Veteran

“Why do you have 2 service dogs? Are you Blind and Retarded?” - Civilian

“Just stay home with your mangy mutts! Now we have to deal with people walking around with support animals just so they can cope with the same s**t everyone else deals with! F that!” - Civilian

Someone took a picture of a disabled individual in public with their service dog and stated “What’s wrong with this picture? Posing in a wheelchair when she can walk” - not sure if you knew this or not but 70% of wheelchair users are ambulatory. - Civilian

They are expressing that individuals like myself don’t deserve service dogs unless we fit a narrow definition of disability. Unfortunately, this perspective highlights a broader incomprehension about what service dogs can do for their handlers.

Mind you these are only a few saying this to me & others and I can assure you, it’s so much worse out there. This tells me that there is still so much unawareness when it comes to service dogs and what they can do for their handlers. Many individuals still think that service dogs are required to come from programs or be professionally trained. This is actually far from the case. And yes, you can actually have 2 service dogs, we call them tandem teams.

Did you know the ADA law actually does not define how you must train or obtain a service dog? You can in fact train your own service dog. All you require is a documented disability, whether that be a doctors letter, handicap plaque, Social Security Acceptance Letter. Now, know that public entities cannot ask you for these items as proof, but if you end up in court as a service dog handler, you better make sure you have some form of documentation. The law only states that the dog must be potty trained, cannot be aggressive or protective in any manner and must perform at least one physical task to mitigate their handler’s disability. This means the dog isn’t required to be in a breakneck heel the entire time out. This doesn’t mean the dog has to be staring at the handler 100% of the time. This doesn’t mean that a service dog can’t be startled by something, they’re not robots. Are there what we call common sense expectations? Yes. The dog should remain quiet and not easily distracted. The dog should be under control at all times. Barking continuously, growling, lunging, jumping on people are all considered inappropriate and a business can ask you to leave. If the dog is causing any disturbance or is inhibiting normal business functions it can also be asked to leave.

Moreover, service dogs are not required to wear vests or carry identification, which often leads to misunderstandings among businesses and the public. This misunderstanding creates barriers for those who genuinely rely on service dogs, especially when misrepresentations occur, such as with emotional support animals.

Now, certain states do require service dogs in training to be identified in some form or matter, some states do require a trainer to be present and some states do not allow service dogs in training the same public access as service dogs. But no one actually knows any of this and there’s no one to enforce it anyways. Most states allow service dogs in training the same public access as service dogs but the ADA does not protect them if something was to occur.

Now, because service dogs are not the biggest priority for businesses to learn about, they often go misguided or due to a fake service dog handler, think they can ask for physical proof that the dog is in fact a service dog. But the issue here lies in the fact that not only can they not ask you for proof but there isn’t any. All of these websites that sell certificates and IDs are not helping the matter and quite frankly hurting us even more. It’s not illegal to obtain an ID, but to use it to gain public access if asked is. See how this seems so gray? Many will show one just to get it over with which just adds even more to the barriers. I believe we must begin changing the narrative surrounding service dogs by sharing real, tangible examples of how they assist disabled individuals.

Open and close doors
Hit buttons
Call 911
Retrieve medication
Assist their handlers physically out of chairs, up and downstairs, ramps, moving forward
Retrieve dropped items for those with fall risks or those who are in wheelchairs that cannot bend
Alert a Deaf handler to phone ringing, someone at door, someone is calling their name
Go get help
Detect seizures, blood sugar, cardiac events
Assist with panic attacks
Assist with bodily harm by interrupting the behavior by forcing themselves into the handlers space or bring them a toy to distract them
Help with laundry
Help remove clothes items
Create space for those with anxiety or PTSD
Nightmare interruption
Help raise legs to help with blood flow to the heart
Turn a handler to the side if having a seizure to prevent aspirating

This is actually a very small list.

Ever since emotional support dogs became recognized, it hurt the service dog community even more. Because people purchase vests off amazon and pass them off as service dogs and use them to get away from paying pet fees. I personally do not feel ESAs should exist simply bec I don’t need a letter to tell me my animals in general give me great comfort. Which is not a task and is defined in the law that it’s not.

I also think that there needs to be changes within the verbiage that enforces the part of the law that it can be a misdemeanor or felony charge for misrepresenting your pet dog as a service dog. It’s always a civil matter so the police can never do anything as we’re being denied access and being kicked out of a business illegally. The DOJ doesnt even look into half of the reports we place when our rights are violated. I do believe there should be certifications for service dogs although most likely wouldn’t be the solution, but unfortunately that’s not a popular opinion because that would mean it would limit disabled individuals to have access to service dogs. It’s not that I want a disabled person to not have the life changing benefits of a service animal, but if you cannot afford to care for the dog, pay for what is needed to certify it, and even train the dog to the high standards the community expects then this form of treatment may not be adequate to that individual anymore. The other question comes to mind is, if there were certifications, businesses most likely wouldn’t invest the time to educate their staff on what to look for and since there is so much fraudulent IDs and Certificates out there already, it would be easy to create your own. I can admit I still dont know the true answer to this crisis. It would be nice if insurance companies could find a way to assist with the costs, but due to the red tape and liability of random people training medical equipment when they have never trained a standard pet more than how to sit and lay down is a problem. I do think that if trainers were required if you’re not going to go through a program that would not only remove a large percentage of the fakes out there it would also lesson the amount of attacks on service dogs every year. My service dog Eva that was at the ADA event was put out of work because she was mauled by a fake service dog and half her ear was ripped off. There was no way to even enforce the fact this happened and my service dog was removed from work, over 20k worth of training into her alone.

I know this isn’t a happy, uplifting presentation about service dogs, but this is part of the awareness that is missing. We all here I am sure know that you shouldnt distract a service dog. Service dogs have access rights. That’s primarily it. It’s what’s part of the problem and what’s creating even more of the misinformation. We also have stores like Home Depot that used to be pet friendly, but as of 2023 the policy changed to service dogs only. But yet the stores are picking and choosing if they allow dogs or not. That again isn’t helping because again, no accountability. We have many disabled service dog handlers that cannot drive and rely on services such as Uber or Lift. They are being denied and left stranded illegally, missing appointments or stranded where they were or having to pay even more money to order a pet Uber or pet lift just to get home. We shouldn’t have to be paying more for being disabled and having a medical aid they don’t want in their cars. But, unfortunately they sign over that personal choice when they start serving the public and they sign that contract that says they are required to allow service dogs. But again, no accountability by these companies. There is also nothing quite like trying to go into a doctors appointment you waited months for to get into, you even let them know you have a service dog and they deny you access for illegal reasons such as allergies. Or, trying to go to a restaurant with your family to celebrate a birthday and being told you have to leave, even going to the point of calling the police because they dont want to listen to you. Or, like myself just this year, being refused service at the Winston Salem Transit Station, told I had to leave and was escorted out of the building by the police. All captured on my body camera mind you. Quite frankly Walmart is by far the most dangerous store you can go to as a service dog handler. I will never shop there with my service dog. Most service dog attacks happen in Walmart. And although guide dogs and other service dogs are different in aspects of tasking, no one working dog has more rights than the other. We see many business state certified ADA service dogs only or guide dogs only.

Beyond education, I advocate for stronger legal protections against the misrepresentation of service dogs to ensure that individuals who genuinely need these animals can access them without discrimination or inconvenience. We must push for change and accountability within our communities and industries.

I would love to hear, if we have time, any questions that anyone may have for me?

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Amber Laudicina, ABC-SDT Certified Trainer & AKC Licensed Evaluator

www.kodadogtraining.com
518.955.1869
[email protected]

Licensed & Insured

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https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/

https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/

08/13/2024

Trigger Warning: Dog Abuse/Death by Dog - Police have done NOTHING! Sentinel K9 / JEFF MCARTHUR MUST GO DOWN!

08/10/2024

Website now Launched! www.kodadogtraining.com

08/07/2024

Testing Koda by being taken away from me during a mock seizure outside

07/29/2024

Service dogs can help their handlers find an exit and to their cars did you know that?!

07/27/2024

One last video but this answer I was most proud of. I went over my 5 minute answer mark for this one but, it was worth it and the audience was very much involved. I wish I could have recorded it from my side! Andrew tried really hard to hit record in time but missed some of my questions and answers but at least he got most of this one. Andrew said he was actually surprised, of 14 years he had no idea I was good at public speaking lol he was proud! That makes me happy 🥰🥰🥰 enjoy!

This was supposed to be the question and my boring answer. I decided after hearing others answers to go off script and involve others to answer it for me:

How has public perception of disability rights evolved over the past 34 years since the ADA was enacted?

Increased Awareness and Understanding: There is now greater awareness of the role and importance of service dogs in assisting individuals with various disabilities. Educational campaigns and media representation have helped the public understand the specific tasks that service dogs perform, fostering empathy and support.

Recognition of Mental Health: Initially, service dogs were primarily associated with physical disabilities. Over the years, there has been a growing recognition that service dogs can also assist individuals with mental health conditions, such as PTSD and anxiety disorders. This shift has broadened the understanding of what constitutes a disability.

Support for Disability Rights: Public support for disability rights, including the rights of service dog handlers, has increased. Advocacy groups have effectively communicated the need for accessibility and inclusivity, leading to greater societal acceptance of service animals in public spaces.

Combatting Misrepresentation: Increased attention has been directed toward the issue of misrepresenting pets as service animals. The public is becoming more educated about the differences between service dogs, therapy animals, and emotional support animals, leading to a better understanding of the rights and requirements surrounding service dogs.

Overall, while challenges remain, public perception has shifted toward greater acceptance, understanding, and support for the rights of individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs.

07/25/2024

Getting ready for the conference! I’m one of 7 panelists. Going to be very interesting! Andrew is coming too!

07/22/2024

Exciting Announcement: Get Ready for Our Website Launch and Subscription-Based Training!

Hello everyone!

As the launch of our website and subscription-based training program approaches, we are thrilled to involve you in shaping our service dog categories. While our categories will encompass the essentials, foundations, and introductory tasks, we are committed to expanding our offerings each month. Whether it's training-related content or information on service dogs, we aim to cover it comprehensively!

You might be wondering about our video delivery and layout – fret not! Our videos will be accessible all at once, accompanied by a well-structured syllabus for beginners and the flexibility to jump in at any point. Notably, our service dog videos will be concise and targeted. We assume that if you are training your own service dog, you already possess a solid grasp of canine behavior and training methodologies. Our content serves as a refresher and a guide to propel you to the next level. The depth of your engagement with the content is entirely up to you!

It's essential to bear in mind that these videos encapsulate our approach to training service dogs, which may differ from other methods out there. Should you encounter challenges or seek guidance, we will offer personalized virtual services for both pets and service dogs.

With nearly 2 decades of experience in training dogs and a decade training service dogs, we’re licensed, insured, and SDT certified. We stand prepared to assist you!

Questions or eager to learn more? Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule your complimentary consultation today! Let's embark on this exciting journey together!

07/10/2024

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNAqGxKt/

This is a big deal for me, and for the disabled community! I will be a guest speaker along with other panelists representing the disabled. I will be to focus on our struggles with healthcare and the laws around service dogs.

Bryan Dooley

Check out Koda the Corso’s video.

07/03/2024

To think I’ve been talking about this for ages. I was introduce to this by the FF crowd. I get consent to pet but…things need to get done. I don’t like going to the doctors. Dogs need to learn to be ok having some inconvenience in their lives.

07/01/2024

Koda is finally home from surgery and is now laid up in his pen. Crate rest for the next 2 weeks. 🥰🥰🥰🥰

06/16/2024

Teaching Neighbor How To Work with a Prong. This neighbor walks a lot of dogs in the neighborhood that have prongs and drag her down often. So I am going to start working with her on how to use them and see hate expected. She did a great job and so did Koda!

06/13/2024

For all the FF peeps and the consent to treat peeps. Although I agree with some of the consent to… process, I also don’t have hours or days on end to clip my dogs nails. I start young and do it weekly and spread it out. They don’t have to love it or even like it. It’s a 5-10 min inconvenience they need to sit still for and get it over with. I don’t like medical procedures but it has to be done. I bathe my dog, do its nails and ears in one swoop. It’s part of grooming and I don’t have all day.

Inconvenienced
Kathleen Beckham

Years ago, I had a baby horse, and when he was about 18 months old, I had the opportunity to have an equine chiropractor work on him. He was wiggly and squirrelly, and I apologized to the chiropractor for that. “That’s okay,” she said, “Little babies haven’t learned how to be inconvenienced yet.”

That was big for me. So big. “Inconvenienced.” I hadn’t thought of that before, but it was the perfect word for it. We don’t want our horse to tolerate being hurt, or being treated unfairly, but he dang sure needs to be able to be inconvenienced.

From that day forward, “being inconvenienced” became a more thoughtful part of my horse work. I started to see some of the “issues” students were having with their horses as having to do with the horse’s inability to be “inconvenienced” without becoming very anxious. I also saw the stress that some of my students experienced when they knew they were going to inconvenience their horses. It turned out it was, indeed, a “thing.”

The ability to be inconvenienced and be resilient about it, it’s a skill. It’s a skill for people, it’s a skill in dogs, and it’s a skill in horses. It’s a skill that needs to be purposefully taught, and then carefully developed and expanded over time. It should be part of any training process for horses, because it’s something that they don’t necessarily come “from the factory” with, and it’s something they really need to succeed in the human world we insist they live in.

For a horse, “being inconvenienced” can be things like being asked to work while other horses are eating, standing tied, not being fed first, being turned out or brought in a “non-preferred” order, standing next to strange horses and not being allowed to socialize, having their feet picked up, going down the trail while other horses speed by, having veterinary work done, getting in a trailer or other small space, not being allowed to graze while working… I think you get the picture. Once I started thinking about my horse being “inconvenienced,” I saw it everywhere. Gosh, a LOT of a horse’s life in the human world is inconvenience. I also started to see how much stress a horse who had not learned to be resilient about being inconvenienced could experience.

It’s not always possible to remove the inconveniences in our horses’ lives, and I’m not sure that’s the way to go anyway. A horse who is resilient about being inconvenienced develops many other positive qualities because of his ability to be inconvenienced. He learns to self-soothe, he learns to think before he reacts. He learns patience and he learns to be flexible. He learns not to get stuck in patterns and expectations. He learns to be softer and more thoughtful. He learns to be calmer and quieter.

A horse who develops the ability to be inconvenienced as a principle of his training/life is less likely to be herdbound, gate sour or barn sour. They’re more likely to trailer load easily, to tie quietly and to learn whatever we are trying to teach them. It’s kind of the “secret sauce” of horse training, if you know about it.

Being inconvenienced might start very small. The first time one of our youngsters is inconvenienced might be the first time we have him on a lead rope and he wants to go left and I want to go right. Or he wants to eat grass and I want to take him for a walk or take him over to get his feet trimmed. So it might start very small at first. But I’m aware of it. I’m aware of when he’s inconvenienced, and I’m aware of how much inconvenience he’s able to take, for his stage of development. I am carefully and thoughtfully, methodically building his “fitness” to be inconvenienced.

Those little, fleeting inconveniences will turn into bigger ones eventually, like being left outside or in the barn by himself, or standing tied to the trailer all day, or working in the rain, or working while the farm is being fed. Those are much bigger inconveniences than being asked to turn left when you want to turn right. A working horse, or a horse we want to be able to take places and do things with, he’s really got to be able to be inconvenienced. That makes him much safer and more fun to be with.

Being inconvenienced is also about a horse being practiced at changing his mind. So he can practice thinking about one thing (“I want to go sniff that horse over there”) and change what he’s thinking about (“Hey horse, let’s go over here, away from that horse, and do a stop/back/bring our front end around.”). To do that, we have to be able to decipher what our horse is thinking about, and then become proficient at causing him to change his thoughts. Horses who can’t change their thoughts do not deal with inconvenience very well, while horses who are good at changing their thoughts will be much better at being inconvenienced.

This is different from “desensitization,” and it’s not about getting the horse “shut down. It’s not about hurting him, or flooding him, or setting him up to fail. It is literally about building the horse’s mental flexibility, by degrees. It’s methodical and progressive. It’s sometimes a delicate balance, and it can be something that takes some awareness and skill on the human’s part. It’s no different than building a horse’s physical fitness and abilities, it’s about choosing the right size steps for that horse’s fitness level.

A horse whose ability to be inconvenienced has been well-developed will be quieter, less anxious, less ulcery, and more physically and mentally balanced. They will have more brain-space available for things of our choosing.

This ability to be inconvenienced, it’s a gift to the horse. It’s a gift to him, so he doesn’t have to suffer the unnecessary stress and anxiety caused by his lack of mental flexibility. Done mindfully, it doesn’t have to be scary or dangerous. And done earlier, it’s easier. And older horse who has never been inconvenienced, that’s going to be more difficult than a younger horse with no preconceived ideas about things.

At the end of the day, this is a practical thing. We choose to have our horses live in our human world, so if they can be inconvenienced, that makes living in our world a lot easier for them. It’s a gift, not a burden to them.

Coming soon... The Attention Course: an online learning opportunity that will help you get, keep and direct your horse’s attention (thought), and in the process, become worthy of it. This is part of being inconvenienced, because it is not always convenient for our horse to pay attention to us (or for us to have to ask for his attention). If you’d like to be eligible for a discount on The Attention Course when it goes live soon, sign up for your discount here: https://www.ethosequine.com/courses

06/09/2024

Got great engagement from Koda today at Costco. I took this short video before I went live will post more later!