Assistance Dog Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Assistance Dogs
What is an Assistance Dog?
An Assistance Dog is a dog that is trained to perform a broad spectrum of tasks that are specifically determined by the needs of an individual with a disability. An Assistance Dog has a legal status and is not categorized as a pet. Assistance Dogs are classified as follows:
Guide Dogs assist people with visual challenges.
Guide dogs enable their handler to navigate through their daily lives in a way that would not be possible without assistance. The dog is trained to negotiate sidewalks, streets, and stairs and to avoid obstacles. They are also trained to ignore distractions and to disobey commands that might put the handler in harms way.
Service Dogs assist people with mobility challenges.
Service Dogs are trained to enhance their handler's ability to perform daily, practical tasks including, but not limited to, the following: pulling wheel chairs, opening and closing doors, turning light switches on and off, retrieving dropped items, locating people, and assisting with putting on and taking off clothing items.
Hearing Dogs assist people with hearing challenges.
Hearing dogs alert people with auditory conditions to sounds they might not otherwise hear. Hearing dogs, also referred to as signal dogs, can alert their owner to a variety of sounds such as door bells, door knocking, ringing phones, smoke alarms, and/or crying babies.
Seizure Dogs assist people with seizure conditions.
Seizure dogs respond to seizures and alert for assistance. Some seizure dogs learn to instinctively sense when a person is progressing toward a seizure and can then alert the person to place him or herself in a protective position. They might search for another person or push the emergency call button on a telephone.
What is a Therapy Dog?
Therapy dogs are usually personal pets that work with their owners by visiting, for example, assisted living facilities and hospitals. Therapy dogs provide warmth and contact to people who live without such contact in their facilities. Therapy dogs are not afforded protection under Federal law and do not have legal access to places of public accommodation, although some states do define therapy animal guidelines.
What is a Companion Dog?
A companion dog is a pet dog trained to provide physical and/or emotional benefit to it's owner. Companion dogs are not Assistance Dogs and do not have public access in the same way that pets do not have public access.
Dogs that are specifically trained to be home companion dogs can be matched with individuals who might desire the emotional and/or physical benefit of having a well trained pet. The relationship between the handler and the pet can result in increased functional communication, interactive skills, and improved physical range of motion.
Are there laws governing Assistance Dogs?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA 1990) guarantees persons with Assistance Dogs access to places of public accommodation. Some state and local laws also grant varying degrees of access.
How long is the working life of an Assistance Dog?
Depending upon the type of work the Assistance Dog is trained to do, the average working life is eight to ten years. After that, the dog retires and lives out its final years as the handler's pet.
Do Assistance Dogs ever get time off or play time?
When not working, Assistance Dogs, like all dogs, benefit from an environment in which they have time to run and play.
Comet Canine encourages physical activity that sustains the dog's health and increases the bond between the dog and handler.
I'd like to get an Assistance Dog. What questions should I ask myself first?
It is important to first look at your lifestyle to assess whether an Assistance dog or a specific provider are a good match for you. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- Do I want a fully trained Assistance Dog, or do I just want a dog to be my companion?
- What tasks would I like an Assistance Dog to do that would enhance my lifestyle?
- Am I ready to take on the responsibilities of owning and caring for an Assistance Dog?
- Have I done enough research to know the options available to me?
I'd like to get an Assistance Dog. What should I look for in a dog and in a provider?
We believe that a Service Dog should be an asset and a joy, not a burden or embarrassment. A well-trained Service Dog is dependable, responsive, and unobtrusive in public.
Evaluating a trained service dog
To ensure you acquire a well-trained or "finished" dog, it is important to understand what that implies. A finished dog responds on the first voice command, is focused on its work, is attentive to its handler, ignores distractions, and does not require excessive manipulation. The dog is conditioned to behave appropriately, regardless of the environment, without continuous intervention.
Evaluating a Provider
In order to evaluate a potential provider you need to understand what to look for. We recommend interviewing your provider face-to-face. Watch their dogs and their training methods. If this is not possible, conduct a telephone interview. Ask about their practices in the following areas:
a. Training Methods
The trainer who knows and applies the scientific principles of behavioral psychology in training is best equipped to provide a reliable Assistance Dog. These modern techniques produce a clear-headed dog that is highly motivated, learns quickly, and performs consistently.
The trainer should understand and be able to articulate the principles of Operant and Classical Conditioning. (Our website, training segment explains these concepts in depth.) These training principles can only be used as training techniques if they are clearly understood and then applied to each trained service dog.
Ask about and observe these criteria:
- Does the trainer use the scientific techniques of component chaining, intermittent schedules of reinforcement, and bridging?
- Do the dogs enjoy their work?
- Do the dogs respond quickly, consistently and reliably, without excuses?
- Is the trainer limited in the types of techniques they employ?
b. Training Environment
Dogs that are handled and trained frequently and consistently in real life situations learn to perform reliably in similar future situations. A dog that receives consistent training and attention from one trainer will be focused, attentive, and responsive. A dog that consistently trains in a wide variety of real world environments will perform well in similar environments in the future. Trainers who follow a systematic training schedule and maintain organized records produce reliable dogs in less time.
To assess these criteria, be sure to ask these questions:
- What is the trainer-to-dog ratio?
- Are the dogs handled by one trainer or many?
- How many dogs does each trainer handle daily?
- How much time is spent training their dogs every day?
- Are the dogs focused on their handler/trainer?
- Where do their dogs live--in a real home setting or in a kennel?
- Are the dogs trained in a wide variety of public environments?
- How often are the dogs trained in public?
c. Custom Training and Handler Training
A dog that is custom-trained to perform tasks specific to their future handler's needs and lifestyle is the best match for the client. Ask your provider:
- What tasks is the dog normally trained to perform?
- Will they custom train a dog to perform tasks unique to your lifestyle?
- Will they custom train a dog to work in your personal home and/or work environment?
A client who receives high quality, excellent instruction in how to handle and care for their new dog is more confident when the dog comes home with them.
- Will they teach you the theory behind their training methods so you can apply it on your own?
- Will they continue to work with you until you have mastered the skills you need to handle your new dog?
- Will they work with you one-to-one or in a group setting?
- What is the trainer to student ratio?
- Will they perform the handler training at your requested locations?
d. Business Practices
How an organization practices business is important. Make sure that your provider is reputable. Do they return your phone calls in a timely fashion? Do they follow standard business practices? Do they offer a detailed contract that explicitly outlines what they will and will not provide? Will they continue to work with you to solve any problems that may arise?
Who makes a good partner for our dogs?
We believe individuals who look for an organization that meets the standards identified above can significantly benefit from the skill sets a Comet Canine Assistance Dog is trained to perform. We also believe the dog benefits by remaining active, challenged, alert and tightly bonded to its human partner. The dog's appreciation for this relationship can easily be witnessed by observing the joy the dog exhibits when working so closely with its handler.
Comet Canine seeks clients who seriously desire and need a dog to assist them and help make them more active. We take great pride in custom training our dogs to provide those discrete skills that enhance the lifestyle of our clients.
Where do you get your dogs?
We acquire dogs from a variety of sources including families, breeders, and dog brokers who import dogs specifically for us. We have an extensive network of professionals in the canine world who continually evaluate dogs and refer them to our program. In addition, we manage a puppy foster program with puppies from selected breeders. Please inquire if you'd like to foster a puppy for us.
What makes a good Assistance Dog?
The qualities that make a good Assistance Dog may differ from person to person and are as variable as their owner's needs and lifestyles.
Comet Canine believes that it is of paramount importance to match the right dog to the right person, enabling a productive working partnership. A successful partnership between an Assistance Dog and its handler results from a combination of many factors. We strive to ensure success by seeking the highest level of quality and performance in each of the following areas:
- Canine selection
- Training theory and methodology
- Canine health
- Canine temperament
- Canine performance
- Handler skill training
- Handler ability to learn and work with the dog
- Ongoing maintenance training
Does my Assistance Dog need to be certified?
While there are no legal certifications required with regards to owning an Comet Canine Assistance Dog, Comet Canine guarantees that the handler will receive a fully trained Assistance Dog that will meet our certified standards for performance.
Comet Canine provides a cape that identifies the dog as an Assistance Dog. We also provide the handler a certification card that verifies the dog has legal access in places of public accommodation. To maintain Comet Certification, you must recertify with us on an annual basis and have records indicating that you have continued your maintenance-training program.
What guarantees do you offer?
Health Guarantee
We guarantee your dog has sound hips, elbows, eyes, general structure, and freedom from congenital illnesses at the time you take possession. The health guarantee does not cover accident or injury, minor illnesses, routine veterinary care, or any injury, disease, or condition caused by mistreatment or failure to follow proper handling procedures. In addition, we guarantee the dog has been wormed, received all required vaccinations, and is not lame.
Within 14 days of taking possession of your new dog, our contract will require you to take your dog to a veterinarian for an exam to verify that the dog is in good condition.
Canine Skills Guarantee
We provide only fully trained dogs. We guarantee that your new dog will meet our internal certification standards when you receive the dog. You will be asked to sign off at the end of the Handler Training indicating your acceptance of each trained skill.
Handler Training Skills Guarantee
Comet Canine will train you to work with your new dog. We guarantee that you will learn the skills you need to handle your dog in public and in your home, as well as perform regular maintenance training.
What kind of ongoing support do you offer?
Support Plan
All dogs come with a one-year performance support plan. This plan includes unlimited email and phone support during business hours. If the problem cannot be resolved remotely, you may bring your dog to our location for one-on-one support and assistance. We understand that challenges may surface after you have brought the dog home, and we will help you resolve them.
Extended Support Plan
We also offer an onsite performance support plan in which a Comet Canine trainer will come to your location to provide face-to-face assistance. If your home is not in the Denver Metro area, you will be responsible for our travel expenses. Extended support packages are available for one and three years.
Will my purchase be protected with a contract?
Our detailed sales contract spells out what is included when you buy a dog from us. It includes the Canine Health, Canine Skills, and Handler Skills guarantees and also details the support plan you have chosen. The contract protects you by ensuring that you will get exactly what you pay for. The contract protects us by ensuring that you understand your responsibilities with respect to handling, certification, and recertification.
How long do I have to wait for a dog?
Comet Canine does not maintain a traditional wait list. All applicants will be notified by the Acceptance Notification date regarding whether their profile is a match for our program. We take into account the prospective client's abilities, needs, lifestyle, personality and motivation. If we believe we can provide a dog that will meet your needs, then we will proceed to sign a contract with you stipulating when you will receive the dog. Generally it can take between 3 to 10 months from the time we receive a deposit and contract until we can source, train, and transfer the dog to you.
How will I learn to work with my new dog?
Comet Canine will work closely with you, one-on-one, to teach you how to handle your dog. We will teach you the theory behind our unique training methods so that you will be able to apply this learning in your home setting as the need arises.
We will teach you to be your dog's leader. You will learn the commands, how to understand your dog's behavior, and how to lead and protect your dog. You will also learn about Assistance Dog etiquette and the legalities associated with public access.
If I obtain an Assistance Dog from you, where will my training take place and how long will it take?
Our handler's course lasts four to nine consecutive days, six to eight hours per day. During this training period, you will be given personalized, one-on-one coaching on how to lead and handle your new dog. You will be paired with the dog's trainer for the duration of the course and, while you may do some exercises with other trainees, you will always receive individual attention. If the need arises, we will continue to work with you after the course until you feel comfortable handling your dog independently.
If you live in the Denver area, the training will take place at your home and in public locations such as malls, downtown, stores, and your workplace — the same locations in which you will function on a daily basis with your new dog. If you live elsewhere, you may either come to Denver for the training, or we will come to your location at your expense.
We recommend that you take at least the entire week off work or school for the handler training. You will need to focus all of your time and attention upon the task of learning how to handle your new dog. If it takes more than a week for you to feel comfortable handling your dog, we will take the extra time you need to bring you to that point.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We serve the Denver metropolitan area and have the capacity to provide services nationally and internationally. We are able to accommodate the specific needs of people representing diverse cultures. We have placed dogs all over the United States, as well as internationally.
What types of Assistance Dogs do you train?
We currently train certified service dogs for people with a wide range of mobility impairments and other limitations. We have placed dogs with people with MS, CP, Autism, Aspberger's Syndrome, Guillaume-Barre Syndrome, and spinal cord injury. We specialize in dogs that perform mobility assistance tasks.
Can I get an Assistance Dog if I have another animal at home?
Many times Assistance Dogs can be successfully placed in a home with other dogs. Sometimes they cannot. Our dogs are selected to be free of dog aggression; however, we cannot guarantee the temperament of your personal pet dog. If you are applying for one of our dogs and currently have a dog at home already, please make sure to mark it on the application. We will evaluate your situation, face-to- face, and help you determine whether the situation is workable.
I want a dog from you. What is the application process?
We're pleased you have chosen Comet Canine! The next step of the process is to fill out our online application or you may call and ask us to mail you an application. We accept applications for specific training classes.
Do I have to provide medical records?
Yes. Your medical records and a doctor's examination will help us determine your match with one of our dogs. Our privacy policy safeguards all personal information for every client. Please see our Privacy Policy for more detail.
I want an Assistance Dog for my child. What are your age requirements?
Applications from families with a disabled child will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
I already have an Assistance Dog; will you train a successor for me?
We would be happy to train a replacement dog for you. Keep in mind that we accept clients based on whether or not we have a dog that would be the best match for that individual. We do not assign priority to applicants seeking a successor dog.
Can I donate money to help someone obtain an Assistance Dog?
Comet Canine recognizes that acquiring one of our custom-trained Assistance Dogs may pose a financial challenge for some individuals. You may donate money directly to us. These funds will be held in an account for the person you designate. Please be aware that donations sent directly to us are not tax-deductible; however, the donation will go a long way toward helping people secure the dogs they need.
For individuals who are seeking a tax-deductible donation, we are currently in the process of forming a financial relationship with a non-profit funding organization so that your donations will be tax-deductible.
I think my dog would make a good Assistance Dog. Can I donate him to your program?
We are always willing to evaluate exceptional dogs to determine if they are suitable for our program. Since our criteria for accepting any dog into our training program is so selective, many dogs are unable to pass this evaluation. However, we will be happy to evaluate any high probability dogs.
Before you call, please take a moment to honestly ask yourself these questions:
- Has your dog ever shown aggression? (biting, growling, threatening behavior)
- Is your dog between one and three years old?
- Is your dog friendly, confident, and well socialized in a variety of environments?
- Is your dog in good physical condition and not overweight?
- Is your dog up to date on his vaccinations?
If your dog meets these basic initial screening criteria, we would be interested in hearing from you.
Did you know that you should try not to repeat commands? Learn from Comet Canine's dog training tips and advice in our online dog training articles.
