Too old to train?

[Chickengal505]

I have a two year old choco. lab named Molly. And I am in desprite need of a thearapy dog. I have stress issues and don't feel comfortable confiding in a human. So I'm simply wondering, is Molly to old to be trained as a service dog? She's uper mellow and pretty obedent. Or do I need to start with a pup? That wouldn't be a problem, But me and molly already have a bond... so any input?

 

[chickenzoo]

I don't think there is an age limit...... most dogs are trainable well into their older years for many things, although it depends on what they are doing.

 

[coreybee]

Try the Delta Society.

http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=302

 

[hannakat]

What a wonderful ambition!!! I have a friend who started with a 3yo mutt. You start with obediance training and go from there. You should have no problem.

Sending +++ vibes for your success!

 

[dainerra]

therapy dog and service dog are two very different things though. a therapy dog is just certified to visit hospitals/schools/etc. An emotional support dog (also called a PSD or personal support dog) has certain housing freedoms, but no public access rights. A service dog has full public access rights and include Psychiatric Support Dogs.

First step would be to get examined and be confirmed "legally disabled" this is different than "medically disabled"

Second step is to set down with your dr/therapist and a trainer to figure out what tasks your dog can learn to help with your disability. Examples would be carrying packages for someone in a wheelchair, alerting to alarms for a deaf person, etc. A min of 2 trained tasks is required to be a service dog.

Third step would be to have the dog evaluated temperament-wise. How is he around strangers? public places? Friendly is good, neutral is even better, aggressive and or nervous BAD!

here are a couple of links that might help:

http://www.germanshepherds.com/foru.../137274-psd-versus-emotional-support-dog.html

http://www.germanshepherds.com/foru...-emotional-support-dogs-not-service-dogs.html

http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/ESA

http://servicedogcentral.org/content/node/148 - do I qualify for a service dog?

http://servicedogcentral.org/content/node/2 - state laws

http://www.psychdog.org/ - pyscharitic service dog society

http://www.germanshepherds.com/foru...136271-how-train-psychiatric-service-dog.html

 

[hannakat]

Yes, I see....therapy is certainly different from service. Chickengal505, does the dog need to be 'official' to be of benefit? Sounds like she is already helping you a little bit or you wouldn't consider her for the job. An experienced trainer would be able to work with you both. Just my 2 cents.

Wishing you the best!