Hello everyone,

Below is a question I received from one of our readers.  I though that it would be a good idea to post the answer, since it might be beneficial for others having the same quesiton.

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Hello again,
I find myself in a situation where I could use your advice. After doing the daily dance with Multiple Sclerosis for 24+ years, I suddenly find myself in need of a service dog, to help with my balance & to pick things up off the floor, so I don't topple over onto my head. I am a 51, almost 52y.o. F 5' 140 lbs and not very strong-physically
I already have a 4y.o., "Tamed" feral cat who is skittish- sometimes even with me. But I just can't give him away, when I'm the only one who he truly trusts. Oh yes, I live in a one bedroom low-income housing apartment. I would need more help paying the trainer, than actually paying to adopt the dog!
Here are my questions: under the brief list of circumstances, I was wondering if there is a breed you feel will fit in well? Also, the waiting list for dogs is years long. Before I got sick, I used to be a Vet Tech and I did train big dogs to run on treadmills. I know I could use the clicker method and am pretty confident that I can train him or her myself. I just wonder about choosing the right breed. Any suggestions and/or advice would be more than greatly appreciated.
Thank you most sincerely. Take care and thank-you.
Yours In Kindness,
Lin

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Hello Lin,

Carlotta, very kindly helped me with the answer to your question, by asking a friend of hers who have some experience with this matter.  Please read below.

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Hi Carlotta

I received a very mixed response on some breeds.  Generally
recommended were Labs, Goldens, Shep, Smooth Collies and some mixed
breeds.  A lot depended on just what she needed help with, but since
she needs a mobility assist dog, she would have a much better chance
to get a dog then I would be as a PSD.  Depending on her location
there may be local trainers, that are even local and providing
Mobility Assist dogs on a smaller scale.  She will need a dog that is
big enough, and strong enough to brace her, but since she isn't a very
large lady that will be easier.
I have been offered a Sharpei…. which I am not sure how would work
out temperament wise, and I am allergic to them.  Bouviers are used by
a list member as a mobility assist dog, and she is very happy with
them.
I have tried to find a Std Poodle with no luck so far, although I do
know of quite a few that are Service dogs and work well.  There aren't
many of them obtainable through rescue, which means getting a puppy.
I did do some research on Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and I think they
would be good for both Mobility assist and PSD, but not hearing back
from many breeders.

Basically it will depend where she lives, as that is going to be the
stronger decision maker is what type of dogs will be available to her.

I had very mixed reviews on PWD, from about 4 different breeders.
If she is an experianced Vet Tech,  then it
may be worth going to the local shelter/pound and seeing if one of
them is suitable temperament, through a Volhard type test.

I have spoken to someone who has a German Shepherd/Rottweiler
available in Oregon, that sounds like he has potential, he is about 3
years old and supposedly has a great temperament, his owner has been
transferred and can't take him with her.

So other than ruling out PWD's based on some negative breeder feed
back (but not based on the PWD's I know locally)…. it seemed like
any breed could do the job with the right temperament and training,
and size for the owner.

PWD:  Portuguese Water Dog
PSD:  Psychological Service Dog

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Hope this helps,

Dr. Alfonso

This entry was posted on Friday, March 14th, 2008 at 6:45 pm and is filed under General Dogs' Topics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.