Redditor Questions Fiend's Impulsive Decision To Get A Puppy To Train As A Service Dog For Themselves

Adding a dog to an already challenging living situation is not wise.

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• March 20, 2023

Service dogs are highly trained to perform specific tasks that help individuals with disabilities to live more independently. These dogs can assist with mobility, alert to potential medical emergencies, provide emotional support, and perform other specialized tasks that help their owners to function more effectively.

The process of training a service dog is rigorous and takes months, if not years, of dedicated training. Service dogs are often seen wearing vests that identify them as service animals and allow them to access public places that are otherwise restricted to pets.

Overall, service dogs can be invaluable companions to those in need and greatly improve their quality of life. And they can't be trained by anyone.

OP has a close friend named Hunter who also lives with mental illness and chronic pain. Hunter is known to be impulsive and sometimes acts without considering the risks involved.

Hunter lives with their partner and several pets, including two cats and two bunnies. Their landlord does not allow bunnies, and they are in violation of their lease and city ordinances.

Despite this, Hunter recently adopted a puppy, claiming that it had been temperament tested and could serve as a service animal to help with their mental health. The main character, who is often the voice of reason in Hunter's life, voiced concern about the added strain the dog would put on Hunter's already challenging living situation.

They were frustrated by Hunter's impulsivity and felt that adding another animal to the mix was not a responsible decision. Despite their objections, Hunter had already made the decision, and the main character was left feeling unsupported and uncertain if they were being unsupportive or not.

Read the full story below:

OP asks:

OP has a close friend named Hunter who also lives with mental illness and chronic pain.

Hunter is known to be impulsive and sometimes acts without considering the risks involved.

Hunter lives with their partner and several pets, including two cats and two bunnies.

, Hunter recently adopted a puppy, claiming that it had been temperament tested and could serve as a service animal to help with their mental health.

OP, who is often the voice of reason in Hunter's life, voiced concern about the added strain the dog would put on Hunter's already challenging living situation.

The friend, however, believes that OP should've been more supportive. Now OP asks:

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

It is not a service dog

Many people confuse service dogs with emotional support animals

OP replied:

Training a service animal requires a lot of money, time and patience.

OP should draw clear boundaries

Doesn't sound like a good idea to this Redditor

OP added:

Good question:

Sounds about right...

While it is possible to train a service dog by oneself, it is not recommended due to the complexity and length of the process, the legal requirements, and the significant investment of time, money, and energy. Professional trainers have the necessary expertise and knowledge to train service dogs effectively and to meet the required legal and behavioral standards.

Working with a professional trainer is the best option for those who want to train a service dog to ensure that the dog is properly trained and achieves the desired outcomes.

Damjan