Did you know service dogs do more than just help people who are visually impaired? In fact, service dogs can be trained to assist people with a wide range of medical needs, from PTSD to hearing problems to mobility issues. But how can they help and where exactly are they allowed to go?
In an effort to answer these and many other questions, as well as clear away the misinformation regarding assistance animals, Handbook for Service Dogs tells you everything you need to know about what a service dog is, how to find one that suits your needs, what your dog is legally allowed to do, and how to care for your service dog so you can build a strong, lasting relationship.
Grounded in research, this inspiring guide shares the personal experiences of the authors, Anne and Wayne Wicklund, and their hearing-assist dogs, Snow Prince and Snow Shadow, both of whom Wayne trained himself.
Learn the importance of listening to your dog, discover crucial tips for traveling, and so much more-the more you know, the better prepared you will be to embark on the extraordinary adventure of partnering with a service dog.
About the Author: Anne and Wayne Wicklund are the founders of HearingImpaired.net, Inc., which offers communication aids for hearing-impaired people, and MrPAWS by Snow, which provides service-dog supplies. Wayne is a certified master trainer through the Rudy Drexler School for Dogs and Anne is the author of the award-winning book My Ears Have a Wet Nose: Acquiring, Loving, and Training a Hearing Dog and the educational coloring book I Have a Wet Nose...and I Have a Job.
Inspired by the service their own dogs have provided Wayne since his health issues began in 2000, the Wicklunds serve on various professional associations such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and work with lawmakers and agencies, including the Veterans Administration, to advocate for service-dog programs and handlers' rights.
The Wicklunds currently live in Arizona with their canine helper, Snow Shadow. Find out more about the authors and their work at: www.handbookforservicedogs.com.
