ESA vs. PSD
An emotional support animal (ESA) is very similar to a psychiatric service dog (PSD) in that both help relieve symptoms of mental or emotional distress. The process for qualifying for an ESA or PSD differ in the standard of training. (The ADA puts out general guidelines click here) An ESA does not need to meet any behavioral or training standards. Service Animals need to meet the following standards:
1) Service Animal is any individually trained dog or miniature horse (this does not mean you have to struggle to train a dog yourself) Use professional guidance to train a dog yourself. Get the help you need at Canine Assistance Puerto Rico. ​
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2) Individually means the work or task performed by a service animals must be directly related to the individual's disability.
3) Trained means to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. This includes a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability​
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For more information on Service Animals please read about our services on how to get a service dog trained.
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LIFE SKILLS vs. OBEDIENCE
Life skills focus on tailoring the training to your individual dog and what skills they require to live a well behaved and well adjusted life in your everyday environments rather than just focusing on obedience commands in a controlled training setting. Perfect for reactive dogs and service dog candidates.
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COMMON LIFE SKILLS...
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Establishing a better daily routine ~ being able to choose the better choice means you don't have to cue the dog
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Being polite around people ~ instead of overexcited or fearful
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Increased feelings of confidence when out in public ~ being able to relax in public instead of barking excessively
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Impulse control ~ having a dog that can wait their turn
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Loose leash walking ~ gain the ability to walk safely on and off leash
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Proper Socialization ~ strengthening pet bonds to initiate and maintain social connections, and more
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Choice is Key...
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These dogs are more in control of themselves and their actions and can generalize concepts to other areas of their lives.
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Trains dogs not to try to get something, but instead leaving it alone and receiving rewards
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Trains self control in dogs
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It is excellent for problem solving
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Dog's become socially adaptable, well-behaved and go on to become:
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Harmonious companions;
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Qualified service dogs;
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Therapy dogs or other working dogs;
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Dogs that enjoy city living
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Who Qualifies For
A Service Animal
A disability refers to anything that makes your life harder on average. This could include anyone suffering from:
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Post traumatic stress
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Personality Disorders
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Schizophrenia
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Phobias
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And other mental or emotional conditions not mentioned here.
What is service dog assistance?
​When considering training tasks for your pet dog, it's crucial to prioritize their effectiveness in supporting your overall wellness and recovery journey.
Tasks to assist with activities of daily living (ADL) such as opening doors, aiding in getting dressed, retrieving medicine, are not commonly needed by our clients. A service dog provides support in stressful situations, and also is trained to prevent them as much as possible by giving the handler a notification of building tension.
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Our owner training is aimed at promoting independence and self sufficiency. Dedicated to understanding the complexities of PTSD or other mental challenges and its treatment to provide the best possible support for you.
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We adhere to the guidelines set forth by the DOJ, ADA, and Title III, ensuring that service dogs are trained in tasks that promote comfort, well-being, and positive interactions with others.
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Our primary focus is on assisting you in learning to navigate and cope with daily life, rather than perpetuating survival conditioning through unnecessary protective behaviors. To understand the practical implications of our approach, please refer to details provided here.
Before moving forward with training tasks, it's essential to educate yourself about disability and its treatment or rehabilitation therapy. It is a misconception that we train service dogs with a therapeutic purpose. Mislabeling them as therapy dogs, PTSD dogs, or service dogs on social media can create misleading expectations.
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We encourage you to reach out to us for a consultation to discuss how our service dog training program can best support your unique needs and journey towards healing. It is free and there is no obligation to sign up for training.​
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What they say about us!
TRAINING PROGRAMS
Dog Communication 101 Training Program
Level 1 - for all dogs at any stage **Not a SD course
12 lessons (In-home sessions)
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Learn to train your dog without the use of treats;
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​Master an impeccable recall, on and off leash walking;
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Understand canine communication through body language, behavior, and sounds ;
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Understand about nutrition for optimal health and learning in dogs;
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Master walking your dog nicely on and off leash without pulling; and
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Properly socialize your dog to humans and other animals.
*No certificate is given at this level.
Behavior Training Program
Level 2 - for all dogs at any stage **Not a SD course
Prerequisite complete Level 1
10 Lessons (2 In-public sessions)
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Training relaxation as a skill set;
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​Master passing other dogs on or off leash;
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Leave it, drop it, and staying calm;
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Change the behavior of a fearful or reactive dog to calm and relaxed, and able to listen under distractions;
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Problem solving behavior issues; and
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Advancing socialization skills in public settings.
​*No certificate is given at this level.
Service Dog Training Program
Level 3
Prerequisite complete Level 2
6 Weeks (In-public sessions)
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*Must complete Level 1 and Level 2;
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Navigating travel requirements with your service dog;
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Review of Domestic and international laws;
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Training detection and intervening on early symptoms of anxiety and emotional distress;
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Training the dog to prevent and keep people from surprising you from behind;
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Lessen or elimination of symptoms at home and in public; and
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Excellent impulse control under the highest of distractions.
Verification and certificate is given at this level.
Aftercare Training Program
Level 4 - for working, service, or reactive dogs only
Prerequisite complete Level 2
4 Lessons (In-home sessions)
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Prioritizes enhancing the physical health and performance of all dogs, working and service dogs included;
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Master the use of perception training to resolve problems that stem from an emotional response such as reactivity, separation anxiety, fear, aggression, phobia’s, hyper-arousal, and hyper-activity; and
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Aging and retirement needs for service dogs.
Want to see what socializing dogs is all about? Watch and see
Any dog can learn to be social and communicate with polite manners even if they are not well socialized now. We can help! Contact us
Mailing address:
1654 Calle Tulipan Ste 100, San Juan PR 00927
Phone
939-200-2150