Can I train my year and a half old beagle mix to be my service dog? She hasn't been socialized but I'm planning on doing so soon. I don't know what task she would provide for me (I'm autistic) other than to prevent sensory overload. And even then I don't specifically know what she could do to prevent a sensory overload. Thanks!
Hi! If your dog has the necessary skills and socialization needed for service work, then her breed and age should be of no bearing. The best thing to do would be to find a professional trainer to evaluate her. Not many dogs have what it takes to become a service dog, so working with a professional trainer from the very beginning can help save you the heartbreak of having to wash her out in the end.
For tasks, I always recommend writing a list of all the ways your disability limits your life. Next to that list, try to brainstorm a task that a dog can be trained to perform to help mitigate it. If you are having trouble, here’s a brief list of things service dogs can be trained to do which help mitigate the effects of autism:
Medication reminder at a certain time of day
Bring medication to alleviate symptoms
Bring a beverage so human partner can swallow medication
Bring the emergency phone during a crisis
Provide tactile stimulation to disrupt emotional overload (face licking, nudging, rubbing up against handler, etc)
Provide deep pressure for calming effect
Assist handler to leave an area by finding exit
Crowd control (body blocking, “guarding,” reverse heeling, etc)
I hope this helps!~ Lex (& Faith)
