Service dogs change lives—but the path to one isn’t simple, quick, or cheap. In this episode, we break down what the ADA actually says (and doesn’t say), what task training really means, why public access skills matter, and how to tell if a dog–human team is a good fit. We share stories from our own case files—mobility tasks, psychiatric alerts, scent work, even siren alerts—plus the hard conversations we have when a well-meaning doctor says “get a service dog” and a family is left on their own to figure it out.

You’ll hear:

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  The ADA definition of a service animal and why tasks must mitigate a disability

  
  


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  The difference between agency-trained, self-trained, and our hybrid model

  
  


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  Realistic timelines, costs (why $50–60k isn’t a scam), and waitlists

  
  


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  Kid handlers, school realities, breed myths, and when we say no (for the dog’s sake and yours)

  
  


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  How to start smart: evaluating the dog you already have vs. sourcing the right puppy

  
  

If you’re considering a service dog—or you work with clients who might—this is your friendly, no-nonsense guide before you make big decisions.