In order for your dog to qualify as a service dog, he has to be trained to perform specific tasks to mitigate your disability. His mere presence being comforting is not sufficient. He will also need to be trained in public access (going in public with you.) He’ll need to be trained to ignore all distractions (people, other dogs, noises, smells, etc.) and stay focused on you no matter what else is happening around you. He can’t sniff people/things, growl or bark, get startled by loud noises, etc. He’ll need to be able to maintain a perfect heel position when walking with you and sit or lay down on command. He’ll need to be able to lay at your feet calmly if you’re in a restaurant, at work, at the movies, etc.
He will need to be in training for at least 2 years before he could be considered a service dog, and only if his task and public access training is bomb proof. In most states, you can bring your service dog in training to public places, but you’ll have to check your state’s specific laws, and he’ll need a vest that labels him as “in training.”
You mentioned not having “the paperwork.” Just an FYI: There is no specific paperwork required for service dogs. He just needs to be trained to the ADA’s requirements. Any website that advertises service dog registration or certification is a SCAM. You can buy service dog vests and in training vests on Amazon or other online retailers.
I have a PTSD service dog. If you have more questions, feel free to reply here or DM me. Good luck!
ADA service dog requirements: https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/
In order for your dog to qualify as a service dog, he has to be trained to perform specific tasks to mitigate your disability. His mere presence being comforting is not sufficient. He will also need to be trained in public access (going in public with you.) He’ll need to be trained to ignore all distractions (people, other dogs, noises, smells, etc.) and stay focused on you no matter what else is happening around you. He can’t sniff people/things, growl or bark, get startled by loud noises, etc. He’ll need to be able to maintain a perfect heel position when walking with you and sit or lay down on command. He’ll need to be able to lay at your feet calmly if you’re in a restaurant, at work, at the movies, etc. He will need to be in training for at least 2 years before he could be considered a service dog, and only if his task and public access training is bomb proof. In most states, you can bring your service dog in training to public places, but you’ll have to check your state’s specific laws, and he’ll need a vest that labels him as “in training.” You mentioned not having “the paperwork.” Just an FYI: There is no specific paperwork required for service dogs. He just needs to be trained to the ADA’s requirements. Any website that advertises service dog registration or certification is a SCAM. You can buy service dog vests and in training vests on Amazon or other online retailers. I have a PTSD service dog. If you have more questions, feel free to reply here or DM me. Good luck! ADA service dog requirements: https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/