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Service dog wanted

1K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  Chikahrma 
#1 ·
I'm currently in Wisconsin but planning a move to Montana in three years. I have epilepsy and I am in need of a service dog to help me when I have a seizure. My SO has agreed to let me get a puppy after we move so I was wondering if anyone knows of a breeder in Montana.
 
#2 ·
Have you looked into groups that have already trained adult dogs? I know it can be very expensive but it probably evens out if you take into consideration the cost of a puppy from a reputable breeder, food and veterinary care for at least 2 years. It's incredibly difficult to train a true service dog and not every dog makes it, regardless of breeding. Not to mention the requisite number of years to train and mature the dog. It's a big task to take one. Wouldn't it be easier to get a service dog that way?
 
#3 ·
For a good service dog candidate, you don't want to limit your range to just Montana. I also am thinking you need to do more research on this subject and be sure you understand that as was mentioned above, not every dog is cut out to be a service dog and it is a huge training project to be successful. If you've never trained a dog before, it would be best to get experienced opinions and help to set yourself up for success.
 
#4 ·
Thank you for the advice. I can use all the help I can get. I have looked into service dog programs and have even applied to a few of them but I don't meet the requirements for one reason or another. I have trained a service dog before with the help of a certified trainer. I'm limited to Montana only because my SO will not let me get a dog until after we move. I have tried to explain to him the ada laws for service dogs but he is afraid his landlord will kick us out. I am only able to put away 200 a month and figure it will take me the three years until we move to save up enough for the cost of the dog, shots, microchip, vet visits, spay or neuter. Is 6000 saved plus 200 a month to care for the dog enough or should I save more and budget more each month to care for the dog?
 
#5 ·
We got Dixie from Florence at Mattiaci Golden Retrievers of Montana. Her kennel is in Garrison and she has a home in Bozeman. She does the 4 core clearances and we highly recommend her. Florence chose Dixie for us based on what our family lifestyle is like, and she is exactly what we wanted.

Her contact information is on the “Contact Us” page with the information she wants to know about you. She does travel a lot showing her dogs and has always answered our emails as soon as she could.

It was a 7 month wait from the time we met her until Dixie was born.

Good luck!
 
#6 ·
I'm not positive that ADA regulations cover dogs that are in training. Most of Montana is not a very populated place and I imagine it will be tough to find a trainer qualified for SD training. $6,000 should be plenty for start up costs like purchasing the puppy, vaccinations, etc. I can't say if $200 a month would cover monthly bills. It depends on how healthy the dog is, whether or not unexpected bills come up, etc. Also we have 3 dogs and I have no idea how much we spend on them individually, all I know is it's a lot lol
 
#8 ·
$6k should be plenty unless you find a breeder able to do part of the training for you.If you can supply clothing worn during a seizure that should help the breeder begin training for you. But you'd be looking at additional cost on top of the puppy.
ADA does cover dogs in training, as long as the training is REAL. A pet is not covered. You'd have to have a while with the dog in any case, so that your own unique scent pre-seizing activity is associated for the dog. We are all unique in body chemistry.
 
#9 ·
I did send a request to a program here in Wisconsin. They provide seizure assistance dogs free of charge except for the fifty dollar application fee. I hope I qualify but I'm not holding my breath. I don't need the dog to alert because fortunately I get a warning and have just enough time to get on the floor. If I don't qualify for this program my only option will be a breeder. when I have a seizure I quit breathing so I'm scared to death of going to far from my house and help.
 
#11 ·
Update on my application for a service dog:
I received my application in the mail for the service dog program in my area. I was so bummed after reading the first page I didn't even fill it out. My SO has a dog and the first requirement is that the service dog can be the only dog in the house. Now I just hope the breeders that you all have suggested will accept me. I feel so defeated.
 
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