Where Do You
Get The Dogs?
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| We obtain
dogs from a variety of sources including reputable breeders and rescued dogs.
We are committed to using "pound puppies" whenever possible provided they
meet our strict size, health and temperament standards. |
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What Breeds Are
Used?
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We primarily
use Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds. We have
found that a mix of these breeds can be the best of both worlds. |
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Is a Male or
Female Dog Better for This Work?
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Both sexes
are equally suited to be service dogs. All dogs are neutered
before placement so their working behavior will not be affected by hormonal
changes. |
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What Temperament
Qualities Do Service Dogs Need?
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We are looking
for intelligent dogs with a strong desire to please, predictable behavior
and the ability to readily form an affectionate bond with humans. |
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How Long Does
a Puppy Remain in the Foster Home?
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A puppy
is placed in a foster home between 7-10 weeks of age and remains there
until it exhibits maturity and is past adolescence (usually when the dog
is 18-24 months old). |
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How Long Does
the Advanced Training Take?
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Advanced
training takes between six months to one year and is provided by Carolina
Canines' Trainers. |
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Are the Dogs
Taught to Protect?
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Service
dogs are not trained to protect because a dog’s natural protective instincts
are more reliable than aggression training. |
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| Will You Train
a Dog to Prevent a Person from Wandering Off or Alert Someone when They do
Wander off? |
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No, although
we understand the anguish of having a loved one whose disability may result
in them wandering from safety. We train our dogs to work closely with their
partner with guidance and support from the partner. |
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| Does Carolina
Canines Certify Dogs Trained by Other Organizations or
Individuals? |
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No, we do
not certify dogs trained by other organizations or individuals. |
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How Long Does
it Take the Recipient to Learn How to Use the Dogs Commands &
Skills?
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| The recipient
and the dog participate in 1-2 weeks of carefully supervised, very intense
"team training" to learn how the dog's skills can best meet the recipient's
needs and begin to develop the life-long bond they will experience as they
become a working team. |
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How Long Does
a Recipient Take Care of the Dog?
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A recipient
is responsible for the daily needs of the service dog and its medical expenses
for as long as the service dog is partnered with the recipient. |
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How Long Can
These Dogs Serve?
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There is
no mandatory retirement age. It depends on the type of work the dog does
for the individual. For instance, a dog that works with a power wheelchair
will have a longer working life than one that physically pulls a manual
wheelchair. A retired service dog may live out its life in the recipient’s
home or return to our program for care. |
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Is it Okay to
Pet a Service Dog?
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Harnessed
service animals working in public should not be petted because it could distract
from their focus on their partner. However, while a dog is in training with
Carolina Canines and identified as such,
we welcome petting and attention from people in public for socialization
and training purposes. |
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Can a Carolina
Canine Go Anywhere a Guide Dog Can Go?
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Yes!! As
of January 1, 1992, the Americans with Disabilities Act provides public access
for service dogs as a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability.
North Carolina statutes grant service dogs in training the same access and
full legal rights as a fully certified dog. |
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What is the Cost
of Raising/Training a Service Dog?
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The estimated
cost of a service dog from breeding through placement is estimated to be
between $38,000. |
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| What is the Cost
to the Recipient for a Carolina Canine?
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