I feel guilty all the time. I want a service dog but deep down I feel like I don't deserve one. I don't know what to do. I feel like I need to be more traumatized just to prove my disablement to others. I don't know who is supporting me. It feel like nobody does and I'm a minor.

People keep saying that qualifying for a service dog is bad. Tell me is it bad to finally find something that works, after you’ve been struggling since you were 5. No it’s a blessing.

I have a two inch thick leash sleeve that says "NO PHOTOS IT'S RUDE (with a no photos symbol)." It works wonders.

I've been doing research about service dogs for coming on 4 months now. I've talked to my doctor and he's given me the green light. I still have anxiety over it. I start queationing whether I'm cheating the system even though I know I'm not. My service dog will be psychiatric and keep thinking "You don't need this! Suck it up! There are people with worse issues!" But then I think to myself "Your 18 and you have anciety and panic that keeps you from getting a job and going to school. Your depression causes you to be self destructive. And it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks." Everytime I watch videos like this it makes me feel better because you stress the point of service dogs giving someone back there independence. Thank you for making such a wonderful video it's helped alot. 😊

Having a service dog in public can totally be a circus act... I can 100% relate.😔

It took me over two years of research and discussion with my medical professionals to finally decide it was in my best interests to get Spoon for my treatment plan. Then over the course of 8 months I used the Volhardt test for maybe 9 puppies before choosing Spoon as the best candidate. It’s a long and hard process and this video explains that all so well! SUCH a good video Emily, thank you!

"you look at me and people don't think that" my life everyday since my TBI 😞 Thank you for this video

In England getting service dogs are so much harder.... I have ptsd, anxiety and autism my doctor and my social worker has said to my mum that I need one that was about a year ago we have spent the last year doing research I get my dog in about 2 years.... thank you for this video it has made me think about training 😀🐶

I love how you said it’s not your job if people don’t understand it. Some people in my life totally get why I’m training my dog and others don’t, but bottom line - cut out someone who isn’t going to support you even if they don’t get it.

YES! Thank you for addressing the fact that not all people with the same disorder will be disabled by it! So many of my friends who say they have PTSD are like, "Oh, it's THAT bad for you?" -- yes, yes it is haha.

I was diagnosed long before even considering a service dog. I had been on countless medications and doctors and my dog was naturally alerting. I had at home trained her for a whole year and THEN i found out about service animals. So i continued to train her in home and in pet friendly places not labeling her as a service animal untill i got my doctors pre approval. I spent 6 months training her in home after i got a pre approval. So now that she is about 2 i finally got my approval and she is officially under the "in training" title. I spent a year and a half PRE PREPARING and i see people telling there THERAPIST that they are getting a service animal. WHY?!?! Therapists barley know the difference between sds and esas and its really annoying. In a minor and im having to throw my heart into this dang dog talking to countless doctors and it hurts. Heres how to tell if you qualify for a service animal. If you were to ask a doctor and they said no It means no If you think that doctor is wrong Talk to another doctor People think that service animals are a joke or a privilege. They are most certainly not. A year and a half of waiting for approval. Then moving to the actual training itself which takes around 2 years. For me thats around 3 to 4 years untill my dog is fully trainied. And what happes if she washes? I spend another 2 to 4 years with a dog. Now heres another issue I got super lucky with Lacey. She was 8 months when she started training and NEEDED a job. She was a very smart dog who had grown up in a training camp and was basically a working dog. She was socialized when she was little, perfectly healthy, good build and matched my needs perfectly. Keep in mind i also knew everything about this dog. Im a minor and i dont have the ability to get another dog untill i loose one. If she were to wash i would spend most likly 6 years waiting just to get a prospect and then around 4 years training them. 10 years. Please please please for the love of god ask a doctor and DO YOUR RESEARCH. Im sorry im so mean sounding i dont mean to be. If you are really serious about a service dog you will quickly realize that there are no shortcuts. No button you can press and then there is a fully trained dog infront of u. There is real work you have to do. This is real and it is tough but it is worth it if you really need it.

Emily at 20:48 that means a lot to me All of my friends are like “you don’t need one you’re overreacting kids can’t have asthma or PTSD!” Your videos help me a lot and I can’t thank you enough.

Awesome job Emily!!!!! I was diagnosed 10 years before going for a Service Dog. I researched for about 6 months and decided to owner train. The training is surprisingly therapeutic and rewarding for me at least. I couldn't see doing a program dog, there are a lot of "programs" who are worthless. I trust myself and my mentors only!

20:48 YES

This video helped me realize that I don't need a service dog although I would benefit from a task trained (dpt, anxiety alerts, self harm blocking), ESA. I don't need a dog with me 24/7 although i would greatly benefit from a pupper a home that would be able to help migate my depression and anxiety! Thank you so much for posting this! :)

This video is so good!! I have been researching and that’s so true about the social anxiety. That’s a big reason why I have thought it might be hard to have a service dog with me because she would attract more attention.

4:15 ... Yes. It's incredibly hard work for the dog, and they usually don't work for more than 5 years, or so I've heard. I am over one year into the research phase for a PSD (psychiatric service dog) and am still on the fence. 11:55... social aweful-ness is one of the things that holds me back. THANK YOU for doing these videos. You have my support and love!

I've been with my doctor for 5 years and have been recommended a service dog for about 2 years now. I'm on a year of reasearch and I have FINALLY found a program that seems like a good fit for me and my needs. The research is important for SURE! Great video, thank you for the information. 💕 Glad to have a handler weigh in about the whole maintaining aspect as opposed to a group.

Ik this is an older video, and I come from a different country but I really do appreciate how matter of fact you are with this, no sugar coating- thank you!

Thank you for being legitimate, honest and blunt. I really appreciate it because I always feel like people hide part of the truth so I always feel like my own problems aren’t as bad as others because mine are not physical, you know? Yeah just wanted to thank you so much!

Thank you for sharing this information. I am a disabled US veteran with Major Depression/PTSD who is interested in getting a service dog. I am doing my research and am thankful that people like yourself are willing to share their Service Dog journey with us. Take care and good luck with your precious dog 🐶

Honestly I was so worried about how people would react when I said I was training my dog to be a service dog. Turns out my disability was not as invisible as I thought it was. I was honestly a little upset that most people were like “yea, I can see that”, like I thought I was keeping it together pretty good on the outside. Now I feel like the people in your life at least recognize that you are struggling with something even if they don’t know exactly what, and they will see if a treatment option is working.

I am saving this for when I do talks for my nonprofit organization called Dogs In Service Project which I'm trying to teach the public the difference between the 3 types of Assistance Dog's.

I’ve been diagnosed from birth with my disability, recently my doctor gave me a green light for a mobility service dog because my disability is Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, there are many different varieties of my condition but mine affects my depth perception GREATLY! PLEASE PEOPLE DONT BRING YOUR UNTRAINED PET OR SO CALLED ESA INTO STORES!!!! ONLY SERVICE DOGS HAVE PA RIGHTS!!!!! AN PLEASE DONT BASH PEOPLE FOR HAVING A SERVICE DOG! JUST BECAUSE YOU DONT SEE THERE DISABILITY DOESNT MEAN THERE FAKING!!!

Thankyou so much for this video! I’ve been struggling with multiple different mental illnesses for almost 10 years now. I only just got treatment in 2019. For the past year now I’ve been heavily researching service dogs and I’ve talked with past therapists and psychiatrists who have told me I would qualify. And until this year I constantly told myself I didn’t really have problems or that my problems weren’t big enough to be real. But when I first started researching service dogs, something clicked. From reading and pouring over articles I just felt like this could drastically change and improve my life. But I have no idea where to begin the process or how to pay for it and this video really helped and gave me more information.

My SDIT is 8 months old and her training is going good. She was one of the first puppies I met but I had her evaluated before bringing her home.

Thank you so much for this. I suffer from bipolar as well as social anxiety. I've spoken to my psychiatrist and have struggled and worked with him for years and it's been decided I need a PSD. Your story about your experience at Marshalls really hit me and almost gave me an anxiety attack. This made me reconsider. Thank you!

Thank you for pouring your heart out in this video. You provided me with so much useful information. God bless you!

Thank you for this video! I love how you included about GSDs not being good for Psych. I see that all the time--people getting Shepherds specifically for Psych. It's ridiculous. An anomaly is not the standard! Also about rescue dogs. They're great, and everyone wants a sweet "shelter to helper" story, but they just don't make the best dogs to train, what with unreliability. All the points here were things people don't really "want" to hear, but should. And I appreciate the honesty in it!

you explained it very well. i am from the Netherlands, and i am in the proces of getting/ training my serivce dog. I have autism, adhd and social anxiety dissorder, and normal things like going to school and walking trough busy streets is dificult for me. Your video's are very helpfull for me. I want to train my dog as best as posible becouse my future and independence depend on my serive dog

I just started the process of working with a trainer and training my new puppy to be my psychiatric service dog. This is a great video. I know I did make the right decision by deciding to get her. I have very many psychiatric conditions and have been sick for many years with nothing really helping. Of corse now since I am going through the process of getting one, people that have similar conditions to me are wanting one. I will be sending them this video. Thank you for being very blunt but being nice about it and explaining it so everybody can understand.

Thank you so much for making this video. My dog is currently in training. It has taken so long to get her to where she needs to be (training wise). Both of my parents also have service dogs (my dad is ex military and my mom has medical issues), and if it wasn't for them my husband and I probably would have given up. Everyone has said that it's all in my head and that I'm too young to have the issues that I have. I'm only 19, but have been in several hospitals (for weeks/ months at a time) for my issues. This video made me not feel alone with going through the training. Thank you

Not quite finished but thanks for making this video! We are in the process of owner training a diabetic alert dog for our daughter and even though we aren't done I already feel the frustration for people who jump right into it and basically aren't legit. It is a hard thing...sometimes I think having some federal criteria for certification would be good to weed out the fakers but on the other hand, that would probably make it REALLY difficult for owner trainers like us...we just don't have the money to get a program dog and I love that the option is there for us to take it all into our own hands, unlike some other countries. It is a tough balance in the States in this regard, I think

Thank you so much. I was approved by a doctor months ago and I have been really stressing and trying to figure out what to do and how to do it. This has helped me a lot.

Thanks for being strong enough to share this video!!

Only half way through this video, and it’s already so helpful for me in my first steps!!! My doctor already said to look more into it, so this helps me to know what to do next !

Thank you that was excellent and especially appropriate today. I was told by an apartment manager my service dog was welcome only if I bring a certificate of handicap. She gave the form and it refers to Section 200.100 of the federal fair housing regulations. It goes on to define the limited specific mental and physical conditions one must have to be handicapped. They actually put disability in parentheses after it’s it’s prefered term - handicapped. I’m debating about what type of action I will take. My dog is a 33 pound Aussie/Boarder mix. She started for a single issue, now she has 3 three opportunities to work. Both breads are intelligent and hopefully the combination will avoid some of the conditions that may afflict purebreds. One word of advice (which you did speak to) you may want a certain breed, but go with the one’s that is best for the help you require. When Marysue and I are alone and play she’s very aggressive and refuse all people (especially children) polite and knowledgeable enough to ask if the May pet her. You covered so much and I’m certain helped those who watched your vid. Keep it up!

I was recently told I have PTSD. It’s also aware that I have some hypersensitivity, anxiety, and depression. I’m constantly having panic attacks in gym and such, mostly because of the yelling, but also because sometimes people accidentally touch me or there’s a lot of focus on me because of something I did wrong. I’ve panic attacks in general classes as well because there was too much noise or such. I’ve been watching many service dog KZfaq channels and it got me thinking that maybe a service dog could help me. I’ve tried different pills and breathing techniques and such and they don’t really help. I have cats and they always calm me. Their smell, or their warmth, or the feeling of their fur really help me. At the same time, I know that it would be expensive and if I were to go down the path of getting a service dog, I wouldn’t want something to happen at school because everyone now knows I have some form of disability/disabilities. And I know that people with social anxiety aren’t recommended to get a service dog, but even the thought of my cats calms me in public. I’ve thought of all the pros and cons, and I can’t tell if I should get a service dog. Even with all the research I’ve done, I can’t decided if I want to bring up the idea of a service dog with both my family and my therapist. With all this being said, does anybody think that getting a service dog would be a good idea for me and my situation or should I wait and try other methods of helping my ptsd and anxiety and such?

Thank you for this video. It is so in-depth and informative. I love how your cautions against getting a service dog come off as genuine and NOT judgy.

I miss Anna. She passed away last Christmas. She had an ESD named Tigger. I'm considering a psychiatric & physical assistance dog due to my disabilities. I've a twisted spine bent in 3 places & separated are the base of my ribs as well as two torn rotator cuffs that healed wrong. My neck is pushed into my throat & my bk is in an S shape. All from a car accident where a guy not wearing his glasses rear ended us at high speed. It totaled the Navy blue blazer & hit us so hard we skidded w/ the brakes on & he actually struck us twice. I'm 29 rn... I've had the injury for 10yrs & the spine doctor said I'd lose mobility after 1 yr only. They were surprised I wasn't in excruciating pain. It actually hurt so long that the pain nerves shut down. It hurt to sit stand or lay down in any position & still gives me migranes. I believe I have PTSD, bipolar 2 disorder, anxiety, & depression. I'm going to have this verified & discuss it with professionals at a mental health clinic. Medicine just effects me too much negatively & always has. It makes me groggy, unable to focus, & takes away from my failing motor skills in my legs now. I am currently using a walking stick to support me when this happens & they randomly quit on me making me fall. It's hard having my body fail me w/ a 2 yr old boy. I broke down when I fell. It was the 8th time I'd fallen since noon. It was still breaking my spirit. I feel my depression worsening this y I decided to look into this. It will help mediate the negative emotions of falling & mediation of other stressful situations along w/ the mental disorders as a distraction. I want to owner train to personalize them to my specific needs to avoid a miscommunication with I & the animal. Better bond & better body language reading. That being said: I'm considering a black / white boarder collie due to their intelligence & attentiveness to their charges as well as lighter weight. Males weight about 5lbs heavier than a female whose range ins 30 -40lbs. My dog as a child was this breed which helps w/ a previous trauma & allows me to give bk to the breed. Max was naturally doing a lot of this for me as a child even though he was untrained. I hand picked him as a little girl. We had gotten two that day one for my parents & one for us kids from a farmer who was breeding them. Two different fathers same mother. Max was calm, attentive, loving, & naturally took to me most. We had him for about 3yrs when he was shot. I at 6 watched the light leave his eyes... I was devastated but I didn't say anything to my parents just asked them y it happened. He made me want another one & want to give bk to the breed if not bought from the same breeder. They got them for 75 dollars each. Only Max had this innate drive which wud be excellent for this line of work. His half brother did not & was dog aggressive while he was kind, concerned & caring. Max was passive, patient, & sorta goofy which helped me a lot as a child. Any time I fell he rushed to make me feel better when crying. I fell 3days ago & it reminded me of this except I could not get bk up. I required help from another person to get up on my feet & depended on them for physical support. Do u have any more information for someone like me? I've just begun my research but I've been thinking about it for about 6months before this point. Again I will also be discussing this w/ mental health professionals as well.

I feel guilty talking about service dogs because i feel like it would help me so much but then theres all of the money that it takes to get one and train one and i feel like its a very selfish thing to do to my family bc they have spend so much money on meds that arent even working I dont know what to do and ive been trying to work up the gut to talk to my family about it but i never can. What would you do?

I’ve been researching service dogs for years and I’ve been taking to my doctor about it for a long time. Finally we agreed it would be the best option

I’ve been doing lots of research and this popped up on my feed. This was very informative; thank you so much.

Thank you so much!!!! Your information was so helpful and informative.

I have PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, depression and a heart problem that i have to watch over times I've passed out a couple time and meds for my mental problems haven't worked or iron pills cause im as well anemic( my whole life as be health problems and it runs on my mother side but i dont know about my father's side), i get random panic attacks and animals have helped when im home since i had a dog that was already affectionate but i dont really understand the whole service dog thing so this really helps, my mother has a lot other things that she's constantly been hospitalized with stroke signs and flares. So ill will look into it more. Thank you i wanted to know good and bad cause everything has a side effect.

i love this! thank you for making this!

Great video.So genuine and passionate that I found it emotional.Good Luck at School .

This is really helpful. My son feels that a service dog will help him immensely. I am unsure of the bigger picture and so am researching, hence how I found myself here. Thank you for uploading this.

My therapist and doctors at hospitals say that I should get a service dog for my anxiety attacks and panic attacks along with depression ptsd and syncope. I’m kinda unsure if I need one but I feel as though it would help me from leaving school early all the time or from being told to go tot he consoling after or during a panic attack. My depression is very self destructive as well as my ptsd break downs. This video has help a lot in understanding I do have rights to get a service dogs

I have been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and overall anxiety, and now my therapist and psychiatrist are looking into my possible ADD. I am a junior in high school and I am absolutely terrified about moving out and being all on my own, definitely when even something as simple as taking my meds daily require constant nagging and reminders. I have been researching service dogs for years now, and I am seriously thinking about getting one, although I feel a lot of guilt. Yes, sometimes I can't get out of bed for DAYS, yes sometimes I have full fledged breakdowns at school and other public places, and yes I have suicidal and self destructive behaviors but for some reason I can't get it through my mind that I deserve a service dog. I always feel that someone is worse off and that I need to quit being 'dramatic'. I have been seeing my therapist for about 2 years now, and yes I have gotten better than before I started seeing her, I secretly know that I am depending on her greatly and I know that once I turn 18 and go off to college and I'm all alone again, I'm going to go back to my old self. Things such as being alerted before I have a PTSD attack or being alerted when I should take my medicine I feel could greatly...GREATLY help me. I dont know, I am I'm such denial and I feel so selfish but at the same time, I know myself very well and know what would benefit me. How do I tell if I am disabled or just have illnesses?

As I’m watching your video I just want to say THANK YOU bc I LOVE brutal honesty and realistic perspectives. This is helping me to slow down with the direction I was heading and this is teaching me more towards the background things such as information regarding the ADA, going to a medical doctor, as well as the different types of service dogs and where their abilities would come into play🥺 Love this! Thank you, THANK you! I will keep these in mind as the weeks progress to make sure this is a possible path for me(: ❤️

You are so correct about the social anxiety part but If I get an SD I will be with my brother you are a very good teacher and I will tell myself with it I will always have a friend by my side and it’s better to get it now before hs especially it’s better to get it before then later I would rather go and struggle with something by my side instead of struggle with nothing by my side and keep going lonely but thank you so much for this info :)

My doctor saw me for roughly 8 months before I brought up a service dog. I had tried tons of medications and therapies before deciding that a service dog may actually be able to assist me. Plus, I still am hunting for a diagnosis! So they figured that it was best for me to pursue an alternative treatment plan. Took me forever to decide this was even a good idea! About a year before officially even talking to said doctor. I am so happy you made this video.

I’m torn about getting a service dog. I don’t have a proper official diagnosis for any of my issues and it’s primarily because I’ve been in treatment to cope and function and I’ve made a lot of progress but I still struggle. I’ve had emotional support animals before, which are obviously different, that naturally alerted and intervened. Because I was a child without an official diagnosis I couldn’t get a service dog, but I was very lucky to have a pet who was very intune to me and my symptoms. She helped me a lot for years when I could have her around, but I struggled in public places that she couldn’t go because she wasn’t trained and had certain qualities like her own anxiety that prevented her from being trained. You can’t always teach a dog to alert or intervene, they have to have certain qualities and behaviors to begin with. Gracie had those, but she was Velcro and anxious too. And she got distracted at times- she was dog and people reactive but not aggressive. She’d just take her attention off me and put it on something else. So for those reasons and others, she couldn’t be a service dog. I mostly managed with the help of my parents and her, but I’m 20 now. She died over a year ago at the ripe old age of 14. I’m struggling with independence. I can’t live with my parents forever because they’ll lose the ability to take care of me and die one day, and I don’t know what will happen to me then. I want to have a life on my own where I’m safe and functional and can have relationships with other people and go to school and be able to exist as my own person. I’ve never been able to be independent in my entire life and that’s really what I want. I’m so tired of barely surviving. My parents are tired of taking care of me and they’re trying to get distance too, but we can’t do that until I can function on my own. I feel like I’m running out of time to be able to live. And I don’t even know if I could get help without the official diagnosis. With Covid and everything else it could be a long time before I can have testing done to confirm what we’ve already suspected my entire life.

Ive been struggling for years with manic depression and anxiety. Also i have struggled with self harm. Ive been seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist for several years and have been just increasing my dosage of medications. I don’t go grocery shopping because of this. The idea of having a service animal to assist me and improve the quality of my life sounds amazing. Ive been researching training and researching my preferred breed as I would like this dog to grow old with me.

Thank you SO much Emily! This is what I try to tell people all of the time. I have gone on absolute crusades against ads on the internet that tell people that they can make their dog, a "service dog". My Wife Donna had a full, service dog. An 8 pound Yorkie-poo privately trained for 18 months With a diploma from 4 paws for ability Where she was taken for final evaluation. Cookie is a seizure alert dog. Cookie is 12 now and was retired from service 4 years ago And my wife passed away 3 years ago. Cookie has been learning to be a fun loving normal dog since then, but when I put any kind of clothing on her she still goes into work mode. When I get her soft sherpa carrier, she again goes into work mode of non disturbance of her environment. But trying to inform people that a service dog is not something that you can just make out of your pet has been harrowing at best. And then there were the people who tried to refuse access to my wife and Cookie into establishments because they didn't understand the law and the distinction between a pet and a service dog. We started to carry ADA brochures with the guidelines on them. People who try to pass their dog off as a service dog have made it astoundingly difficult for people who need them. Cookie is now my constant companion But I only take her to places where pets are welcome, or she stays home even though her public access behavior is still 100% intact. I...don't need her for me, so I consider it unethical to continue treating her as a service dog in establishments where only Service animals are allowed.

I’ve been researching service dogs for a novel I’m writing and wanted to get all of the facts right. This video was very helpful and informative and I’ll be watching more of your videos. Thank you!

diabetic alert dogs sometimes start scent training at 2 weeks! great video

I’m so tired rn and I saw this in my recommendations and without reading the title just clicked the video bc I saw the puppy 😂 now I’m searching up things about service dogs and things they do! It’s super cool and intriguing! 😌

I have a golden doodle service dog she saved my life thanks for the awesome video

I have anxiety a bit of depression and I feel very lonely so now I am doing a lot if research about getting a service dog or if I even need one

So, I've had panic attacks, severe anxiety, and depression throughout 2020 (I've had depression and anxiety throughout my childhood do to many traumatic events) and it has been mostly worrying and I've been thinking about getting a dog for a long time. Its hard for me to leave the house and to be alone outside, I get easily anxious and have very physical reactions when anxious, and experience extreme bouts of sadness randomly. I've been researching for years and I sincerely don't know what to do. I have a cat and her presence helps to an extent but it feels like something that I need is missing, even on meds.

You did a great job making this video !!!!! You did great explaining EVERYTHING !!! THANK YOU ..XOXO

Just wanted to let you know some folks like myself are getting passed around from doctor to doctor in the VA or military so sometimes I am sure it would be reliant on medical history in those cases maybe? But every doctor has their own opinion, my last doctor believed I have chronic pain and no doctor has believed me when I talk about the dent in my skull or the constant headaches and other issues I have. But it is what it is I suppose. This is a lot of good information and I do hope that no one is coming to this video just because they want to cheat the system. Thank you for putting out a video on this for genuinely curious people to get good information on this subject.

I want to say that: your video is very informative and, I also have a disability. Plus, a neurological condition. And my question is: what type of dog breeds, do they use for people who deals with epilepsy?

My doctor I went to for years told me I should get a service dog for my anxiety, depression and panic attacks...he said I should get a border collie and train it my self with a private train.

Dude...the best thing I think I’ve been doing is looking up service dogs on IG and KZfaq etc. So helpful hearing from those who live it. I went down a rabbit of watching fake service dog videos and videos on access issues on KZfaq and man it was helpful. But TW if you have anxiety: watching them helped me know how to properly handle those tough situations. I will be owner training. I watched tons of stuff on KZfaq. Your video is part of that. I pickup my 8 week old GSD in 2 days. I’m sure I can do this. I even watched videos on how to correct reactive or guarding behaviors. How to correct leash pulling etc. I can’t work and am home most of the time. I have the time to work on this stuff before I start public access training. You are so right to tell us to do our research. I even chose the breeder based on their pedigree. They bred these particular GSDs with the intent to make a litter with the desired working drive and temperament I will need. I’m amazed. They are Cook Farm Kennels in Browns Summit NC. They do have a puppy shipping system. My pup was $1,500 total and the generation chart of the parents goes back at least 4 generations. Their hips and elbows are also certified free of dysplasia (a common issue in page working breeds). I highly recommend them!

What a thorough review, and while it could have been edited, your genuine passion and wisdom resonated with me. You stopped me in my tracks when you said for people with social anxiety a service dog is NOT a good idea!!!! AMEN AMEN AMEN. OMG so true. I have actually developed MORE of an avoidance of humanity because at first ("in training") I was so focused on training him that I ignored people, but now, 3 years later, I am irritated being intrupted while I am using my few braincells to follow a list and shop. People don't read the vest signs. I have been kind (mostly) but I also snapped a time or two. When an MD kept touching my dog and I told them to stop, asked them to stop, begged them to stop they refused saying "if you didn't want people to touch your dog you should have gotten an ugly service dog." OMG I have a dog who was REFUSED by his first placement because he was ugly! You nailed the cons. People know now that the energy to survive can be enhanced by a service dog in your life, there are days and times that you will lose energy to humanity because you have such a special partner in life. for us, for me, tis worth it most days. I searched for years for a dog and passed up several because my partner didn't want me to have another dog. A service dog is, as you said, completely different than having a companion dog. Again, you really nailed it. Real this people.

I’m pretty sure I qualify and whenever my friend would practice separation her dog, Mazzy tasked for me. I have PTSD and sever anxiety and depression so when I had a really bad panic attack Mazzy started doing DPT and she helped me a lot so my friend let me handle her for a while. I’ve been with the same doctor for 5 years now and she knows about the anxiety and depression and PTSD. She has recommended a dog for a year or so but my mom says it’s not the best idea but my doctor and mom are trying to find a way to get me a service dog. I feel like sometimes I could use one but other times I feel like I’m fine. If you could give me some advice that would be great.

I wasn't trying to scam a system. I wanted to write a character with a service animal.

Thank you for the honest, concise video!

Im writing about a person getting a service dog to treat his PTSD and this was very informative! Thank you for sharing!

I want to know if service dogs can help with generalized anxiety disorder, asthma and panic attacks

I have PTSD and anxiety (not social anxiety) and my doctor said I'm eligable. Do you recommend getting one or not? Edit: And yes I know I'm late.

This video was really moving and informative. I’m in the process of getting everything ready to talk to my doctor about getting a service dog. My medical history is long and very complicated. I have a stomach disease, a kidney disease, and they are pretty sure I have an autoimmune disease- we just don’t know what kind yet. Last time I had a job was about 12 years ago and I got fired because I was so sick that I wasn’t able to return to work for over 6 months. I still have bouts like that. I’ve had some pretty bizarre things come up. I’ve had a few near death experiences, and my life revolves around my husband’s work schedule because he works away from home 3 weeks out the month. I am an incredibly active person when I’m not incapacitated. I have a small farm, I homeschool my kiddo, I try to walk anywhere from 4-10 miles a day. I hike, I haul 100 lb hay bales. The problem is that between all of that, I get so sick that I’m bedridden for weeks at a time. I have to call my mom before and after taking walks when I’m alone so that if something happens to me she will know exactly where to send help (she lives in another state). My husband has considered quitting his job because I’ve been so sick that I’ve been incapable of taking care of myself. On top of all that I began having ocular migraines where I don’t necessarily get pain with them but have had a significant amount of vision loss. I have a cyst on my right kidney (from having Polycystic kidney disease) that’s nearly 10 CM. It’s so large that it’s nearly 3x the size of my kidney and is pushing my kidney into my spinal cord. I pass out sometimes, run chronic fevers, have malabsorption issues with my stomach disease, throw up and can’t stop, and was diagnosed with pericarditis. That’s STILL not everything. It sounds insane. It sounds completely made up and yet, here I am. Even though I walk around with a pharmacy in my purse... I still wonder if I’m sick enough to be deserving of a service dog. Yet having a dog that can be trained to get me help when I’m out on a walking path would greatly improve my quality of life and peace of mind. Having a dog that can get my medication for me when I can’t get to it myself or get my phone for me when I need to call 911, or help me get back to my house or car when I run fevers and feeling like passing out... it would make a big difference in my life. So I’m putting aside my fears of not being sick enough and I’m getting everything together so I can talk to my doctor. I hope anyone else reading this will do the same.

this is random and off topic but . your voice is so calming and like it actually calms my anxiety this is so nice

Ok so I’ve been thinking that maybe a service dog would help me for multiple things in my life... first one I can’t see properly out of one of my eyes which causes me to get very dizzy... I can’t walk for too long, run or do a lot of things cause of my knees... get really bad anxiety and panic attacks and depression.... all these things I have been to a doctor for years now and they can’t figure out what’s wrong... I know that’s a lot but can someone tell me if I would maybe qualify to have a service dog?

I never actually knew that a minature horse could be a service animal. I actually kind of started laughing at that. I mean imagine seeing a minature horse walking through a mall.

I think you are incredibly brave to do this video to help others understand the truth. Thank you for your help to educate me and walk me through something s. I look forward to having more imput.

Thank you for making this video! I’ve been diagnosed with OCD since I was four years old. In later years I’ve also been diagnosed with DMDD, PTSD, and Depression. I’m currently in a school for kids with mental illness and in about two years I’ll be back to a public school. However me and my team don’t know if I’ll be be able to handle it alone and I might need one on one so a service dog could be a good option and let me be more independent. But of course we would have to think about it more.

My doctor already said that I need a service dog, but I don't know how to go about it I don't have the ability to train my own service dog

I feel really guilty that I want one but the thing is, is that if I don't know someone I get very bad anxiety especially if a guardian is not there. And when I am alone at night and early in the morning I just have this feeling that someone is coming to slaughter me. Especially when I'm not at home. Sometimes if I need to go to the bathroom at night or early in the morning I HAVE to hold it in. And if I don't then I stay in the bathroom until I feel safe enough to come out. My dad never really pays attention to me so he doesn't ever notice. (Please comment some suggestions 🥺)

Your videos are always so helpful. My family is currently considering a service dog for low blood pressure, EDS (along with other mobility issues), PTSD and a irregular heart rate. This is very informing, and hopefully we can figure out what will be right for me. Edit: I just wanted to include something; I am under 18 and have been on meds and doing physical therapy for YEARS. The goal was to get rid of my brace so I don’t have to worry about falling or collapsing, but nothing worked. I also have processing disorders, mainly the one that affects me the most is auditory processing disorder. This means that a lot of the time when I hear alarms or when someone says something to me (mostly the one that I’m the most worried about: “you’re really pale) and I don’t understand it until my brain has sometimes taken minutes to sort it out. If you are under 18 and either need a diagnosis or already have a diagnosis and want to bring up the prospect of a service dog, just do it. Tell your parents and have them take you to a doctor. I have very severe anxiety and was terrified of this, so I sent a text that was basically just an essay to my dad, and he said no. When I sent this to my dad, I was in the school bathroom and I literally just passed out. I hit my head and had to go to the hospital, after which my dad said we’d go talk to a doctor. My pediatrician said yes almost immediately and since we’ve been researching and looking for trainers/reputable breeders. So if you’re worried, don’t be, unless your parents are weird about things like that. Just make sure you have the ability to own a dog, and that it’s the right choice for you. :)

Awesome, on the journey myself. thanks for the life experience involved.

I've been recently researching for a service animal and I was just wondering if I would qualify with my illness? I have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and aside from a lot of symptoms I tend to pass out a lot and have seizure like activity. it's hard because sometimes I don't know I'm going to have one til I'm waking up on the floor. I want to get a job as well so I was thinking a service would help. but would I qualify??

I take my dog with me everywhere that is dog friendly, ya, its fun, but its a tun of work and ive put a crazy amount of training in. Hes still not perfect at 15 months old but hes getting there. I dont want to take him places that are not dog friendly, he has no business in the grocery store. There are so many dog friendly establishment, just do some research.

I'm a 100% disabled veteran, now diagnosed with autism, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and ptsd. I'm also epileptic. My psychiatrist (MD) immediately agreed a service dog would be helpful for me, as I'm about to be living alone. Lucky for me, there is a local organization in my area that rescues dogs from shelters, then pairs the dog with a veteran in need, and trains the dog and veteran to be a service dog team. (At no cost to the veteran.) It is a regimented program with defined goals and progressively more difficult testing with the Public Access Test being the final test. I've met my dog, Hank (Approximately 18 month 1/2 lab - 1/2 great pyrinees), and I take custody of him on Monday, so we can start bonding and basic obedience training. We start service dog training in January. I'm currently doing research, and found your video. Your very direct, keep it real approach is refreshing. I know I need help, and am looking forward to Hank and I working together. Thank you for the insights, and best of luck to you!

This video helped me a lot! I sometimes feel like I’m cheating the system even though I’m not. This video helped me realize that I should be more confident about having a service dog. I have PTSD and anxiety. When I get panic attacks I don’t eat for as long as I’m anxious which ranges from 2 days-a week.I also get really dizzy from panic attacks which causes me to fall and sometimes injure myself. Molly (My service dog) alerts me before I have a panic attack so I don’t get hurt. Thank you so much!

I might start researching about service dogs and horses just incase because in my life I have been known to faint a lot.Since I was in reception and up to now I have fainted 9 or 10 times.I worry about the stupidest things and I end up crying.Comment if you think I have anxiety and if I need to study about service dogs and horses.

And my service dog WAS my first treatment option and I can do what I want with it so stop telling people they can’t have a service dog if they have a disability

I’m getting a service dog soon. I like this video and I hope to join the community of people with Service Dogs. ❤️

Real quick akita you just have to take it one step at a time try bringing it up with your doctor, THANK you for this vid so much more informed!

I have a question....I am going to tell my family that I'm going to get a service dog but I'm not sure how they'll react. They own the house we live in (we pay them rent) and although we don't live with them, I'm terrified they aren't going to understand and think I'm just doing it to get a puppy. I'm afraid they won't care/understand and tell us we can't do it or to get rid of it. I've done all the research and thinking and I think this is the best decision for me to be able to be independent again. I'm having panic attacks over it and nightmares, losing sleep, etc. I have prepared some info for them when I tell them (as well as having my fiance with me for support) so I think that should help but don't know anything else that might . Any advice?

I know this is a fairly old video but I was curious about something, I have major depressive disorder, mild anxiety, and bad attention problems as in I space out a lot and have a hard time concentrating for long amounts of time would it be good for me to get a service dog? Animals calm me down significantly I have a dog currently but he causes me more stress than help so I’m not sure how to go about that

Honestly I have talked to people about getting a service dog and they think they are just entitled to one. After almost dying 3 times I can tell you having a disability isn’t fun. In one of those events I was completely unaware and it was honestly just luck that I was found out to be in danger. I’m training my own service dog to be a cardiac alert dog. This dog will for sure make me feel safer out in public. So many times where I have been in danger and thoughtfully someone was there. One day there isn’t going to be someone there and I’m going to need something to help and a dog is the best way. I told a lot about it with my doctors and they all thought it was perfect for me. This video was very honest and informative to those who just don’t know anything about a service dog.

tysm for making this video im trying to figure out how to get one for my ptsd, fainting (doc thought it was pots), and agoraphobia because of my ptsd. its so hard to find resources that explain things clearly on this and arent trying to take advantage of people.

I have some tough feedback for you, that comes from a loving place- I came to this video in a positive, curious place, and after watching 5 minutes I feel anxious and panicked. As someone with legitimate disabilities who has done extensive treatments with psychiatrists, therapists, and doctors, and has researched service dogs for some time, I came here because I felt ready to learn more about the process of obtaining one, as I have exhausted other options and a service dog seems like the right move to me. I wanted to see what it was like for you. It made me personally feel attacked that you treated the viewer like they were watching this to get a fun puppy to bring with them everywhere. I would recommend being more careful with your language and including more disclaimers as it may make some people question themselves and feel gaslighted, and like they don’t truly need a service dog when they do. This was personally distressing to me because there are enough people in the world who already question needs for accommodations, which is a bit retraumatizing. I don’t mean to make you feel bad, but please try to lead with compassion. I know you are trying to do the right thing in discouraging fake service dogs or folks getting them for the wrong reason. I think that can be done in a more mindful way.

People who run to dr begging for a dog, just want it for attention.

I've wanted and felt like i've needed a service dog for about two years now. I have autism and some psychiatric impairments that prevent me from ever having a half okay day. Im not very open to my parents about how I feel, because i'm either too embarrassed, feel like I might get judged or just can't get the words out. I've asked my mother [who i'm much closer with rather than my father] to maybe look into me getting a service dog. I was honest and told her that there are some downsides but the pros outweighed the cons in my case, but she still thought that i'm taking advantage of my clinical diagnosis. I feel like I deserve the help of a service animal, i just feel like i've been struggling my whole life and that finally something might help me feel better, or even have a reason to get up in the morning.

Hi I'm glad you are having fun with your dog there is play time and work time mostly work time but they are a dog and they need a break from work