Work with us?
We Specialize in transforming
Pets into Service Dogs
ESA vs. PSD
An emotional support animal (ESA) is very similar to a psychiatric service dog (PSD) in that both help relieve symptoms of mental or emotional distress. The process for qualifying for an ESA or PSD differ in the standard of training. (The ADA puts out general guidelines click here) An ESA does not need to meet any behavioral or training standards. Service Animals need to meet the following standards:
1) Service Animal is any individually trained dog or miniature horse (this does not mean you have to struggle to train a dog yourself) Use professional guidance in owner training programs. Get the help you need at Canine Assistance Puerto Rico. ​
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2) Individually means the work or task performed by a service animals must be directly related to the individual's disability.
3) Trained means to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. This includes a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability​
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For more information on Service Animals please read about our services on how to get a service dog trained.
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We use clinically proven approaches
Choice is Key...
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Choice makes dogs more polite and social. Social dogs are more in control of themselves and their actions and can generalize concepts to other areas of their lives.
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Choice trains dogs not to try to get something, but instead that leaving it alone is how to receive rewards
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Choice trains self control in dogs
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Choice is excellent for problem solving
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Dog's become socially adaptable, well-behaved and go on to become:
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Harmonious companions;
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Qualified service animals;
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Therapy dogs or other working dogs; or
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Dogs that enjoy city living
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What is an Assistance/Service Dog?
All Assistance Dogs are also Service Animals, and there is no right or wrong term. Service Animal is more commonly used when referring to federal laws in the US, where as Assistance Dog is more commonly used in the States and Internationally.
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​When considering training tasks for your pet dog, it's crucial to prioritize their effectiveness in supporting your overall wellness and recovery journey.
Tasks to assist with activities of daily living (ADL) such as opening doors, aiding in getting dressed, retrieving medicine, are not commonly needed by our clients. A service dog provides support in stressful situations, and also is trained to prevent them as much as possible by giving the handler a notification of building tension.
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Our owner training is aimed at promoting independence and self sufficiency. Dedicated to understanding the complexities of PTSD or other mental challenges and its treatment to provide the best possible support for you.
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We adhere to the guidelines set forth by the DOJ, ADA, and Title III, ensuring that service dogs are trained in tasks that promote comfort, well-being, and positive interactions with others.
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Our primary focus is on assisting you in learning to navigate and cope with daily life, rather than perpetuating survival conditioning through unnecessary protective behaviors. To understand the practical implications of our approach, please refer to details provided here.
Before moving forward with training tasks, it's essential to educate yourself about disability and its treatment or rehabilitation therapy. It is a misconception that we train service dogs with a therapeutic purpose. Mislabeling them as therapy dogs, PTSD dogs, or service dogs on social media can create misleading expectations.
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We encourage you to reach out to us for a consultation to discuss how our service dog training program can best support your unique needs and journey towards healing. It is free and there is no obligation to sign up for training.​
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