When I got home after receiving Justice, my program trained service dog, I didn't quite know what to expect. Below are some tips I'm sure we all wish we would have known. Whether you're getting your dog from a program or beginning to train your own here's to all you new service dog handlers who don't quite know what to expect from life with a service dog.

Make sure you're familiar with the American Disability Act

Make sure you're familiar with your rights. Before you get your dog be sure to read and study up on the American Disability Act (ADA) laws regarding service dogs. Next week I will be writing an article with the ADA laws simplified as well as all the useful links to great resources. There will be times this knowledge comes in handy but this is very important as a service dog handler. If you ever run into access issues you'll want to be able to argue your right to be in the store. It is also a good idea to make or buy business cards with ADA laws on them as well as their hotline number. These are good for businesses that want to deny your dog simply because they don't understand the laws.

Your dog will have an accident

No matter how careful you are or how well trained your dog is, they are not perfect and at some point in your experience as a team, your dog will most likely have an accident when they're out and about. If it is to happen try and clean up the best you can and get a manager, but don't sweat it too hard. That being said this is never an excuse to take a dog that hasn't been house trained into a public setting. There's a difference between an accident and the dog not being well enough trained to know not to go inside.

Don't give up

Things are going to get tough, there are going to be times of doubt. Whether you're doubting your need for a service dog or if you're doubting that you guys are a good team don't give up. We all experience these feelings, I personally have an episodic disability meaning there are some days I can function normally and then other days I am disabled by my condition. Because there are days I feel completely fine I sometimes end up feeling guilty for having my dog. Just remember these feelings are normal and remind yourself you have your dog for a reason. As for the dog, if there is something you are training and they are struggling with don't give up. Take a break and come back to it later. Don't overwhelm yourself or your dog.

Don't focus on being perfect

I did this a lot, heck I still struggle with this. A lot of us hold really high standards for our dog which is not a bad thing, just don't be disappointed if you don't reach perfection. I struggle with this a lot because I feel like Justice has to be 100% perfect 100% of the time, but in reality, she's a dog. She's not a robot and she doesn't comprehend like we do, we can't expect our service dogs to always be 100% no matter how well trained they are. They have good days and bad days just like us. If they're having a bad day, keep it simple and go back to basics. Whip out the treats. Find solutions but just remember it's not the end of the world.

Pack a 'Going Out' bag

At first, it seems like you don't need all that much to just go to the store with your dog but make sure you're prepared. Take doggie bags, any training tools you need (every outing is a training opportunity even with a finished dog), wipes for your dog's paws, a travel bowl, blanket and anything else you feel is essential. I usually keep my travel bag, a spare vest and a toy in my car. I do keep the treats, doggie bags and travel bowl with me at all times.

Prepare yourself for the public

A dog will draw a lot of attention to you so prepare yourself for that. There will be lots of questions, way more than you expect. You will get tired of them. Not everybody will be nice to you. As I was told while getting my dog, having a service dog forms a bridge and if you have trouble starting conversations with people, a dog will help tremendously as you will have people approaching you instead of the opposite. That being said if the idea of strangers approaching you to ask about your dog or disability makes you start sweating and gets you nervous a service dog might not be the right option. Just keep in mind you'll be doing a lot of "don't pet" and "my medical history is private" it's just a part of the life you can't escape.

Find fun activities for you and your pooch

Your service dog needs time off just like we do, it's also important we keep them fit and healthy. After all, it's not fair to work an overweight pooch. Find fun things for you and your dog to do together to burn off calories and take your mind off a day's work. I take Justy and play around on the agility course, others go dock diving or hiking. Find something you and your dog both enjoy to ensure your dog gets some well deserved time off and can be kept in tip top shape.

Spares are your friend

Your dog is a dog and accidents happened. During the beginning of my career with my service dog, I left my dog's vest in the back with her and didn't think anything of it, she had toys in the back. When I got to the restaurant I found she had chewed up the buckle on the vest. Needless to say, I didn't have a spare and was not confident working her vestless so after a short panic session I had to rig her vest up with a shoelace. Not to mention I had to keep adjusting and redoing my handy work because I couldn't get a new vest very quickly. I now have spares of just about all of my important gear.

Vests

I've seen a lot of debate on whether to deck your vest out in patches or to keep it simple. The right answer to that is: whatever you want. There's no right or wrong way to have your vest. Decorate it as much or as little as you'd like, there's no rules or regulations on how your vests should look so do whatever you please. For me, this was a perfect opportunity to add some personal flair and show off your creativity. I personally have a few different vests, I have a crazy over the top one, a super simple one and one right in the middle. It's all up to you!

Be prepared for how much of a difference they will make

Once you and your dog really get the swing of things they make such an impact on your life. A service dog is a lot of work, you have to keep up their training, keep them fit, and keep them mentally sharp but it's worth it. At the end of the day, all the ups and downs are worth the unconditional love you're receiving from your partner. Having a service dog, if they're right for you, will liberate you. They are here to mitigate the symptoms of our disability and that is worth every second, every arrogant question from the public, every nasty look becomes worth it.

There's a lot to learn

Never be afraid to reach out to the community and ask for help. There are lots of groups on Facebook willing to help those who are new. Even those of us who think we know everything learn new things. With a service dog, you will never stop learning. I think it's also important to remember your dog cannot cure your disability, I know this was a big misconception I struggled with in the beginning. I thought having Justice would make my symptoms disappear. I still suffer, but she is my medical equipment she is there to make the suffering easier, to help me come back from an episode quicker. They're here to mitigate but they cannot cure. Your dog is here for you and there is a community willing to help at your fingertips. You're not alone and we've all started in the same place. The biggest thing I can emphasize in this article is this: once you receive your dog your life will change for the better. You will experience a whole new level of love and companionship. Your dog will become one of your best friends and greatest assets and you will meet a lot of great people along the way.

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Next Weeks Article: ADA & FHA Laws Simplified