Insights, Reviews, and Lived Experience

Your service dog goes almost everywhere with you, but there are times you’ll have to leave them home. Maybe you’re hanging out with a friend who has a severe dog allergy, you’re going somewhere your dog can’t easily tuck under, or you’re visiting a location that isn’t service dog friendly, like a turtle nesting site.…

Photo by Antonio Zarza on Unsplash Choosing a service dog involves many considerations, including breed, temperament, and size. While large breeds often dominate service work, smaller dogs can be an excellent fit for many handlers depending on their needs and lifestyle. Understanding the pros and cons of a small service dog can help handlers decide…

Service dogs are trained to navigate most public spaces, but even though they can be there, doesn’t mean they should be in every situation. There are some situations that are dangerous to service dogs. Knowing when to avoid certain environments can help keep service dogs safe and working comfortably. Escalators Escalators are convenient for people,…

Heads up! Service Dog Living accepts submissions from readers for “Life of a Service Dog Handler” stories. To learn how to submit your story, visit the Contact page. Story submitted anonymously. When Your Dog Is Denied Entry Photo by Malachi Brooks on Unsplash There I was, standing in a restaurant in my big city being…

Toys aren’t just for fun. When used intentionally, they can help build foundational skills that transfer directly into service dog work. Whether you’re introducing new tasks or just starting out, these three service dog toys can help your dog learn important abilities. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means I may earn…

There’s a lot of controversy around small service dogs. Many people assume that only certain breeds (like labradors and golden retrievers) can be “real” service dogs. While those breeds are popular for good reasons, they are not the only valid option. Small dog breeds can absolutely be service dogs. In fact, for many people, a…

So you’re owner-training—or working with a trainer—and bringing home a puppy as your service dog prospect. You’ve got the crate, collar, bowls, and other big essentials covered. Vet appointments are scheduled. Your trainer is on speed dial. Photo by Olga Andreyanova on Unsplash But once your puppy is actually home, you may find yourself asking…

Finding books with service dogs that portray them accurately can be difficult. Many novels only include service dogs as props or clichés. However, this roundup highlights five books with service dogs that get it right, whether in mystery novels, contemporary fiction, or children’s ebooks. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means I…

Guide dog representation appears in fiction far less often than it should, and when it does, it is rarely within realistic portrayals of disabled life. The Sign for Home by Blair Fell stands apart, not only because it includes a guide dog, but because it tells a deeply human story about autonomy, access, and being…