WACO, Texas (KWTX) – United K9, a veteran-owned, Texas-based dog training company, offers service dog training to assist those struggling with mobility issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
September is National Service Dog Month, a time to celebrate and educate about the importance of service dogs’ work. Lisa Williams, the Waco United K9 owner and trainer, said that she has seen firsthand how her clients’ lives can change with the help of service dogs, especially a veteran struggling with the effects of PTSD.
“Before he had the dog, he said he was scared to even go to Walmart. He didn’t like to be around people. He would have flashbacks,” she said. “But after the dog was trained, he felt very confident in what he had. I feel that a service dog is going to give them the life that they deserve.”
Jen Carrier, owner of the United K9 Liberty Hill franchise, has seen similar success stories, such as a recent client with mobility issues.
“It’s just wonderful to see that he’s adding value to this gentleman’s life. Now, he can go places by himself because he has a dog that can help him get around,” Carrier said.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal must be a dog individually trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability. United K9 owner Craig Hanna said you can train your own, but it’s best to follow some preemptive steps before even getting a dog.
“Research would probably be the best thing to do. See what your options are. Learn about what medical task you need that dog to perform,” he said.
After that research, Hanna said to consult a professional trainer. They can assist in choosing the right dog for specific medical tasks and properly train the dog so the education sticks long-term.
Carrier said that United K9 certifies service dogs for one year, but then checks in to ensure the dog is still on task before recertification.
“It’s not a one-and-done. It’s a continuous education,” she said.
While these furry friends are undeniably adorable, they are also on the job. Mya Goldick, a McLennan Community College student and United K9 client, is currently training her dog, Stella. She said the hardest part of training can be the distraction from people in public.
“If you see a handler and a dog and you see the ‘in training’, most of the time, don’t come up to them. They are working,” she said.
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