Your Ideal Dog is Out There
At Disabled Advantage, we understand that the right dog for one person may not be the right fit for someone else. What works for you might not work for your best friend.
As someone whose disability complicates life with a dog, I know how important it is to find the perfect match.
Whether you’re looking for a companion or a future service dog, being patient to find the right dog for your specific needs is a commitment can save you money, time, and heartache.
Cute Faces Can Mislead You
Common Questions I Get
Why Do I Need Your Help?
8 out of 10 owners will pick a dog based on love at first sight, which is misleading. It’s hard to look past the cute face and look at a dog critically. By asking me for help, I take on the burden of being hyper-critical of available choices, dismiss the ones who don’t meet your criteria list and/or basic what makes a good service dog criteria, and only bring you a list of dogs to actively consider. This process saves your heart, reduces mental or emotional overwhelm, and saves you time and money. I know how to evaluate shelter dogs and sort through reputable versus irresponsible breeders to make the most of your budget, and find a dog efficiently.
I just want a pet. Do I still need your help?
I recommend it, because even though you don’t need a dog to fulfill a specific purpose, you do still need a dog who is a good match to your lifestyle and personality. The average dog lover doesn’t view dogs as “if, then” statements the way I do as a trainer. I help you bridge that gap. For instance,
- If you’re not actually looking for a project dog, then a tough story isn’t a good fit. Enter paying a behavioral trainer thousands of dollars. Another hard truth is some people simply aren’t the person the dog needs.
- If a dog with a stubborn personality gets adopted by a person with a timid personality, then the dog takes charge of the home & your life gets more overwhelming.
- If a dog with a lot of energy gets adopted by someone who really just wanted a snuggle buddy who wanted the occasional walk, then everyone is going to be frustrated and overwhelmed by a chaotic, destructive dog.
- If a dog with the mindset of a couch potato gets adopted by someone who is an avid hiker and adventurer, then both human and dog will frustrated and disappointed. Certain breeds were bred to only stay at home.
I already have a dog. Is that okay?
- If you’re needing a service dog, please book an In-depth Training session to give me a chance to evaluate your dog’s potential for service dog work. Your dog may be a fantastic companion, but may or may not have the right stuff to be a service dog. This session determines if we can move forward with your current dog or need to find you a dog.
- If you’re wanting a companion/pet dog, that’s fine! Please book a Starter Consult to help me determine what course or type of training you need based on what you tell me about your dog and training goals.
How Long Will This Take?
It depends on where you live, what’s available, and if you’re going the shelter/rescue route or the breeder route. My fastest search to date was 1 month, for a client in an area where dogs came & went from shelters rapidly. My longest search has been 6 months, for a client looking for a puppy from a breeder because it took time to find breeders of her ideal breeds in her area, and then wait for the puppy to be born and develop enough to leave the litter.
Do You Breed Dogs?
I do not.
Do You Come with Us In-Person?
I do not. I accompany you virtually over a Zoom call, called a virtual meet-and-greet. It’s vital you have data or wifi in the area so you can have me on your phone or tablet to see and evaluate the dog while you interact with them.
Do You Have Dogs I Can Choose From?
I do not. I only have my own dog(s), which are not for sale/adoption. Any dogs living in my home are my active service dog and/or my retired service dog.
Service Dog Prospects
Companion Dogs
