Service Dog Tippy

Service Dog Public Access Tasks and Credentials

1. Tactile distraction from disorders

2. Reality affirmation via lick face and gentle bite on command or nudging

3. Check (look) at handler's face for unusual expressions

4. Alerts of anything unusual or threatening

5. Barrier between others and deterrence of threatening people

6. Helps find correct exit of confusing buildings

7. Wears handler ID, etc. in harness pouch in case of emergency

*Helps release serotonin and oxytocin to lower blood pressure and to relieve anxiety, depression, mood swings, stress, fear, etc.
*Sleep comfort and nightmare recovery.
*Sense of safety and security; searches to reduce hyper-vigilance.
Companionship to relieve loneliness.
Exercise motivation - walking, hiking, jogging, playing.

Service Dog Laws - ADA

As a high profile service dog, Tippy was an ambassador for other dogs because he set the example of how well behaved, friendly and trained a dog can be if raised and trained properly. Thousands of people were Wowed! by him from 2004 to present (present due to this media).

2010-07-03-mt-evans-14k-elevation

2011-08-23

2013-01-02

2010-09-09-stairs

2013-04-15-high-elevation

2013-03-23-whistler-canada-gondula-security

2013-03-24-whistler-canada-gondula-distant

2013-03-24-whistler-canada-gondula-view-below

2013-09-21-whistler-canada-checking

Wisdom I learned and Relearn from Tippy

Be mindful of how anger is managed and affects others. Most things that trigger anger are minor and temporary.
Tippy set the most extraordinary example for will power by being very happy despite geriatric health setbacks and injuries.
We all have to eventually go to make room for the new.
Due to his very strong, impressive will power, he gives me motivation to do difficult things that I should do such as work out longer and harder at the gym.
Set an example for the next generations.

Tippy History and Training

Tippy is a Whippet-Beagle mix and the first dog to ever be called a "WhipEagle" (created by Eric).
Tippy was original adopted to be an outside guard dog, but wanted to be inside and on the bed. He won. While inside, I noticed he was a natural with learning new tricks with ease. Tippy loved working even if no treat reward.
Soon after I adopted Tippy, I attempted to run my own computer store in Murfreesboro, Arkansas where Tippy frequently greeted the public. He was really great at this too. My business failed due to my PTSD symptoms though.
Tippy has served exceptionally well in hundreds of public locations throughout the Lower 48 states and southern Canada. He has gained access inside many places normally forbidden for dogs such as zoos, lighthouses, federal buildings, post offices, schools, etc. He is so well behaved he does very well with retractable leashes, often referred to as "Flexi" leashes. Tippy is afraid of loud noises which is usually a disqualification for service dogs except in the case of PTSD service, he pulls me away from loud noises.

Did You Know?

Any breed or mix breed dog can be a service dog, but the dog must be trained to perform at least one service for a handler's disability, be clean and well behaved.
It takes a whole year of training to train most service dogs. Many don't make the cut.
A trained, qualified service dog costs around $25,000 or more, sometimes much more.
September is Service Dog Month.