Golden retrievers are iconic dogs, and these gentle, friendly pups often find their place as family companions or working dogs. One of the most notable roles for golden retrievers is working as a service dog for an individual with a disability. These dogs can provide assistance in many ways and can be used as mobility, medical, and psychological service dogs, depending on their training.
If you are considering adding a golden retriever service dog to your life, it’s essential to know more about this breed and what your rights with your golden retriever service dog might be. We tell you more below.
What Is a Service Dog?
A service dog is any dog that is trained to perform tasks that help relieve the symptoms of a disability or make it easier for an individual with any disability to go about their day.
For example, someone with mobility issues may need their golden retriever service dog to help guide them in public, while someone with a psychological disability may need their golden retriever service dog to provide deep pressure therapy and calm them down.
In general, golden retriever service dogs are different from emotional support animals, as they are trained to perform tasks. If you are just looking for comfort and basic mental health symptom relief, and your golden retriever does not need to be trained, you may want to speak to your therapist or other mental healthcare provider about an ESA.
Do Golden Retrievers Make Good Service Dogs?
Golden retrievers make wonderful service dogs, as their temperament and overall attitude are great for both learning and service dog work. These dogs are very eager to please their owners, and they love to learn new things. You can easily motivate these dogs with treats and toys, and they are overall very pleasant and sociable.
Additionally, golden retrievers are the right size to help with most disability-related tasks. They are large enough to provide deep-pressure therapy and can also support their owners or guide them through public spaces.
The one drawback to golden retrievers as service dogs is that sometimes these pups are too friendly, which can result in them abandoning their service duties to meet and greet others. However, training and obedience can help your golden retriever focus on their role as a service dog.
Can I Train My Own Golden Retriever Service Dog?
It is possible to train your own golden retriever service dogs. These dogs are fairly easy to train, as long as you have the time and patience to teach them. In general, you will want to start with basic obedience tasks and work your way up to more complex skills. You should also make a list of the tasks that would help you with your specific disability, such as retrieving medication, opening and closing doors, or providing calming actions.
If you are trying to train a medical alert golden retriever, you may need to work with a professional, as this type of training can be quite involved and is important to get right.
It’s also important to note that you do not need any specific training course to teach your own golden retriever service dog. The law states that your golden retriever must simply be trained, and there is no national training standard, as long as your dog can perform tasks that help with your disability.
Do I Have to Purchase a Puppy to be a Golden Retriever Service Dog?
You do not necessarily need to purchase a puppy to raise as your golden retriever service dog. While it is true that puppies can be quick learners, and many people prefer to work with puppies as they grow up into fully trained service dogs, this is not a requirement. Plenty of adult dogs and even older dogs can learn the tasks needed to act as your golden retriever service dog.
Typically, it’s important to choose a dog with the right temperament and attitude. You will want a dog that is friendly, calm, and intelligent, while still being eager to learn and happy to work at your side. Any age of golden retriever can potentially have these traits and learn to be a great service dog.
What Are the Most Important Golden Retriever Service Dog Tasks?
Golden retriever service dogs are taught to complete a variety of different tasks, depending on the disability they are assisting with. The most important golden retriever service dog tasks will involve retrieving items for their owners, opening and closing doors, providing comfort or deep pressure therapy, and alerting others for help when needed.
It’s hard to say what the most important golden retriever service dog task is, as every individual is different, and every individual may need a different type of assistance to deal with their disability.
When adopting a golden retriever service dog, it’s vital that you take stock of the tasks you need assistance with and make sure that your dog understands how to provide you with the assistance you need.
Do I Need to Register My Golden Retriever Service Dog?
You do not need to register your golden retriever service dog. There is no national database of service dog registrations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not state anywhere that you will need to register your dog or obtain identification documents for them.
In fact, businesses and individuals are only allowed to ask limited questions about your service dogs. Primarily, they are allowed to ask whether or not your dog is a service dog and what tasks they have been trained to perform. Any other question or request for registration documentation is not allowed under the ADA.
Can I Bring My Golden Retriever Service Dog Anywhere?
You can bring your golden retriever service dog with you into most public and private spaces. In general, your golden retriever service dog may accompany you anywhere you need help, including restaurants, businesses, parks, schools, and medical facilities.
The only exceptions it’s important to take note of are places like religious organizations, where your dog might not be allowed entrance, or places where the presence of your golden retriever service dog provides a risk, such as the inside of a sterile operating room.
If you have questions about your access permissions and rights, you will need to look at your state’s specific laws surrounding service dog access and the federal ADA. It’s important to be aware of your rights so you can better advocate for yourself when out and about with your golden retriever service dog.
Will My Golden Retriever Service Dog Be Denied Apartment Accommodations?
Your golden retriever service dog will not be denied apartment accommodations. Typically, service dogs are allowed to live anywhere their owner lives, and this includes buildings where pets are restricted or not allowed.
You are not allowed to be denied your right to live with your service dog, and this right is protected by the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which is a federal law protecting against discrimination in housing.
The only case in which your golden retriever service dog could be denied apartment accommodations is if they are aggressive, dangerous, or present a risk to other tenants. That being said, if your golden retriever service dog is well-trained and well-behaved, then this will not be an issue for you.
Adopting Your Golden Retriever Service Dog
Golden retriever service dogs are valuable, intelligent, and loyal companions. These dogs have the perfect temperament for service dog work, and they form strong bonds with their owners.
If you are interested in adding a golden retriever service dog to your life, speak with your mental healthcare provider or your doctor to see if owning a golden retriever service dog is the right option for your treatment plan.