When a Brigadoon dog is matched, it may look as if there is a partnership of 2 graduating. However, behind every Brigadoon dog is a team of people who have contributed to raising and training that dog to be a successful service dog. Here’s a quick look at who makes up that dedicated team: Breeders, animal shelters, and other dog donors – In order to pair service dogs with recipients, we need the dogs to begin with! Thanks to the generosity of breeders, animal shelters, and ot

1. Do service dogs ever get to “just be dogs?” Yes! When a service dog is not working, they enjoy playing fetch, chewing on bully sticks, cuddling on the couch, and doing all sorts of regular dog things! 2. Can I pet your dog? Why not? Sorry, no. When service dogs are working, they need to stay focused on their handler. Petting (and talking, calling over, offering food, or reaching your hand out to the dog) distract the dog. 3. How do I make my dog a service dog? First of all

Chantelle Whelan, a researcher from the University of Nottingham, published findings from her Ph.D. entitled “Causes and Impact of Premature Retirement of Guide Dogs.” Her research looks at why so many guide dogs are retired within their first year of service and what impact it has on the handler. The research has shone a light on the often-underappreciated complexities of guide dog (and service dog) partnerships. It found that, contrary to popular belief, behavioral issues w

Those of us matched with a service dog from Brigadoon have already jumped one hurdle of airplane travel because our teams are accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). If your plans include air travel, don’t be discouraged. With patience, persistence, and planning, it can happen. Some travel has more paperwork than others so TeamStyx offers different examples: Domestic travel (from the US mainland): Service dogs qualify for expedited service from the Hawai’i Departme

At Brigadoon, we know what a dog can do for anxiety – they encourage healthy habits such as daily exercise and social interactions, they lower your blood pressure and reduce cortisol levels, and they provide comfort and love. So the short answer is that dogs can be wonderful emotional support animals for people with anxiety. Countless anecdotes, studies, and experiments show this. But service dogs are dogs that, although definitely are comforting and loving, have a specific j