Is a Genesis Dog Right for My Child?

 

Is A Genesis Dog Right For Your Family

The human-dog bond can be a magical thing for someone with special needs. A loving, happy, patient dog can provide comfort, companionship and confidence for kids who sometimes feel a little out of step from the world. It is not uncommon for kids with speech challenges to be more comfortable talking to a dog; or kids with learning difficulties to feel more inspired reading to or explaining their lessons to a dog; or a child with physical disabilities being more driven to throw a ball or walk a few steps when there is sweet, lovable dog involved. The unconditional love and simple happiness of a dog can help special needs kids sleep better, learn better and socialize better.

 

We know how difficult it can be for the family of a special needs child to train a new puppy to be a reliable companion. That\’s why our focus with "career-change" dogs is to bring the benefits of the human-dog bond to children with special needs.

 

Genesis Service Dogs breeds and raises dogs to assist people with special needs. The life of a service dog requires a great deal of confidence and intelligence, and it\’s just not for every dog. Dogs that don\’t succeed as service dogs or that are not selected for our breeding program are usually exceptional, sensitive companion dogs — a perfect fit for the family of a special needs child.

 

Not every special needs child is well served by a dog or should have unsupervised interaction with a dog. If you or a family you know thinks a needs-sensitive companion dog could be of help, we invite you to send us a request for a Special Dog. We\’ll review your application; discuss options, concerns and needs honestly with you; and, if it\’s the right thing for you and one of our dogs, match you with a loving, well-raised companion.

 

These dogs are not trained assistance dogs. Though over time, they may learn to do certain helpful things, we do not teach them guide, signal, retrieve or provide balance support. While some dogs do learn, over time, to alert to medical situations, you should not expect this from a Genesis companion dog.

 

Though these dogs are raised as service dogs, companion dogs are not entitled to access to public places in the manner of guide dogs, wheel chair assistance dogs and others. They are pet dogs and are subject to all applicable laws and restrictions of other pets.

 

Companion dogs are available in limited quantities, and the timing of availability can be unpredictable.

 

If you or someone in your family is looking for a dog that is not a fully trained service dog, but you know that you could benefit from the companionship of a dog that has solid house manners, extensive socialization, and basic obedience; then we may have just the right dog for you.

Our dogs for placement come from two primary sources:

Dogs released from other programs:  These are dogs raised and trained for various service and guide dog programs do not go on to complete those programs and are dropped from the program. The dogs we seek to acquire and place from these programs will be dogs that are released for minor issues. We will not accept dogs that are released for behavioral or temperament issues that would make them unsuitable for a young child or adult with special needs.

Young adult dogs from our program: GSD raises dogs that are pre-selected for breeding consideration using common service dog puppy raising practices and volunteers. In some cases, we raise more pups than we need for our breeding community. Young adults that are not needed for breeding may be available from time to time. These dogs will come to you with solid house manners, extensive socialization, and basic obedience; all achieved using positive, humane methods of training.

 

If you would like to apply for one of our dogs, please download the Application for Companion Dog and follow the instructions for submitting the application to us.