What What is an Independence Dog?
An Independence Dog is a very special canine who has been intensively, though lovingly, trained to provide all the physical, psychological, and therapeutic support a person with a mobility impairment needs to lead a full, productive, independent life--much the way a guide dog aids a blind partner. Each Independence Dog is custom-trained to meet the special physical needs of one specific human partner. They also offer a constant source of unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship. By freeing their partners from total reliance on other people, these dogs restore dignity, self-respect, and a return to a more productive life for people who might otherwise remain house-bound and withdrawn. Working with an Independence Dog every day can, and often does, improve range of motion, muscle strength and stamina.
Independence Dogs, Inc. (IDI) trains three primary types of service dogs:
Wheelchair Dogs, Walker Dogs, and Quad Dogs. In addition, we frequently teach a dog to
serve the dual role of Wheelchair and Walker Dog for those persons whose
remaining abilities allow them to utilize both skills.
Back to Questions
What is meant by the terms: Wheelchair Dog, Walker Dog and Quad Dog?
A Wheelchair Dog has been especially trained to aid persons with limited to full upper body strength, who are confined to a manual wheelchair. They are taught to pull their partners up ramps, through shopping malls, grocery stores, schools, places of business, to recreational events; in short, anyplace their recipients need, or want, to go. They stand and brace enabling their partner to change from a wheelchair to another chair, car or bed and in the event that there is a fall from the chair this last maneuver will help the person to get back into their wheelchair. These dogs are taught to retrieve articles which their masters may drop, ranging from the size of a dime to a book or brace. They will also bring articles as specified by color i.e. red book, green sweater or blue socks. They turn light switches off and on, open heavy mall doors, pop curbs, pick up and bring a telephone receiver. They perform high counter transactions such as in banks, etc. They also carry packages in their especially constructed backpacks.
A Walker Dog is trained to assist a partner who has difficulty walking needing, perhaps, a cane, crutches, or human assistance. With the use of these dogs the person with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s can discard one or both crutches or canes and by leaning on the dog, with the use of an especially designed harness, be assisted up and down stairs, over curbs, out of chairs, over uneven or rough terrain, and in many cases they enable their partners to walk, not only more correctly, but farther than ever before. These dogs will, of course, perform all other tasks such as retrieving etc. which are enumerated above under the Wheelchair Dog category.
Quad Dogs are trained to assist people who are quadriplegic, having very limited upper body strength. These people must use electric wheelchairs. Quad Dogs help their partners by turning light switches on and off and pressing elevator buttons, retrieving dropped articles, opening heavy doors, picking up and bringing telephone receivers, and carrying packages and notebooks in their specially constructed backpacks.
In addition to services for the various categories mentioned above, all of our dogs
provide a fountain of non-judgmental love, loyalty and understanding that cannot be
obtained from any other source. Another fringe benefit is the improvement
of range of motion and muscle strength that comes from working with,
playing with, and caring for an Independence Dog. To learn how some IDI dogs have
permanently improved the mobility status of their parnters, click here to read some
interesting IDI Success Stories.
Back to Questions
But won’t relying on a service dog cause the person to become lazy?
Since the inception of our program, it has been proven many times over that the use of
an Independence Dog has served to greatly strengthen our recipients. We now know that, if
properly utilized, our dogs can and will encourage their partners to attempt to do more
for themselves; become more independent! Whenever possible we work closely with the
recipient’s physical or occupational therapists to ensure that both
partners-in-living, the Independence Dog and the recipient, work to their fullest
capacity.
Back to Questions
Yes! But we ask that our dogs not be petted by the public. They are, as are dog
guides for the blind, working dogs, and their full attention must be on their
partners at all times! Even a moment’s distraction could, in some instances,
be a matter of life or death for the team.
Back to Questions
Do Independence Dogs protect their partners?
Yes--in the same way that all dogs will protect their partners if necessary. We do not
train them to be attack dogs or personal protection dogs. However, because of the strong
bond that exists between the partners-in-living, even some of the least aggressive breeds
will sense when their partners are in danger or threatened and respond to that danger or
threat appropriately.
Back to Questions
What breeds of dogs are used in the program?
Large, intelligent dogs who are able to work closely with people are the best
candidates for training to become Independence Dogs. We have used Akbash Dogs,
Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, Golden
Retrievers, Greyhounds, and many large mixed breeds.
Back to Questions
Where do you obtain your dogs?
Our pups come to us from a variety of sources, including breeders, rescue
organizations, animal shelters, and private families. We accept puppies from seven weeks
to approximately one-and-a-half years of age. About 50 percent of our dogs come from local
shelters and rescues.
Back to Questions
Who is eligible for an Independence Dog?
Our program is open to any man, woman, or child who has a permanent physical disability
that impairs his or her ambulatory skills--for example, multiple sclerosis, muscular
dystrophy, polio, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, or spinal cord
injury--and whose life can be enhanced by the addition of a canine partner-in-living. We
require only that the person have a desire to live life to the fullest, make the most of
what he or she has, and give 100% to the partnership. The applicant must also be willing
and able to ensure proper care for the dog.
Back to Questions
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes and no! In general, Independence Dogs will be trained and provided for
individuals between the ages of 12 and 65. But there is no hard-and-fast rule, since each
person is evaluated on the basis of his or her individual condition and circumstances. We
have known many old youngsters of 10 and many young adults of 75 or older. We do require
that younger applicants display an above-average maturity level and have a strong family
support system.
Back to Questions
All Independence Dogs are trained with as much love and patience and positive reward as
it is possible to give. We never use food as an inducement or physically punish our dogs
in any way. Rather, we teach our dogs acceptable behavior in much the same way as a mother
wolf teaches her pups. As a result, our dogs work because they want to and are proud of
what they are doing, not because they are afraid not to! Our dogs are trained to be
intelligent, "thinking" partners in a team; they do not work for us, they
work with us! Their reward is the bond we have with them; our companionship and our
undying love. Independence Dogs are not trained "robots"; they are truly
partners-in-living.
Back to Questions
How long does it take to train an Independence Dog?
Each puppy that is accepted into IDI’s program lives with a volunteer puppy raiser
until about one year of age. During that first year, the pup is taught basic obedience
skills and socialized in a variety of environments. At approximately one year of
age, the pup returns to our school to enter into a formal training period that lasts six
to nine months. During this stage of training, we teach the dog to perform all the
services required of an Independence Dog. Each dog receives the same basic training during
the first three or four months. But as the dog’s unique personality, temperament, and
preferences emerge, he or she is pre-matched with a specific human partner and then
custom-trained to suit that person’s physical requirements, temperament, lifestyle,
and activity level.
Back to Quesitons
What must a person do to obtain an Independence Dog?
If you have a permanent mobility impairment, you should:
- Complete the application questionnaire, which will help us pinpoint your physical requirements, temperament, and lifestyle and pre-match you with an Independence Dog;
- Have your primary physician complete the evaluation form to describe your medical condition and confirm that an Independence Dog can be of help;
- Have three of your friends or family members submit personal recommendations;
- If at all possible, send in a videotape that chronicles the highlights of a typical "day in your life". This tape need run no longer than 20 or so minutes but it is most helpful to us when we are searching for your ideal match. It makes us more aware of your daily environment and the personal challenges you face. Be assured, this tape will be viewed only by our professional trainers!
- Be willing to spend two to four weeks at IDI with a personal aide, companion, or family member to train with your dog;
- Have a desire to live life to the fullest, make the most of what you have, and give 100% to the partnership
- Be willing and able to ensure proper care for the dog;
- Agree to allow IDI the right to call periodically to confirm that the dog is being well cared for and properly utilized;
- Be willing to donate a minimum of $200, which will go toward the cost of the dog’s specially made harness and leash.
After you submit your application to IDI, you will be notified of our board of
directors’ decision concerning your acceptance into the program. This process usually
takes several weeks. Want more information about Applying
for an Independence Dog?
Back to Questions
How much does an Independence Dog cost?
IDI is dedicated to providing service dogs for all people with mobility impairments,
regardless of their financial status; we do not believe in placing additional burdens on
people who are not only physically disabled but often financially encumbered as well.
Therefore, while it costs between $10,000 and $12,000 to fully train each IDI service dog,
we request of our graduates a minimum donation of $200 which is applied toward the cost of
the dog’s custom-made harness and graduate equipment. Arrangements may be made to pay
this amount in small installments if necessary. In addition, it has been our experience
that those who are financially able usually express a desire to contribute more than the
minimum requirement. Such gifts are most gratefully accepted and are fully tax-deductible!
Back to Questions
Is there a long waiting list for your dogs?
There is currently a one- to three-year waiting list for our Independence Dogs, but we
do not provide dogs on a first come-first served basis. Since each of our dogs is
specially matched with a specific individual, there is no way to predict when the perfect
dog for you may come into our school. In other words, your perfect match could come into
our school tomorrow, or you could have to wait for a year or two for us to find the ideal
mix of size, strength, personality, and activity level to meet your needs. Therefore, we
cannot make promises about how long any individual applicant will have to wait; we simply
ask that you trust us to select and train your ideal partner-in-living.
Back to Questions
May I apply for an Independence Dog if I live in an apartment building where no dogs are allowed?
Yes. Today all certified service dogs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities
Act, which accords them the same rights and privileges that guide dogs have enjoyed for
years. This means that they can legally go to any public place with their partners - to
schools, restaurants, churches, hotels, places of employment, recreational facilities,
concerts, public events, rental housing, and so on.
Back to Questions
May I still apply if I have other dogs and cats in my family?
Absolutely! All Independence Dogs are well-socialized and non-aggressive. They have
been exposed to all kinds of dogs and other animals. In addition, we can give you advice
on the best methods for introducing your Independence Dog into a home where there are
other pets.
Back to Questions
Is Independence Dogs, Inc., the only service dog school?
No. There are several other fairly large, reputable schools across the country that
train service dogs. To the best of our knowledge, however, we are still the only school in
the country that provides free lodging for recipients while they work toward graduation
and certification with their dogs.
Back to Questions
Where does the recipient live during this training?
We provide a comfortable, fully appointed apartment with all the conveniences of home
right here at our school. There is an IDI staff member on the premises 24 hours a day. We
believe so strongly that this is the only way to begin a truly successful partnership that
we provide this service free of charge. The recipient and his or her companion must make
their own arrangements for meals. There is a kitchen on the premises if they choose to eat
in, and transportation for shopping will be provided. There are also several
handicapped-accessible restaurants in the very near vicinity.
Back to Questions
Because Independence Dogs is a nonprofit school, we rely on fundraising activities and
contributions from individuals, corporations, philanthropic foundations and bequests to
cover our day-to-day operating expenses. You may also designate Independence Dogs as a
donor option through your United Way or Combined Federal Campaign at work. Many large
corporations have matching gift programs. When you donate to Independence Dogs, please be
sure to find out whether your company has such a policy. We appreciate tax-deductible donations of any size - especially annual gifts
that allow us to plan and budget to meet projected expenses.
Back to Questions
At the present time, IDI employs four full-time professional trainers, a director of
public relations and marketing, a puppy home coordinator and administrative assistant. The
rest of the work is done by a corps of nearly 50 volunteers who show up rain or shine, 365
days a year, to help us help others. These volunteers train, feed, and exercise our dogs;
provide foster homes for our puppies during their first year of basic training; help train
dogs at our school; assist with office work and public relations; and help maintain our
building, kennel, and grounds. Even our board of directors, organizational officers, and
graduate coordinator are dedicated volunteers who offer their services pro bono. Interested in volunteering?
Back to Questions
May I request a specific breed of dog?
No. Our dogs and recipients are screened so as to achieve the "perfect match"
in terms of activity level, temperament, strength, etc. These factors will, in the long
run, become much more important to the recipient than appearance or breed of the dog. It
is our experience that no matter which recipient you ask, each believes his or her dog is
the smartest and most beautiful ever graduated from our school.
Back to Questions
Would you train my own dog to become an Independence Dog?
No. The perfect companion or pet dog is not necessarily suited to become the perfect
service dog to meet your needs. While your dog possesses every attribute to be a perfect
pet or companion, an Independence Dog must be so very much more. The perfect working dog
must be equally at ease in the silence of a church, the hubbub of people and traffic on a
busy downtown street at rush hour, the clamor of a busy shopping mall during a frenetic
holiday season, and tolerant of all shapes and sizes of people and other animals. An
Independence Dog must be equally content with four feet planted on terra firma, on a
high-speed commuter train, or in a jet traveling around the world. In other words, an
Independence Dog must be Mr. or Ms. Perfect, the creme de la creme. Then add to all the
above the most important qualification of all: the dog’s size, temperament, and work
preference must be ideally suited to your unique needs and lifestyle.
Back to Questions
Is this a good life for a dog?
Yes indeed! Independence Dogs can, and do, go anywhere with their partners. They are
rarely--if ever--left alone. They receive the undying love and gratitude of their partners
many, many times a day. They are proud of their work. They feel wanted and very needed.
They have the best of care, personal and veterinary, and also enjoy plenty of recreational
time and "dog" play every day. What better life could a dog have?
Back to Questions
If you’d like to know more about IDI, please feel free to call, write, email, or fax us anytime. We can give you the information you need about:
- Donating a Puppy
- Becoming a Volunteer Puppy Raiser
- Applying for an Independence Dog
- Adopting an IDI Dog
- Making a Tax-Deductible Donation
- Volunteering Your Time
We’d love to hear from you!