Unusual Mobility Dog

Today I met a service dog doing something I did not expect. At first, I thought it was a seeing eye or a service dog for the blind. It had a harness like those dogs use, but it was much heavier in detail and had what looked like wheels that could be lowered.

When I approached the individual, he stopped and was very much on guard, as was his dog. I introduced myself and asked him what type of service dog he had. He responded a disability service dog. I told him that I worked part time for a disability service dog and PTSD dog trainer and don't remember ever seeing training for the type he was using.

He said that he trained the dog himself and manufactured the harness. I asked if the dog had been tested by the American Kennel Club for the good citizen test. The fellow said no and asked why his dog needed this test. I stated that he could possibly get away with this, but I told him that when I approached him I said the first thing I noticed was how quickly the both went in 'guard' mode and I said that is the reason I introduced myself and started talking to you. I told him that I had seen him relax some, but that his dog was still in 'guard' mode. I said that is the reason I have maintained some distance from the dog.

The fellow said that was the way he had trained the dog. I asked him how long he had owned the dog. He said that he had purchased the dog more than two years ago and had spent most of the time training the dog.

I said that continuous training is always good. I then asked if he had not had some issues with small children wanting to pet the dog. He said most of the time he has the most trouble with adults wanting to pet the dog. He continued that most of the time all he has to do in warn children to stay away from the dog.

Next, I specifically asked if he has had people call the police about his dog. He hesitated and I said then you have had this problem. I suggested that he have the dog trained to relax from the guard attitude and be more people friendly.

Then the fellow broke down and told me that he had neighbors that called the police daily and were trying to drive him out of the community in which he lived. I asked where this was and how often the police actually came. It turned out that the community was near Jamie's and then I called Jamie and he said that he had recently been contacted by the sheriff about retraining the dog.

I asked the fellow (Jim) if he would talk to a trainer. Jim again hesitated and I encouraged him to at least hear what he said. Jim said I can't afford professional dog training. I put my cell phone in his direction and said you are not under any obligation, but hear what he has to say. Finally, Jim took the phone and told Jamie he was listening. After telling Jamie about his disability, they talked until my cell phone was almost dead. Jim handed me my cell phone and Jamie told me to make arrangements for the fellow to be as his farm the following Friday. I said okay and the phone started its shut-down.

I asked Jim where I could meet him Friday morning and we could go to Jamie's together. Jim said he knew where the farm was and he would be there. He said that he knew if he did not show up that the sheriff would come to escort him there. Jim then surprised me when he said thank you for pointing me in the right direction. He pointed to me and said 'friend' to his dog. The dog started wagging his tail and dropped the 'guard' attitude. Jim shook my hand and said junior will allow you to pet him now. The dog moved toward me and I knelt by Jim and when junior came close I did pet him and he almost pushed Jim and me over. Jim said good-bye and he would see me on Friday. I assured him that I would and turned to leave.

When I returned home, I called Jamie on my other phone and confirmed that we would be there. Jamie said that the sheriff would be there as well.