Psychiatric assistance dogs have been found to have many benefits for individuals with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, before getting a psychiatric assistance dog in the UK, there are several things you need to know. In this post, we will discuss seven things you need to consider before getting a psychiatric assistance dog in the UK.
1. Understand the Role of a Psychiatric Assistance Dog
A psychiatric assistance dog is not the same as a pet. These dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks that can help individuals manage their mental health conditions. For example, a psychiatric assistance dog may be trained to alert their handler to the onset of an anxiety attack or to provide physical contact during a panic attack. It is important to understand the specific tasks that a psychiatric assistance dog can perform and how they can benefit you before deciding to get one.
2. Choose a Reputable Organisation or Trainer
It is important to choose a reputable organisation or trainer when getting a psychiatric assistance dog. In the UK, there are several organisations that train psychiatric assistance dogs, such as Assistance Dogs UK and Canine Partners. These organisations have strict training standards and can provide guidance on how to obtain a psychiatric assistance dog. It is important to research different organisations and trainers to ensure that they have a good reputation and can provide the necessary support for you and your dog.
3. Understand the Training Process
The training process for psychiatric assistance dogs can be extensive and may take several months to complete. During this time, the dog will be trained to perform specific tasks that can help you manage your mental health condition. It is important to understand the training process and what is involved before getting a psychiatric assistance dog. This includes understanding the time commitment required for training, as well as the ongoing maintenance and support required to keep the dog's skills sharp.
4. Be Prepared for the Responsibility
Owning a psychiatric assistance dog is a significant responsibility. You will be responsible for the dog's care, including feeding, grooming, and exercise. Additionally, you will be responsible for the dog's training and ensuring that they are well-behaved in public. It is important to be prepared for the responsibility of owning a psychiatric assistance dog before getting one. This includes understanding the financial commitment required for their care, as well as the time commitment required for training and ongoing support.
5. Know Your Legal Rights
In the UK, psychiatric assistance dogs are protected under the Equality Act 2010. This means that individuals with mental health conditions have the right to bring their assistance dog with them to public places, such as restaurants, shops, and public transportation. It is important to understand your legal rights as a psychiatric assistance dog owner and to be prepared to advocate for yourself and your dog if necessary.
6. Be Prepared for Challenges
Owning a psychiatric assistance dog can bring many challenges along with the rewards. People may make assumptions or judgments about you or your dog, and you may face difficulty when trying to access public places due to a lack of awareness and understanding around psychiatric assistance dogs. It is important to be prepared to handle these challenges and to be knowledgeable about your rights as a psychiatric assistance dog owner. The UK Support Dog website provides a range of resources, including legal information and tips on how to handle difficult situations, that can help you become an informed and empowered owner.
7. Advocate for Yourself & Your Dog
When it comes to advocating for yourself and your dog, it is important to not just be informed on your rights but to also have the confidence and assertiveness needed to ensure they are respected. It can be helpful to practice what you might say in a difficult situation or even role-play with someone else beforehand so that you are prepared if a situation arises. It is also important to remember that people may react differently to your dog, including those in authority. Remain polite and assertive when asserting your rights and explaining why your psychiatric assistance dog is essential to you.
Conclusion
Before getting a psychiatric assistance dog in the UK, it is important to understand the specific tasks that the dog can perform, choose a reputable organisation or trainer, understand the training process, be prepared for the responsibility of owning a psychiatric assistance dog, and know your legal rights. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a psychiatric assistance dog is right for you and ensure that you and your dog receive the necessary support to thrive.
