What Are the Problems With Service Dogs?

A service dog allows individuals with disabilities to live a fuller life and opens up opportunities that may be difficult without assistance. Many people can benefit from a service dog, including those with vision or hearing problems, spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy. However, service dogs can make situations worse if they have not been trained well.

Behavioral and Physical Issues

• Service dogs that bark in public or try to pull and run are not properly trained. If the dog ignores commands it creates even more problems for the person with a disability. There are other reasons a service dog may be problematic. Dogs that become aggressive or overly protective can have difficulty performing their jobs. Medical problems can also occur that require a service dog to be retired earlier than expected. For example, hip problems can develop. Other medical issues such as skin allergies can begin once the dog is in service. Dealing with the medical condition may be too much for the person with the disability.

Cost of Training

• The original cost of a service dog can be difficult for some people to afford. When the dog is not properly trained, the decision is whether to pay to have the dog retrained or to get another service dog. There is an added emotional issue if the person has spent enough time with the dog and becomes attached to it. The cost of service dogs can range from $5,000 to $20,000. There are grants available to help with the purchase price. However, the overall cost to the person with a disability may still be too much.

Service Years

• A typical service dog has a working life of 10 years at the most. At that time, the service dog is retired. Although many owners may decide to keep the service dog as a family member, another service dog is often required. Decisions about keeping the service dog, cost of a new service dog and the emotional impact is a problem a person with a disability will face.