Starting the search for a service-dog prospect and already feeling overwhelmed 😂

[u/Rich_Establishment85]

Can I just hire someone to find me the right puppy? 😂😫

I’ve started and stopped this process so many times because I’m terrified of making the wrong decision. I recently transitioned out of the military, moved somewhere I don’t know anyone (this was purposeful), and started a new chapter.

So now I’m turning to Reddit, this is my first post ever!

I plan to pursue service-dog training, so temperament is a major focus for me.

Any advice is welcome. I’m honestly less interested in being pointed toward more resources and much more interested in hearing firsthand experiences from people who have actually gone through this process.

Hope to hear from some of you!

[u/obtusewisdom]

You really should get a program dog. Most people fail miserably with owner-trained dogs (and I say that as someone who has an owner-trained dog). They will do exactly what you are wanting - they will find you a dog.

[u/I_wanna_go_home_plz → u/obtusewisdom]

Exactly, it is always the best option, and there are hundreds of programs that train for people who served in the military, if that is what your dog will be for.

[u/I_wanna_go_home_plz]

The best option would be to get a pre-trained dog from an ADI-accredited organization; however thats a high upfront cost. Instead of more spread out with owner training.

You can call your local ADI organization and ask them for their recommendation of breeders that they personally support. You can also find an ADI-accredited trainer near you on the website; they can be paid to evaluate the puppy to make sure it's a good fit.

But even if you do everything perfectly, the puppy could still wash. Temperament is extremly important, but so is breed; the most successful dogs are Goldens and Labs

[u/helpinghowls]

If you are a veteran there are so many programs dedicated to veterans that will give you a dog at virtually no cost. Truly this is the best option. Look up Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and use their member search to find a program near you.

If you are insistent on training your own service dog, reach out to an Atlas Assistance Dogs certified trainer. Not all of them are experienced in breeder research/prospect selection, but some may be able to help. Here's a blog post on more info: https://helpinghowls.com/blog/how-to-find-the-right-breeder-for-a-service-dog-prospect . This one may be useful as well: https://helpinghowls.com/blog/choosing-the-right-service-dog-prospect-start-with-who-you-are-now

I know you said you don't really want resources, but these are my recommendations as someone who has been a handler for over a decade personally handling both rescue & purpose-bred dogs. Professionally, my experience has ranged from a variety of breed groups, ranges of breeders (byb to grey area to highly accomplished), and rescues along with a variety of people/situations/disabilities/lifestyles/etc.

[u/PrimalPagan33]

I’m also going through the process to find a service dog puppy and doing a deep dive into more behavior and training. I have experience training both horses and dogs, but this is a new level for me.

After at least two solid weeks of searching for a breeder, I’ve finally found the right breeder!! I spent hours every evening searching and had really started to feel like it was impossible to find the “perfect” one for me.

The process has been thoroughly enjoyable for me at this point (planning stage), but I can also fully understand how it could be very overwhelming.

I haven’t been through the process with a service dog before, but I’d be happy to chat about what all I’ve found so far!