Keystone Human Services

Susquehanna Service Dogs

Responsibilites of a Puppy Raiser

Man with service dog helping with store purchase
  1. How do I apply for a Service Dog?
  2. How do I apply to become a Puppy Raiser?
  3. How do I recognize an Assistance Dog?
  4. How do I know a Service Dog is safe to be around?
  5. How can I help the Susquehanna Service Dog program?
  6. How can I provide financial support for SSD?
  7. Where can I find more information about Service Dogs?
  8. Why doesn't Susquehanna Service Dogs want to train MY dog to become a Service Dog?
  9. Who is the staff of Susquehanna Service Dogs?
  10. What is done with a dog which is discharged? What will happen to him?
  11. What is done with a Service Dog who becomes too old to perform their duties?
  12. What is the help SSD can give when I go on VACATION or have an EMERGENCY?
  13. What is the length of the training process?
  14. What is the cost of a Service Dog?
  15. What is the length of the waiting list for a service dog?
  16. When is a dog DISCHARGED from the SSD program?
  17. When is a dog ready to leave the Puppy Raiser Home and move into formal training?
  18. May I PET a Service Dog?
  19. May I FEED a Service Dog?
  20. May I talk to a Service Dog Team?
  21. May I ask the person "What's wrong with you?"
1. How do I apply for a Service Dog?
The Application Process and a Preliminary Application can be found online at this site. For answers to more detailed questions, send e-mail to ssd @ keystonehumanservices.org, or call (717) 599-5920. ↑
2. How do I apply to become a Puppy Raiser?
The Responsibilities of a Puppy Raiser and the Application can be found online. ↑
3. How do I recognize an Assistance Dog?
Most Assistance Dogs wear a special harness, vest, backpack or tags, with identification of the fact that they are a Service Dog, Hearing Dog or Guide Dog. ↑
4. How do I know a Service Dog is safe to be around?
Service Dogs are carefully screened for temperament and stability before they are trained and placed with a person with a disability. These dogs are professionals, who are able to focus on their human partners and their work. ↑
5. How can I help the Susquehanna Service Dog program?
There are a large number of opportunities to volunteer. You can provide a Puppy Raiser Home, assist with fund raising, help with demonstrations and public displays. You can assist with training, taking dogs to the veterinarian, providing a temporary Puppy Raiser Home during vacations or emergencies. You can serve on one of the many committees producing the PawsAbilities and Black Tie and Tails events. You can take photographs or videos of activities, help produce printed materials, or sponsor a dog. You can transport clients during "transfer training", as they move from malls to restaurants to training facilities. You can provide temporary housing for a week or two for clients who come from out-of-town during transfer training. You can solicit prizes for events at PawsAbilities, provide prizes which you have made or purchased, or help take tickets or lead games. You can provide a place for a picnic or outing with client teams and volunteers. You can help plan recognition events. You can serve on an SSD committee, help give baths to dogs, trim their nails, exercise them and maintain the kennel. Whatever your skill, from carpentry to word processing, from graphics arts to making phone calls, from fund-raising to providing "wheels" or a home for a puppy, we can put your time, energy, resources and love of dogs to work for the benefit of SSD. ↑
6. How can I provide financial support for SSD?
Whatever your level of interest, SSD welcomes your contribution. Some folks designate contributions (which are sometimes eligible for matching funds from many employers and fraternal organizations) toward general operating expenses, or sponsor such things as food, veterinary care, harnesses, special door-opening devices, training resources, crates, toys, newsletters and publicity materials. Formal corporate and large-gift opportunities include: sponsoring a dog, providing in-kind services (dog food, veterinary care, dog treats and toys), advertising sponsorships for events and other opportunities listed on the Sponsorships page. For more information contact us via e-mail at ssd @ keystonehumanservices.org, or through the address or phone numbers on the home page.
Please consider leaving SSD a legacy in your will. ↑
7. Where can I find more information about Service Dogs?
SSD is a member of ADI. Visit their site to learn about the standards and ethics that SSD follows. The Delta Society is another good source for finding lists of member programs. For information from the client's view, go to the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. ↑
8. Why doesn't Susquehanna Service Dogs want to train MY dog to become a Service Dog?
Because there is a greater chance of success in taking a dog that has been raised and trained, and specifically chosen for the needs of a unique individual, rather than taking a specific dog and expecting him to be able to learn and perform all of the required duties. [Would you rather get a pair of shoes that are designed for your feet, or take a pair of shoes and alter them to conform to your feet?] SSD administers tough temperament tests and rigid health checks before a dog is eligible to begin the training process. At least 50% of the dogs tested that are not from our breeding program fail one or more of these tests -- many failures are because the dogs do not have "good" or "excellent" hip structure. SSD certifies the dogs it places. The formal training that precedes that certification can take six months or more of full-time learning. Most individuals are not willing to part with their dog for that length of time, and run the risk that their dog may still not be able to be certified. If you live in the Harrisburg Area, SSD may help you train your dog. If you want to consider this option, call or e-mail SSD at 717-599-5920 or ssd @ keystonehumanservices.org to learn more about this option. ↑
9. Who is the staff of Susquehanna Service Dogs?
The Executive Director is Nancy Fierer, the Office Coordinator is Yvonne Musser and Mike Williams is the Puppy Coordinator. Cindy Williams is the Training Coordinator and Karen Rhoads and Kimberly Morda are trainers. Derek Euston takes care of the kennel maintenance. They are supplemented by volunteer trainers, kennel volunteers, office help, puppy raisers, puppy sitters, kennel sitters and scores of other volunteers as well as professionals from Keystone Children and Family Services. ↑
10. What is done with a dog which is discharged? What will happen to him?
  1. If you want to adopt a SSD puppy after we decide that we cannot use it, you may. The dog will be neutered. Because of the costs of veterinary care and other expenses, a donation is requested, based on the age and value of the dog; the donation is usually $800.
  2. If you do not wish to keep the dog, we will find it a suitable home. You may contact an organization such as Lab Rescue for assistance in finding a dog to be a pet.
  3. Do not be discouraged. We have the highest standards for SSD dogs, but any dog leaving our program will make a wonderful pet.
There is a waiting list of applicants wanting to provide a permanent home for released dogs. If you would like to be on the waiting list, please fill out our on-line form. ↑
11. What is done with a Service Dog who becomes too old to perform their duties?
If necessary, we will find a suitable pet home for the dog in their "sunset years." The dog may also stay with the owner. Most dogs "retire" once they reach about 10 years of age.
12. What is the help SSD can give when I go on VACATION or have an EMERGENCY?
  1. SSD will find a "puppy-sitting" home for your the dog you are raising if you call us at least a week in advance, or if you have an emergency.
  2. At puppy-sitting times, we need your help and expect you to deliver and pick up your dog from its baby-sitter or one of your trainers. ↑
13. What is the length of the training process?
Formal training generally takes about six months. Much of the details of training depends on how much work the Puppy Raiser Family has done with the dog while he was in their care. And, since the skills for which the dog is trained are tailored to the person, some dogs may require additional training time to assure consistent, long-term performance. ↑
14. What is the cost of a Service Dog?
The nationwide average shows that it costs over $20,000 to breed, raise, train, certify and place a Service Dog. Due to the overwhelming support of volunteers and the funds, products and services provided by many, many contributors and supporters, SSD is able to accomplish that task for about $5,000! Clients are asked to pay this amount, or to arrange for third-party payments. Need-based Scholarship assistance is available. The actual charge to the client is based on his ability to pay. NO ONE who qualifies to receive a Service Dog will be refused a dog for financial reasons. SSD will provide help and guidance on how to raise funds, and will help the candidate apply for grants or available funding. The minimum cost to a client is $500. ↑
15. What is the length of the waiting list for a service dog?
Many factors affect how long it will take to provide the right dog for you. Among them are the work that your dog will be doing and the size and temperment of dogs currently at various stages of the training process. Once the application process is complete and you have been approved to receive a dog, a dog is hand-picked from those who are about to enter the formal training phase. In general, the waiting period tends to be from 12 to 18 months from the receipt of the application by SSD. ↑
16. When is a dog DISCHARGED from the SSD program?
A dog can be discharged from the program if:
  1. hip X-rays and elbows are not satisfactory;
  2. temperament problems demonstrate that a dog is too shy, too aggressive, or too protective (these problems can show up as a dog matures);
  3. skin allergies develop which can be too big a problem to be handled by a person with a disability; or
  4. the dog has difficulties with the stress of the kennel or public work. ↑
17. When is a dog ready to leave the Puppy Raiser Home and move into formal training?
This transition usually happens when the dog is between 15-18 months of age. Because dogs mature at different rates, this transition is tailored to what's best for the dog and his intended person. ↑
18. May I PET a Service Dog?
NO! Not while the dog is working. Petting can be distracting. Service Dogs need to be able to focus on their "work", the instructions being given, and the needs of their human partner. ↑
19. May I FEED a Service Dog?
NO, thank you! These dogs are well fed by their human partners, and should NEVER be distracted by offers of food. It is a good practice to NEVER offer food or treats to ANYONE's dog other than your own. ↑
20. May I talk to a Service Dog Team?
Yes, to the HUMAN partner, if they are not busy. Most people enjoy talking to people about their Service Dog. HOWEVER, do not call to or distract the dog, by making whistles or sounds. That could endanger the working team. ↑
21. May I ask the person "What's wrong with you?"
NO! Federal law protects the privacy of individuals with disabilities. They are not required to explain their disability, nor are they required to explain or demonstrate why they are accompanied by a Service Dog. Besides, this is not polite behavior. ↑
Assistance Dogs International

Susquehanna Service Dogs is a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International.

This page last updated on:
October 3, 2007