Guide Dog in Training - Timesharing

[Ann-Marie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ann-Marie]

We are considering becoming "puppy walkers" for the Guide Dog Foundation. So we would have the dog starting at about 12 weeks. Can we bring a puppy in training to timeshares with us? I have been told that they can go everywhere with us, so that should include timeshares as well. Anyone have any experience?

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

As service dogs they can come with you.
I did a 2 week transatlantic cruise with a service dog in training on board with a member of the DIS boards.
So the answer is yes, you can.

It is a good thing you are doing.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I would check with the resorts -- I seem to remember some members either here or OY that were regular trainers and had some issues. I will try to find the thread(s).

eta: I can't find the thread, but I am sending you a PM

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I would check with the resorts -- I seem to remember some members either here or OY that were regular trainers and had some issues. I will try to find the thread(s).

eta: I can't find the thread, but I am sending you a PM

I am surprised - if you have the dogs papers with you, why should it be a problem?
Did they have to leave an additional deposit or pay an extra cleaning fee?

Now u have me curious!

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I am surprised - if you have the dogs papers with you, why should it be a problem?
Did they have to leave an additional deposit or pay an extra cleaning fee?

Now u have me curious!

I couldn't find the thread, but I did find a user who has experience with this. My recollection is that it was helpful to call ahead, but that's all I recall.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

I would check with the resorts -- I seem to remember some members either here or OY that were regular trainers and had some issues. I will try to find the thread(s).

eta: I can't find the thread, but I am sending you a PM

I think the person has the user name labguides or guidelabs.

[Ann-Marie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ann-Marie]

Someone was kind enough to post a link OY, but I was not sure if I could post the link here.

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

I've read a few consent decrees dealing with this specific issue, and it seems that many of the disagreements arise from situations where an "on-the-spot" decision is made by a single employee who has not experienced such a request in the past.

To reduce your chances of frustration or difficulty, I'd recommend the following.

Notify the resort at least a few days in advance of your arrival.. Provide documentation (and bring the same with you) that confirms the animal as a service dog. Finally, this may be overkill, but the Foundation you are assisting can also request that their staff attorney provide you with a written legal opinion as to the requirements under the ADA.

This page may also be helpful:

http://www.ada.gov/svcabrs3.pdf

First and foremost, you'll simply need to have patience and understand that many people are simply not educated on this issue..

[longtimer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close longtimer]

In addition to the TS staff, you may get dirty looks/comments from some of the vacationers as well. People around here who train guide dogs have vests for the animals so others can see the animal is not just a pet, but a real service animal. My friends tell me that some places require an extra security deposit. You have a good heart to do this job.

[MargeS Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MargeS]

Friends of mine did the service dogs gig, from about 12 weeks to 12 months. They were heartbroken each time it was time to turn the dogs back, even though they knew it was for a very special and good reason. They also now have 3 dogs (gradually acquired) that were "rejected" from the program, all sweet, loving, good pets! So, it was a win win for all....

[longtimer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close longtimer]

Friends of mine did the service dogs gig, from about 12 weeks to 12 months. They were heartbroken each time it was time to turn the dogs back, even though they knew it was for a very special and good reason. They also now have 3 dogs (gradually acquired) that were "rejected" from the program, all sweet, loving, good pets! So, it was a win win for all....

I would love to foster animals or train guide dogs, but I would have such a hard time giving them back. Perhaps when my own 2 dogs pass on, I may consider it.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

I would love to foster animals or train guide dogs, but I would have such a hard time giving them back. Perhaps when my own 2 dogs pass on, I may consider it.

There's a center near us that trains the dogs and uses volunteers to walk them every day.

[longtimer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close longtimer]

We have several local rescue agencies. My daughter and I volunteer at one and often get to walk and play with the dogs. It's wonderful to see them get homes, but we still get very attached.