What will you learn?
ASSISTANCE DOGS are becoming an increasingly desired tool to mitigate the effects of various disabilities. Despite all the incredible benefits that social media touts, they are not the appropriate tool for everyone. People who get an assistance dog without fully understanding the journey ahead will have more serious challenges and potentially a strained relationship for the life of the dog. This book will help you:
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identify which trained skills an assistance dog could provide to mitigate the effects of your disability.
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determine whether you can form a mutually beneficial relationship with an assistance dog.
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decide - if it turns out that an assistance dog is right for you, in your case, what method of getting and working with an assistance dog is best.
By reading this book you will be able to determine if an assistance dog is the right tool to assist you to mitigate your disability. Also, if you decide it is, what's next in terms of finding an assistance dog and forming a viable lasting working relationship.
The Author
Jennifer Gravrok has been studying and working with various assistance dog organizations, clients, and assistance dogs since 2016. She completed her PhD in December 2019 at La Trobe University where she studied the benefits and challenges that first-time assistance dog handlers experienced when working with their first assistance dog. During this time, she also volunteered with a couple of assistance dog organizations. Since then, she has worked for two assistance dog organizations in the United States, where she works predominantly with clients and teaching them to how to be successful with an assistance dog.
Testimonials
"Every now and again a resource come along that parts the clouds of confusion, clears the fog from the unknown and sheds light and clarity on a topic. For those who seek an answer to the question of what an assistance dog can do for you or a loved one, you need look no further.
With clear, concise information and personal application in each chapter, Jennifer Gravok has laid out a path of understanding that guides the reader through the decision making process. Practical and compassionate, she considers in equal balance the well being of the handlers and the magnificent dogs who serve them. Make this book your Step One in your journey to discern if an assistance dog partnership is right for you."
Karin B. (as seen on Amazon)
"Getting an assistance dog is a big decision. This book does a great job of taking you through the process to decide if this is the right choice for you. Very well written and gives you a lot of things to think about before getting a dog so you are better prepared to become a successful team."
Donna K (as seen on Amazon)
"If you have even the slightest curiosity about assistance dogs, give this book a try. You'll find yourself unable to put it down! The engaging content offers a comprehensive look at how and why anyone with a disability should consider an assistance dog. The writing is encouraging and supportive and offers real-life scenarios, drawing from the author's extensive experience in the field. The tips and learning objectives throughout the book are particularly helpful if you are weighing the possibility of an assistance dog. Even if you have no need for an assistance dog in your own life, the education and understanding gained from this book is well worth the read!"
Caren H (as seen on Amazon)