There are a lot of varieties of service dogs available, and many Yorkie owners wonder can a Yorke be a service dog? Some people doubt the ability of small dogs as service dogs compared to the traditional breeds that are usually trained for service. However, the Yorkshire Terrier can actually serve their owner in service, and they can be very good at it. Here in this article, we will explore the service dog options in which your Yorkie can participate in.
What is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a dog that is trained to provide the owner with relief from different tasks. These tasks that your dog can perform can be physical, emotional, and even mental. There are different types of service dogs, such as:
- Guide Dog
- Alert Dog
- Autism Service Dog
- Hearing Dogs
- Psychiatric Service Dog
- Allergy Detection Dog
- Medical Service Dog
Typically, a service dog depending on the type will go through extensive training to master its type of service. This training can take a long time, and the service dog should be the only dog in the home; that way it can perform its tasks and services without distraction from other dogs.
Many people think emotional support dogs are considered service dogs because they actually aren’t protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act like these other types of service dogs are. Unfortunately, this means that the emotional support dog may not have the same protected rights.
Can a Yorkie be a Service Dog?
Yes, a Yorkie could be a service dog, but not in every category listed above. Obviously, the Yorkshire Terrier would not be able to be a guide dog for someone due to them being a small dog breed. They can, however, be medical alert service dogs or emotional support service dogs.
Medical alert service dogs can be trained to alert when it sees a seizure is going to happen, or your Yorkie can be trained to detect a drop in your glucose levels if you have diabetes. Yorkies are very in tune with what is happening with their owner, making them great for this type of job.
As you may already know, the Yorkie is a fantastic lap dog. After transitioning in history from a ratting work dog, it gained popularity with the nobility being lap dogs. Today the Yorkie is still a fabulous lap dog and family companion. They love cuddling, and they’re loyal to their owners. They make excellent watchdogs as they are very alert and vocal when strangers approach the home. Yorkies can be stubborn, so it’s essential to start training with them early and stay consistent with the rules you set for them. However, with proper training, Yorkies can be
Can a Yorkie be a Service Dog for Anxiety?
Yes, the Yorkie will be a great service dog for someone who suffers from anxiety. This lap dog can be an absolute comfort for someone who has severe anxiety or get anxious in certain situations. The Yorkie is small enough to be taken anywhere to help with your anxiety spectrum disorder.
Can Yorkies be Emotional Support Dogs?
Yes, without a doubt, the Yorkshire Terrier is an incredible emotional support dog. Yorkies are generally emotional support dogs without even having any or little training. So naturally, in the Yorkie temperament, the Yorkie recognizes when their owner feels a certain way.
Yorkies are very excellent at being able to comfort someone when they are sad, in need, suffering from trauma, or have mental health issues. However, remember again that emotional service dogs may have different rules and might not be able to be taken everywhere unless you get your dog registered as a service or support dog.
Cost Associated with Getting a Yorkie Service Dog
Getting a certified service dog can be an expensive thing. Most of that money will be spent on training for the type of service dog you may need. It doesn’t matter what type of dog it is because they all need adequate training to do their service job. The cost of training will vary greatly depending on where you are, who trains your dog, and the service you require.
It is not cheap to get a service dog; here is a breakdown of additional costs that might be needed for a service dog.
Training – As we said above, training will be a substantial financial obligation because if you have a medical condition, it will take a lot of training for the dog to detect. Depending on the condition, you may want to look into local service dog organizations that can help you with the training process. It is also important to understand that not all dogs are suitable for this task. Ensure you understand the legal implications of owning a service dog before you make the commitment. Lastly, if you do decide to get a service dog, remember that they are ultimately there to help you, so ensure that they are trained and cared for properly. Service dogs can be an incredible asset in managing medical conditions and providing assistance during daily tasks. With proper care, training, and understanding
Veterinarian Care – Dogs that are going to be service dog needs to be in their best health at all times to perform their job efficiently and effectively. With all of the frequent checkups and doctor visits your dog has, it will add up and get quite expensive.
Food – Dogs that are service dogs eat some of the highest quality food to keep them physically and mentally fed. This won’t be that much more than regular high-quality food.
Insurance – Did you know that pet insurance is a thing? Service dogs are generally always insured in case of an emergency or health incident. Pet insurance is designed to protect your pet, helping you with the cost of veterinary care if they have an accident or illness. It’s essential to find a policy that suits your pet and budget. Be sure to read all the details and ask questions before signing up for any coverage. This way, you’ll be prepared in case anything unexpected happens!
Supplies – All dogs need basic supplies such as beds, toys, leashes, collars, and their service vest. All of these essential supplies, as you know, add up.
How to Train a Yorkie to be a Service Dog
As I said above, training is a huge part of becoming a service dog. Depending on the condition that you need service for will determine how much training your Yorkie needs. First, all dogs need basic training and obedience before starting their long-term training for their service. Here are some of the basic skills your dog needs:
- Potty Training
- Socialization
- Basics
- Obedience
Once your dog has mastered the basics, it is important to start the training for its skill, whether that is the detection of glucose, seizures, emotional support, etc. This training can vary depending on what your dog needs to learn.
You will most likely want to get your dog professionally trained because it will take many training hours to get it where it needs to be. You can try to train your dog yourself but make sure you are well-versed in how to train your dog for the specific job you need it for. This fantastic book by Chris Peyton about training service dogs is probably a good starting point.
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Yorkie Service Dog Vest
Service dogs usually wear a vest or harness that says service dog or service animal on it. This is important because it identifies your dog wherever you are to avoid people asking you why you have a dog with you. They will clearly be able to see the service dog logo and understand it.
One service vest option I recommend is the LMOBXEVL Service Dog Harness, No-Pull Dog Harness. This is perfect for all types of dogs, as you can customize the size. This harness features a no-pull design that will not choke your dog. The metal D-ring can easily be attached to a leash for leisurely walks.
The vest itself is comfortable, has ventilation, and is wear-resistant. People can easily see the service dog logo from both sides of your dog. It is also removable when you don’t need it on your dog. This affordable vest is a great choice if you need your dog correctly identified when out.
Summary
Can your Yorkie be a service dog? I think we found the answer to that question is definitely yes. However, it will take a significant investment, either financial or time, possibly both. Yorkies can be trained to assist people with disabilities in various ways. To become an official service dog, your Yorkie will have to go through rigorous training and testing. You may need to seek out professional help or take classes if you plan on doing it yourself. Service dogs must also meet specific requirements, such as wearing identification tags and not being disruptive when in public. It is important to remember that not all service dogs are created equal, and although a Yorkie can be a great companion, it may not be the best choice for everyone. As always, it’s best to talk to your vet or an animal behaviorist before making any major decisions about your pet’s health and wellbeing.
