Service dog in training at TLC Petsnip, taken from ASA Service Dogs facebook page.
By: Teanna Mitchell
February 23, 2020
LAKELAND, Fla. – ASA Service Dogs is all about helping people one dog at a time. This nonprofit provides trained assistance dogs, including service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs. In addition, they offer private lessons, Jr. trainer KIDS Club educational classes, a Puppy Raiser Program and special needs events.
Amanda Taulborg, Founder and Executive Director of the organization, oversees all aspects of training, correspondence, and business duties at ASA Service Dogs.
Therapy dogs are temperament tested and trained to help people feel better. Their responsibilities are to provide psychological or physiological therapy to individuals.
“Therapy dogs make a world of difference for those in need of snuggles, affection, judgement-free attention, redirection, comfort, happiness, and a laugh” said Taulborg.
They can be found in funeral homes, doctor’s offices, police and fire stations, libraries, rehabilitation centers, court rooms, schools, and many more facilities in need of this happy and calming presence.
“I believe the entire population can benefit from a therapy dog. Regardless of age, race, disability, location, and gender” said Taulborg.
Therapy dogs are trained at service dog training standards because of the importance of safety and control in these environments. ASA trains these dogs using a wide variety of methods and tools. The process usually ranges from one to two years of training.
In order to get a therapy dog the customer must be able to care for the dog and have the means to provide adequate exercise and shelter. In addition, they can’t have any dog-aggressive or excessively untrained dogs in the home.
“When looking for an assistance dog for our clients we look for confidence, intelligence, drive, awareness, calm yet playfulness, and gentleness” said Taulborg.
At ASA Service Dogs, the trainers are passionate about their job. ASA staff makes it a priority to give quality training and be a beneficial resource to individuals in need of help.
“When I was first introduced to ASA and Amanda Taulborg I was very encouraged because she was clearly committed to finding the right dog for me” said Jan Concepcion, assistance dog owner.
Concepcion has had her assistance dog from ASA Service Dog since May of 2016. Her dog Maggie is a service and therapy dog. Maggie helps with balance to prevent possible fall risk and alerting Concepcion when her blood sugar is low. Three days a week she goes with Concepcion to an adult daycare for medically fragile seniors and people with Alzheimers.
“Maggie gives me confidence when I’m out in public and makes me feel comfortable at home. This would not be possible without this fantastic organization and Amanda” said Concepcion.
A service dog is trained to perform tasks and do work that eases its handlers’ disabilities. Therapy dogs also receive the same training but have a completely different job. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with a variety of people while they’re on-duty.
ASA Service Dog focused on making sure the training was tailored to Concepcion’s needs.
“I was overwhelmed with joy by all the love and affection shared by this team of dog lovers and trainers for the dogs, one another, and the cause of helping folks with disabilities” said Concepcion.
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