Down the Leash Service Dogs

06/16/2025

06/13/2025

06/13/2025

We are so excited for this event

MARION, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois Made Expo is around the corner with a day full of activities, vendors, fun and much more.

06/11/2025

Not Every Vest Is Equal: Why Service Dog Training Matters
It’s easy to buy a vest. It’s harder to build a service dog.
And that difference matters—because not every vest is equal.
Real service dogs are trained for months, sometimes years. They learn to stay calm in crowds, ignore distractions, and perform critical tasks that help their handler live with dignity and independence. Their training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about reliability in real-life, high-pressure situations.
But sometimes, well-meaning people put a vest on a pet or emotional support animal and bring them into public. They may believe their dog helps them, or they might not realize the standards that real service dogs are held to. Others simply want the convenience of bringing their dog everywhere.
The problem? When a dog isn’t properly trained for public access, it shows:
– Barking, whining, or growling
– Pulling on the leash or jumping on people
– Using the bathroom indoors or reacting to other animals
These behaviors don’t just create awkward moments. They erode public trust in all service dogs.
For people whose lives depend on their dog showing up—calm, capable, and invisible—being doubted or turned away doesn’t just hurt. It can turn a manageable day into a crisis.
This isn’t about shaming. It’s about protecting a system that saves lives.
If you’re unsure whether your dog qualifies as a service animal, or if you want to start the training journey, talk to a professional. There’s a right way to do this—and it starts with education and ethics.
Let’s keep public spaces safe, and service dog teams respected.
Because not every vest is equal. And it shouldn’t be.

Copied from another service dog group

06/07/2025

Someone needs to hear this today

06/07/2025

lol