Feywild Dog Training

05/23/2026

On the morning of 5/22/26 the New York Times published an article regarding an internal memo circulating the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/us/politics/hud-assistance-animals-disabled.html

The proposed changes in the memo impact housing for disabled individuals who rely on an assistance animal. Assistance animals have, up until this point, been defined as both task trained service animals and emotional support animals required due to a disability. Disabled individuals are protected to live in otherwise non pet friendly housing with their assistance animals without paying additional fees.

For years, service dog handlers and disability advocates have warned against services which claim to “certify,” “register” or create housing letters for assistance animals. There has undoubtedly been a long history of people without life altering disabilities using these services to avoid paying pet fees, access housing with their pets, etc. However, these services are also used by disabled indiviuduals who really need help and who may not know better how to access the help that they need.

Faking or exaggerating a disability for the purpose of receiving accommodation is never okay. However, the ESA crisis did not occur in a vacuum. Access to pet friendly housing poses a huge problem. Accessing pet friendly housing can be very difficult, with 72% of residents surveyed by the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative saying that pet friendly housing is difficult to find. Even when it is possible to locate, expensive fees mean that keeping an animal (even in pet friendly housing) is out of reach for many Americans.

The lack of access to pet friendly housing led to 23.4% of those surveyed by the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative to “declare their dog an ESA.” A staggering 22.7% made the difficult decision to rehome their dogs. The shelter crisis in the US is not a matter of pure irresponsibility the way that many would lead you to believe. It is a matter of access. People want to keep their dogs. Under these circumstances they simply can’t.

Who may this memo impact?

- Disabled individuals who rely on the presence of an assistance animal in order to have companionship, routine, and therapeutic comfort
- Nondisabled people who have been fraudulently utilizing housing accommodations in effort to be able to keep their pets in an inhospitable housing markets
- Shelters, which are already overwhelmed and in crisis due to issues of human welfare impacting people’s ability to retain their pets

Given the lack of accessible information about these memos, each of these groups will now have to wait to see how changes to assistance animal laws impact their housing.

State protections may be more robust in some areas, providing a glimmer of hope for disabled individuals and overcrowded shelters. However, at its core, pet friendly housing must be made more accessible in order to protect the lives of humans and their animals moving forward.

05/01/2025

May is EDS awareness month. What can service dogs do for people with EDS/HSD?

(A lot!)

"Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures in your body."

Symptomatology is broad, and can very widely between both individuals and types, but can include.... joint hypermobility, loose, unstable joints that dislocate easily, joint pain and clicking joints, extreme tiredness (fatigue), skin that bruises easily, fragile blood vessels, Weak muscle tone, digestive problems, dizziness and an increased heart rate after standing up, problems with internal organs, such as mitral valve prolapse or organ prolapse, wounds that are slow to heal and leave wide scars, and problems with bladder control (stress incontinence).

Service dogs for EDS/HSD patients serve a wide variety of functions, including mobility tasks. Forward Momentum Pull (FMP) as tolerated by unstable joints, counter Balance, wheelchair pull lading tasks, assist to stand, dropped Item retrieval, and named item retrieval are popular choices.

EDS/HSD often comes with a wide variety of comorbid conditions including autonomic issues, heart issues, hypoglycemia, and mast cell activation syndrome. Alert tasks can help warn a handler about a problem before it happens. Therefore, alerts to high/low heart rate, High/Low blood pressure, migraine, low blood sugar, and allergens may be beneficial.

01/10/2025

Is a service dog right for everyone?.. Nope!

There are many factors to consider before thinking about a service dog. These include:

Disability Status - Not everyone with a chronic mental or physical health condition qualifies for a service dog. Service dogs are task trained to assist people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities.”

Attention - Service dog handlers can unfortunately expect to be stared at, pointed out, talked about, and asked many questions. For some people, this added attention can create more anxiety than it solves.

Conflict - How do you handle conflict? Having a service dog is a journey in self advocacy and may require that you learn to manage conflict with others in order to access the public.

Time + Finances - Service dogs take a long time to train/obtain and have high associated costs. They are a longterm, high maintenance option.

Training + Maintenance: Service dogs are always in training. You will need to be able to maintain and tune up training for the entire working life of the dog.

Needs of the dog: Service dogs need mental enrichment and physical exercise outside of work. Will your health allow you to spend the time and energy it takes to ensure your dog's needs are met?

Expectations vs. reality: Service dogs are not a cure. They cannot replace DME or medication. Your disability will still impact you. For some, you may become visibly disabled for the first time, impacting how you are treated by others.

Service dogs are a viable addition to a treatment plan for a disabled individual who has the time, money, ability, and means to both care for a dog and maintain a high standard of training. Service dogs are a longterm, high maintenance commitment. Having a service dog may change how you are perceived by the public, and will likely create unwanted attention for the handler. However, for those who are able to fulfill their dog and engage in self advocacy, service dogs can bring a sense of independence to the lives of disabled people.

05/01/2024

What can service dogs do for people with EDS/HSD?

(A lot!)

"Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures in your body." Symptomatology is broad, and can very widely between both individuals and types, but can include.... joint hypermobility, loose, unstable joints that dislocate easily, joint pain and clicking joints, extreme tiredness (fatigue), skin that bruises easily, fragile blood vessels, Weak muscle tone, digestive problems, dizziness and an increased heart rate after standing up, problems with internal organs, such as mitral valve prolapse or organ prolapse, wounds that are slow to heal and leave wide scars, and problems with bladder control (stress incontinence).

Service dogs for EDS/HSD patients serve a wide variety of functions, including mobility tasks. Forward Momentum Pull (FMP) as tolerated by unstable joints, counter Balance, wheelchair pull lading tasks, assist to stand, dropped Item retrieval, and named item retrieval are popular choices.

EDS/HSD often comes with a wide variety of comorbid conditions including autonomic issues, heart issues, hypoglycemia, and mast cell activation syndrome. Alert tasks can help warn a handler about a problem before it happens. Therefore, alerts to high/low heart rate, High/Low blood pressure, migraine, low blood sugar, and allergens may be beneficial.

10/27/2023

Are you in Minnesota, near the twin cities area? Have you wanted an opportunity to work with me individually in person? Looking for a group class to brush up your service dog's skills in a fun and engaging way? Perhaps wondering about your dog's journey to being ""fully trained"" and interested in a public access test administered by a trusted trainer?

Well, my friend... Here's your chance!

My clients Ellie and Elijah .on.duty are graciously organizing a Minnesota trip for some Feywild training time. I'll be offering two group classes (one focusing on task work, emphasizing DPT and mobility foundations, one being advanced public access, and the final being a pet friendly public access group class), several private lessons, and potentially public access tests (if any teams are interested) while I'm there.

- Single group class: $55
- Audit slots for single group class (no dog): $30
- Private lesson: $80
- PA testing: $25
- Group and private class bundle: $125 for one group class and one private lesson

Reach out for more details on how to join us!

10/18/2023

I'm headed to Minnesota for a weekend in December, and there's still space to train with me!

My clients Felicia Jasco ([email protected]) and Elijah Rose ([email protected]) are graciously organizing a Minnesota trip for some Feywild training time. I'll be offering two group classes (one focusing on task work, emphasizing DPT and mobility foundations. the other being a public access group class), several private lessons, and potentially public access tests (if any teams are interested) while I'm there. Please direct your inquiries to them, as THEY ARE ORGANIZING THE TRIP. Major thanks and kudos to them, as I would not have the bandwidth to make it happen otherwise. As they are paying my expenses for the trip, payment and scheduling inquiries will be fielded through them to make the experience smooth for all involved.

I will be there Saturday December 2nd & Sunday December 3rd. They are offering group classes, private lessons, and public access testing. There are options for teams well into training who are PA ready, as well as options for new teams getting started, puppies, and other dogs not ready for PA.

Saturday is PA day! If your dog hasnt started PA training or you dont feel confident, please schedule for Sunday. Privates and PA testing will be hosted at the Mall of America, and a group class will be held at Indoor Zoomies in Eden Prairie. For privates Morgan will work with you in a quiet part of the mall, outside, or in a busier part of the mall depending on what you need and where you are as a team. For PA tests, expect to be inside in a reasonably busy part of the mall. Group class on Saturday will focus on mobility foundation exercises and breaking down DPT. There are audit spots available. Group class will take place at 4:30pm, privates are available throughout the day, and Saturdays PA test will take place at 2pm and last about an hour. During the PA test, up to 4 teams will be present and testing at once.

If you have a puppy, are a new team, or just don't feel ready for PA yet but want to start or continue working on those skills in a pet friendly low pressure environment, Sunday is for you. On Sunday Morgan will be hosting privates, PA tests, and a group class at Eden Prairie Scheels, a pet friendly store. For privates, Morgan will work inside or outside depending on what you and your dog need and where you are in your training. For PA tests, expect to be inside and testing with other teams. Also on Sunday at Scheels Morgan will be hosting a Public Access group class. This class is appropriate for new teams, puppies over 6 month with a good obedience foundation, and handlers not confident in their dogs PA skills. Dogs should have a strong obedience foundation and be dog friendly.

There are also audit slots available for this group class. Group class will take place at 4:10pm, privates are available throughout the day, and Sundays PA test will start at 3pm. It will last about an hour and there will be up to 4 teams testing at once.

Classes offered, slots, and pricing:
-Audit slot for Saturday task group class (4 slots) $30
-Audit slot for Sunday PA group class (4 slots) $30
-PA testing (8 slots) $25
-Bundle: 1 group and 1 private of your choosing (10 slots) $125
-Private only $80
-Group of your choice only $55. Minors are welcome but must be accompanied by their adult for the duration of their session. A general background of your dog will be collected at sign up.

10/04/2023

Photo of client dog Lincoln here to help us critique ""“Seizure-alert dogs”: Observations from an inpatient video/EEG unit" by Ortiz & Liporace (2005).

This study has a death grip in (a) certain facebook group(s) and some medical communities, despite some glaring flaws... and being 18! Years! Old!

10/01/2023

October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month!

Dysautonomia refers to a group of medical conditions caused by problems with the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This part of your nervous system controls involuntary body functions like your heartbeat, breathing and digestion. Dysautonomia can affect ANS functions including:
•Blood pressure.
•Breathing.
•Digestion.
•Heart rate.
•Kidney function.
•Pupil dilation and constriction in the eyes.
•Sexual function.
•Body and skin temperature control.

How can a service dog help?
Service dogs for dysautonomia patients serve a variety of functions, including but not limited to…

Alert Tasks
⁃High/Low Heart Rate alert
⁃High-Low Blood Pressure Alert
⁃Migraine Alert
⁃Low Blood Sugar Alert

Response Tasks
⁃Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
⁃Leg Elevation
⁃Pressing an emergency alert button
⁃Bringing handler their medication, phone, water, etc.
⁃Barking to attract help in case of a fall
⁃Many more…

Mobility Tasks
⁃Counter Balance
⁃Forward Momentum Pull
⁃Sighted Guide
⁃Assist to Stand
⁃Bracing
⁃Dropped Item Retrieval
⁃Pressing automatic door switch
⁃Named item retrieval (phone, water, meds, etc.)
⁃Turning on/off lights
⁃Many more…

These are just a few examples of tasks that dysautonomia service dogs perform to help their humans. There are countless more examples, tailored to the individual needs of each handler. Generally, a dog will provide a handful of these tasks, not the complete list.

Service dogs can give back quality of life and independence to dysautonomia patients suffering from disabling symptoms. They help to keep us comfortable and safe!

If you suffer from dysautonomia, or suspect you might, it is vitally important to talk to a doctor before pursuing a service dog. A service dog is a treatment plan, not a cure! While they can help us to gain back independence, it is important to ensure that the benefit will outweigh the cost and effort of training or obtaining a service dog.

For more information on dysautonomia, check out Dysautonomia International

09/20/2023

Client Echo here to help us explain... What is a working dog?

The internet has made this question a little complicated. How can we define what people mean when they say “working dog?”

1. A Dog That Performs A Practical Task: A dog that is trained for and employed in “meaningful work” (ie: work that serves a practical purpose for humans). This can include service dogs, search and rescue dogs, facility dogs, demo dogs, herding dogs employed on farms, etc.

2. Certain Breeds of Dogs: Sometimes, people use the term “working dog” to refer to certain breeds of dogs. They may mean the working dog group (including dobermans and huskies). They may be referring to any breed created with the original purpose of doing a job for humans (including labradors or german shepherds). Hint: That is almost every breed of dog!

3. Dogs Given a “Job”: We’ve all heard it: “That dog needs a job!” Sometimes, people say “working dog” and mean any dog that has been given a “job.” Many times, they mean dogs involved in sports (protection sports, herding trials, barn hunt, and more).

Why does it matter?
1. It's confusing! When one phrase has so many definitions, it can be hard to understand what we’re talking about at a glance!

2. It’s A Respect Thing: Look, we’re not here to gatekeep who can and cannot use the term “working dog.” But, it is worth noting, dogs that perform a practical task for humans have a hard job. They put in long hours, risk their physical safety, calm emotionally volatile situations, and help to preserve human life. The handlers of these dogs structure their entire lifestyle around that dog’s work. It looks a little different than owning a pet dog that is very active and driven. It looks different than the vast majority of “sport homes.”

How do I talk about it? You won’t catch me policing how people use those terms! But this is how I, a service dog trainer, put language to these concepts in a way that may be less confusing!

1. A Dog That Performs A Practical Task: These dogs are “working dogs!” They perform real world jobs that benefit humans.

2. Dogs of a certain breed: Certain breeds of dogs belong to the “working group.” Other breeds are “active breeds”, “driven breeds”, “busy breeds”... and part of a historical legacy of dogs doing work for humans.

3. Dogs given a “job”: Dogs given a “job” are very often “sport dogs!” Sports are a great way to keep a dog fulfilled. Many sport dog handlers are incredibly dedicated. Although I would not consider these dogs “working dogs”, it it worth noting that many are incredibly well trained.

t’s not a perfect system... There’s a reason these terms became muddy. Dogs who work herding on farms (working dogs) often also compete in herding trials (a sport!). Dogs who compete in sports may become demo dogs for their human trainers, pouring in long hours helping others to learn. While clarifying these terms within the dog world would be incredibly useful, ask questions before gatekeeping! There may be a nuance that is worth learning from!

08/17/2023