I came across this column in the paper today. Thought some of you who have or train service dogs might find it interesting. It was in response to a fellow who wanted to train a huskey-malamute X as a sevice dog.
I have to say I think your question is moot. Unless the service you're looking to provide is eating fish and pulling a sled I'd say you're looking at the wrong breed.
A husky or malamute are to the service dog world what a golden retriever is to the sled dog world. Your current dog (husky/malamute/lab) is most likely drawing on the Lab genes to perform its duties. I don't know of any true service dog training organization that even considers huskies or malamutes.
Lately it seems if you can sew up a vest and it says service dog nobody says anything. I was at a conference this year where a 'service' dog spent the weekend rifiling through people's bags, agitating other dogs, wandering away at every opportunity. This was not an isolated experience. I've seen biting, growling, snapping, running away etc., by 'service' dogs. I'm seeing more and more dogs without the temperament or the training of a legitimate service dog being called service dogs by people unqualified to say so, let alone select and train one.
The whole service animal situation is getting out of hand. I'm not sure where the lines should be drawn and who should do it, but somebody needs to. Generally speaking we're seeing dogs of questionable temperaments 'certified' by ill-qualified dog trainers, rather that approved associations demanding access to places their dog has no place ebing. No one speaks up probably out of fear of having the politically correct crowd twisting, "I don't want an ill-behaved animal in my place of business," to "I hate the disabled," or "I hate animals".
I don't hate animals or the disabled or disabled animals or disabled people that behave like animals. I do, however, hate the abandonment of common sense particularly when it jeopardizes the legitimacy of true service dogs. A while back I saw a news piece about a woman who insisted proximity to her horse was necessary to maintain her mental equilibrium and she rode it everywhere, even into the grocery store. I don't care if she's riding Mr. Ed. I'd carry her on my back before I'd agree to let her walk a flatulent horse through the vegetable aisle.
A proper service animal's purpose is to contribute to the health and safety of the owner. However, not at the expense of the general public. Service dog candidates need to be selected by a specialized professional. "many are called, few are chosen" applies. Their obedience training must include a minimum standard that isn't so minimum.
A service dog should not mean, "I own a dog, I have a need and I've found someone that has trained a few dogs in an unrelated discipline to certify my dog.
True service dogs are very important and this airy-fairy definition of service aor assistance dog is sooner or later going to reflect poorly on legitimate service dog trainers and owners, if not get someone seriously hurt.
So is that true about breeds like the husky or malamute - no suitable? Is there a lowing of standards when it comes to certifying service dogs?