Preface. 5
Part 1: Can an assistance dog assist with your disability?. 9
Chapter 1: What is an assistance dog?. 12
Chapter 2: Trained benefits. 23
Chapter 3: Untrained benefits. 36
Takeaways. 45
Part 2: Can you create a mutually beneficial partnership with a dog?. 47
Chapter 4: Physical care. 50
Chapter 5: Mental and emotional care. 60
Chapter 6: Financial care. 68
Chapter 7: Personal lifestyle considerations. 76
Chapter 8: Considerations for other members of your life. 86
Chapter 9: Home life considerations. 96
Chapter 10: Work and school considerations. 105
Takeaways. 110
Part 3: So, you believe an assistance dog is the right tool for you. Now what?. 113
Chapter 11: Considerations for what training stage you begin with. 115
Chapter 12: Considerations for your dog's success. 129
Chapter 13: Considerations when vetting an organization or a trainer 136
Takeaways. 151
Chapter 14: Closing remarks 153