Basically Bandit

So what actually makes something a service-dog task?

There’s a lot of conflicting advice about this, so here’s the simple version.

Under the ADA, a service dog is individually trained to do work or perform a task that is directly related to the handler’s disability.

Trainers may also talk about tasks being specific, reliable, consistent, and repeatable. Those are important training concepts, but “repeatable” isn't an additional requirement written into the ADA definition.

So when you're trying to think of a task that could actually help you, start with the problem:

What part of your disability makes something harder?

Then ask:

Could a dog be trained to do something specific that helps mitigate that limitation?

That's where task training gets really interesting.

Because sometimes the most useful task isn't dramatic at all. It's a small, practical thing that gives you a little more independence when your disability gets in the way.

Some chapters are hard to turn the page on, even when you know there’s another beautiful chapter waiting.

Bandit has been by my side for a decade. He gave me independence I never thought I’d have and helped me become more confident in myself and what I’m capable of. He’s been there for some of the hardest parts of my life, and somehow, through all of it, he’s still just my Bandit.

So the idea of eventually having another service dog feels complicated.

I’m excited about what the future might hold. I’m also heartbroken that getting there means acknowledging that Bandit’s working years won’t last forever.

He isn’t replaceable. He isn’t being replaced.

I’m just learning that loving a dog this much also means being willing to make decisions for the life he deserves, even when my heart isn’t quite ready for them.

And somehow, I’ve found myself stepping into a chapter I never imagined: applying for a program dog.

More on that soon. 💓

One thing I’ve learned after 10 years with a working dog is that there’s no such thing as one piece of gear that does everything. 🐾

That includes boots.

Bandit has different boots in his gear bag because different adventures call for different things. His fabric boots have their place, especially on dry trails, but once water, mud, or wet conditions enter the picture, I reach for his WagWear Mojaves.

And that applies to more than hiking. As a service dog, Bandit can encounter wet sidewalks, rainy days, puddles, muddy paths, and all the random conditions that come with being out and about.

I like having options instead of expecting one boot to work perfectly for every situation.

The WagWear Mojaves have earned their spot in Bandit’s gear rotation, so if you’ve been looking for a pair of dog boots for wet or messy adventures, I linked them for you. 💚

When you use our code: BASICALLYBANDIT while shopping at wagwear
You'll not only save money but support our work here at the same time!

DogGear HikingWithDogs AdventureDog

One thing I don't think people realize about service dogs is how much of their job can look like absolutely nothing.

Bandit can spend an entire afternoon sleeping on the couch.

He's not constantly watching me. He's not following me around waiting for a command. He's not performing some impressive task every five minutes.

Most of the time, he's just living his life.

And then there are moments when something changes and he suddenly gets very serious.

That's probably one of the things I've appreciated most about him over the years. I don't need him “on” all the time. I get to have a dog who has a normal dog life, and when I need his working brain, he knows it.

Ten years together has made that communication pretty subtle.

Sometimes it's just a look.

Sometimes it's him getting up before I've even said anything.

And sometimes it's me realizing he's been right about something for the last five minutes while I was busy focusing on other things.

P.S. Do you love Bandit's shoes? You can find them at wagwear and use - BASICALLYBANDIT to save yourself some 💰

I shared these photos in my stories, but if you missed those stories, I wanted to make sure that you all got to see these really great photos from an experience I had last week.

I was able to meet some really lovely dogs who are in training to be service dogs. I also got to handle them and spend time with them. This was such a wonderful experience, and I feel very lucky!