The right dog for me, may not be the right dog for you. The right dog for you, may be the complete wrong dog for your best friend. At Disabled Advantage, I understand this better than most, because my disability complicates life with a dog. Finding the dog who is the best match for you is a commitment worth dedicating a little time to, whether you're looking for a companion or your future service dog. 

Service Dog Prospects

Selecting a service dog is dependent on what the person needs a dog to be capable of doing one day, physically and mentally. The dog needs to want to work, and not all do. The dog also needs to be mentally balanced, confident, curious, smart, and healthy themselves. The search must be highly objective & critical. We're looking for a medical assistive device 1st, dog 2nd. 
How It Works... When helping you find a service dog prospect, I cultivate a list of possible breeds and breed mixes to consider, as well as breeds to avoid. This is based on me talking to you & asking what you have experience with, what your grooming capability or budget is, your living space, your ability to provide exercise, your needs based on your disability, & anything you like or don't like. 

From there, I either search for breeders or shelters, making lists of possible dogs or reputable breeders for you to look into further. I attend meet & greets virtually, tell you what questions to ask, and what photos to get for me. 

I evaluate the dog's training, behavior, temperament, how they're built, how people phrase answers to queries or how their ad was written, how the dog moves, how the dog interacts with you, and compare all of that against our criteria list for you. 

Companion Dogs

Selecting a pet dog allows for more flexibility, and is less need-based. It still comes back to what you want, feel up to handling, and what you're picturing when you imagine your life with this dog, though. If you're an adventurous person who loves hiking & being active, you're going to be happier with a dog who is curious, confident, wants to go go go, and enjoys being with their person, than you would be with a dog who has learned to be fearful in new experiences or is a couch potato. On the flip side, if you aren't all that active, or maybe you work long hours at home, or have a chronic health condition that slows you down, a dog with tons of energy will add stress to your days. You would be better suited with a dog who is quick to learn, content to exercise in short bursts, followed with snuggling or down time, and needs fewer activities in a day. If you've owned dogs all your life & are looking for a project dog to turn around and give a full life to, a dog with behavioral problems or a more domineering breed would probably fit the bill. If you're not equipped for a challenge, either from lack of experience or time, a project dog will run you ragged. 
How It Works... When I look for a pet for you, I'll ask you questions about your background with dogs, what your lifestyle is like, what you imagine life with this dog being, your budget for a dog, living space, ability to provide for a dog, if you have any limitations, and if you're wanting a puppy or older dog. 

I'll evaluate dogs based on your criteria list, temperament, behavior, and what their people can tell us about the dog or litter (if getting from a breeder). I'll attend meet & greets virtually if you'd like me to, and we'll search until we find what you're looking for. Once you get your new companion, I have various courses to choose from to get started on the best paw with your new dog!