Training My Service Dog: How Osteogenesis Imperfecta Shaped Our Journey

Lexie, Katherine's Service Dog

Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta—often called Brittle Bone Disease—comes with daily challenges, especially when it comes to managing simple tasks. As a disabled artist navigating the realities of art and disability, I’ve discovered that a well-trained service dog can make all the difference. Meet Lexie, my 7-ish-year-old Sheltie/Border Collie mix who transformed from a rambunctious rescue into a skilled service dog—and in the process, became one of my greatest sources of motivation.


A Rough Start with an Unruly Pup

When we rescued Lexie from the Gulf Coast Sheltie Rescue about five years ago, she knew virtually no commands—and had zero manners. Running on the interstate with a child’s leash attached, she was frightened, had heartworms, and acted like an untamed puppy even though she was an adult. Originally, I hoped to introduce her to competitive agility, but she wasn’t that enthusiastic about it. Plus, we worried that overtraining might harm her joints and shoulders.

As part Border Collie, Lexie needs a job to stay mentally stimulated. That’s when we thought, “Why not train her as a service dog?” She was big enough to pick things up off the ground—pencils, phones, remotes—and hand them to me, and could potentially push elevator buttons. It would be the perfect way to channel her intelligence and energy.


From Basic Obedience to Service Dog Training

  1. Basic Obedience
    We started by teaching Lexie simple commands—sit, stay, and come—plus a few “fun” tricks. She caught on quickly, especially when treats were involved. Once she mastered the basics, I reached out to Ann Becnel, a professional trainer, who helped us transition Lexie into service dog training.
  2. “Get It” Command
    Teaching a dog to pick up objects and hand them over isn’t as natural as you might think. Most dogs see picking up items as a game—like “chase me!” We had to break this habit with a step-by-step process:
    • Nose Touch: At first, Lexie was rewarded for simply touching the training bag with her nose.
    • Mouth Grab: Gradually, she only got treats if she attempted to bite or hold the bag in her mouth.
    • Fetch & Deliver: Over time, we extended the distance and introduced various objects—pens, paintbrushes, cell phones—teaching her to bring them back and place them in my hand.
  3. Public Training
    Once Lexie understood the “get it” command at home, we took her out to public spaces. For a service dog, good manners in restaurants, stores, and other environments are crucial. She had to ignore distractions, walk calmly on her leash (attached to my wheelchair), and focus on me. Before long, she was picking up dropped credit cards in stores and handing them back to me like a pro.

The Bond We Forged

Training Lexie to be a service dog did more than just help me manage day-to-day tasks—it strengthened our connection. Spending time together each day, focusing on small training goals, helped us understand each other’s cues. Because of my Brittle Bone Disease, I rely on her for simple tasks that can become big obstacles if my bones are hurting or if I’m just having a rough day.

Lexie’s vest isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a sign of the trust and teamwork we’ve built. Yes, she still has a bit of attitude—she’s part Border Collie, after all—but when I need her, she’s all business.


Why Service Dogs Matter for People with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta means constant concerns about fractures, bone pain, and daily functionality. A service dog like Lexie can alleviate some of those burdens by assisting with tasks that otherwise pose a risk of falling or hurting yourself. For me, being a disabled artist, having her around fosters greater independence and freedom to focus on what I love—creating art and sharing it with the world.

  1. Reduced Risk: Fewer risks of bending or reaching in precarious ways.
  2. Increased Confidence: Service dogs provide emotional support and encouragement, acting as a motivator to keep pushing forward despite challenges.
  3. Enhanced Mobility: They enable more active participation in everyday tasks, leading to higher self-reliance.

A Source of Motivation

My journey with Brittle Bone Disease hasn’t been easy. However, training Lexie and watching her develop into a full-fledged service dog has offered tremendous motivation. Whenever I catch myself thinking “I can’t do this,” I remember how she went from a wild, untrained rescue to an invaluable helper, reminding me that with patience and persistence, significant transformations are possible.

Lexie the service dog
Photo by Lee Henderson.