Service dogs, like therapy dogs, provide comfort, companionship, and assistance for people with mental and physical disabilities. Unlike simple therapy dogs, service dogs are meant to perform specific tasks to benefit their handler.
Typically, these dogs are trained by Balanced Obedience or similar companies to help with specific needs, such as guiding someone with low or no vision, helping someone with limited mobility, alerting someone of impending seizures, or protecting someone during their panic attacks. Additionally, service dogs can be trained to perform any task their handler requires. Let’s find out more about Service Dogs.
Who Uses Service Dogs?
Service dogs help millions of people with disabilities in order to lead more independent lives. According to the American Humane Association, 150,000 to 200,000 service dogs work in the United States, and this population is expected to grow. In the U.S., service dogs are trained to perform tasks for the person who is blind, deaf, has a seizure disorder, has autism, or has other physical or mental disabilities. To qualify for a service dog, you need to show you have a significant disability. If you’re hearing impaired, for example, you’ll need to book an appointment with a hearing test doctor cypress texas (or a similar audiologist near you) for a full assessment. Once the assessment is complete, you may be considered eligible.
Which Breeds Make the Best Service Dogs?
Service dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, and they serve a variety of purposes. There are guide dogs, hearing dogs, seizure alert dogs, psychiatric service dogs, mobility support dogs, and autism service dogs. But regardless of the type of dog you choose, certain breeds make the best service dogs. Below are some of the best-known breeds of service dogs:
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Labradors
- Border Collies
- Poodles
- Boxers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Portuguese Water Dogs
- Great Danes
- Pomeranians
How to Spot a Service Dog
Dog tricks, tail wagging, and begging, oh my! Service dogs do all sorts of tricks to make life easier for their human companions. From retrieving items to helping you navigate city streets; service dogs deserve all the recognition they can get. Service dogs provide assistance to people with disabilities. People with physical, mental, or psychiatric disabilities often rely on service dogs to help them perform specific tasks. While these dogs are trained to do different tasks, there are certain traits you can look for when spotting a service dog. They are trained to assist individuals with disabilities. They are easily identifiable by their official certification paperwork, and their handlers wear clothing or accessories that identify them as service dogs. But not always.
Types of Service Dogs
Service dogs aren’t just for the blind or deaf. They’re actually trained and supported to help anyone who requires assistance. Regardless of the reason for needing a dog, it’s important to keep in mind that service dogs are not pets. Service dogs must be certified and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), and they are required to be trained and outfitted to help a particular individual. The following are the types of service dogs:
- Guide Dog
- Hearing Dog
- Mobility Assistance
- Diabetes isis Assistance
- Seizures response dogs
- Mental health service dogs
Can owners take their assistance dogs into all public places?
Yes, service dogs are allowed in public places. Assistance dogs, or guide dogs for the blind and hearing impaired, are highly trained animals that perform critical duties for their handlers. These dogs are put through intense training, and, as a result, they should be allowed to accompany their handlers into all public spaces. Those who manage businesses that serve the public have an obligation to ensure that these dogs, and their owners, are welcome.
Are Service Dogs a Pet?
Service dogs are not regular house dogs; they are trained and cannot be considered a pet. They are also known as guide dogs or working dogs. In some cases, service dogs are often trained to pull wheelchairs, alert to seizures, or perform other tasks for people with disabilities as well.