A service dog is a specially trained and highly skilled animal that provides assistance to people with disabilities and medical conditions. These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that their owners cannot do on their own. They are not just pets, but rather, they are essential companions that help improve the quality of life for their owners. From guiding the visually impaired to alerting their owners with hearing impairments, these dogs truly are lifesavers. In this article, we will explore the world of service dogs, including their breeds, functions, and the types of owners who rely on them.
Types of Service Dogs
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that help their owners with disabilities and medical conditions. There are several types of service dogs, each with a unique set of skills. Some of the most common types of service dogs include:
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs, also known as seeing-eye dogs, assist people who are blind or visually impaired. These dogs help their owners navigate their surroundings by avoiding obstacles and guiding them on their path. They are trained to obey commands such as “forward,” “left,” and “right” and are also trained to stop at curbs and stairs.
Hearing Dogs
Hearing dogs, also known as signal dogs, assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These dogs are trained to alert their owners to important sounds, such as doorbells, smoke alarms, and ringing telephones. They are trained to make physical contact with their owners, such as touching their paw or nudging their leg, to get their attention.
Mobility Assistance Dogs
Mobility assistance dogs assist people with physical disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. These dogs are trained to help their owners with tasks such as opening doors, retrieving objects, and pulling wheelchairs. They can also be trained to provide balance and stability to their owners when walking.
Medical Alert Dogs
Medical alert dogs, also known as seizure alert dogs, assist people who have medical conditions such as epilepsy or diabetes. These dogs are trained to detect changes in their owners’ body chemistry, such as changes in blood sugar levels or the onset of a seizure. They are trained to alert their owners or others when they detect these changes.
Breeds Commonly Used as Service Dogs
While any breed of dog can potentially become a service dog, there are certain breeds that are more commonly used due to their temperament, intelligence, and size. Some of the most common breeds used as service dogs include:
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds used as service dogs. They are intelligent, loyal, and have a gentle temperament, making them an ideal choice for a wide variety of tasks.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are another popular breed used as service dogs. They are friendly, obedient, and have a strong desire to please their owners, making them an excellent choice for tasks that require a high level of obedience.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are a highly intelligent breed that is often used as police and military dogs. They are also commonly used as service dogs due to their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature.
Standard Poodles
Standard Poodles are a hypoallergenic breed that is often used as service dogs for people with allergies. They are highly intelligent, trainable, and have a calm and gentle demeanor.
Functions of Service Dogs
Service dogs are trained to perform a wide variety of tasks that help their owners with disabilities and medical conditions. Some of the most common tasks performed by service dogs include:
Navigating
Guide dogs assist their owners with navigating their surroundings by avoiding obstacles and guiding them on their path. They are trained to obey commands such as “forward,” “left,” and “right” and are also trained to stop at curbs and stairs.
Alerting
Hearing dogs are trained to alert their owners to important sounds, such as doorbells, smoke alarms, and ringing telephones. They are trained to make physical contact with their owners, such as touching their paw or nudging their leg, to get their attention.
Retrieving
Mobility assistance dogs are trained to help their owners with tasks such as opening doors, retrieving objects, and pulling wheelchairs.
Detecting
Medical alert dogs are trained to detect changes in their owners’ body chemistry, such as changes in blood sugar levels or the onset of a seizure. They are trained to alert their owners or others when they detect these changes.
How Service Dogs are Trained
Service dogs undergo extensive training to prepare them for their roles as helpers to people with disabilities and medical conditions. The training process can take up to two years and involves several stages.
Puppy Raising
The first stage of training involves raising puppies in a home environment. During this stage, the puppies are socialized and taught basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” They are also exposed to a variety of different environments and situations to help them develop confidence and adaptability.
Specialized Training
Once the puppies have reached a certain age, they are sent to specialized training facilities where they receive more advanced training. During this stage, the dogs are trained to perform specific tasks related to their role as a service dog. For example, guide dogs are trained to navigate their surroundings and avoid obstacles, while hearing dogs are trained to alert their owners to important sounds.
Public Access Training
The final stage of training involves public access training, where the dogs are trained to work in public places such as stores, restaurants, and public transportation. During this stage, the dogs are exposed to a variety of different distractions and situations to help them remain focused on their tasks.
Rights of Service Dog Owners
Service dog owners have certain rights under the law that protect their ability to access public places and travel with their dogs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses and other public places to allow service dogs to enter with their owners, even in areas where pets are not typically allowed. This includes restaurants, stores, and public transportation.
Differences between Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals
Service dogs are not the same as emotional support animals (ESAs). While both types of animals provide support to their owners, ESAs do not undergo the same level of training as service dogs. ESAs are not required to perform specific tasks related to their owners’ disabilities or medical conditions, but rather, provide emotional support through their companionship.
Misconceptions about Service Dogs
There are several misconceptions about service dogs that can make life difficult for their owners. One of the most common misconceptions is that service dogs are not allowed in public places such as restaurants or stores. However, as previously mentioned, service dogs are protected under the ADA and are allowed in public places with their owners.
Another common misconception is that service dogs must wear a vest or other identifying gear. While some service dogs do wear vests or other gear, this is not a requirement under the law. Service dogs can be identified by their behavior and the tasks they perform for their owners.
Laws and Regulations Surrounding Service Dogs
There are several laws and regulations surrounding service dogs that protect their owners’ rights and ensure that the dogs are properly trained and cared for. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is one of the most important laws that protect service dog owners’ rights. This law requires businesses and other public places to allow service dogs to enter with their owners, even in areas where pets are not typically allowed.
In addition to the ADA, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued several guidelines related to service dogs. These guidelines provide information on issues such as breed restrictions, public access, and the training and care of service dogs.
Conclusion
Service dogs are truly amazing animals that provide invaluable assistance to people with disabilities and medical conditions. They are not just pets, but rather, they are essential companions that help improve the quality of life for their owners. From guiding the visually impaired to detecting changes in body chemistry, these dogs truly are lifesavers. By understanding their breeds, functions, and the types of owners who rely on them, we can gain a new appreciation for these amazing animals and the impact they have on the lives of those they serve.
