Is your best friend giving you a hard time about having a dog? If you’ve always wanted a dog but suffer from allergies or another condition, getting a service dog is a great alternative to a normal house pet.
But what is a service dog used for? Though there has been some controversy involved with being able to take them anywhere, they provide a lot of assistance to their handlers.
Keep reading to learn what they are and what they are used for. Keep your eyes peeled for the first chance to get your own!
Types of Service Dogs and What They Do
There are different types of service dogs, and they are trained to do different tasks. Some service dogs are trained to guide people who are blind or have low vision. These dogs are usually called guide dogs.
Hearing dogs are trained to assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Signal dogs are service dogs that are trained to alert their handler to specific sounds, such as a doorbell or a smoke alarm. Service dogs can also be trained to perform tasks such as opening doors, retrieving objects, or turning on lights.
German shepherd service dog is great due to their size. They’re large enough to help with mobility issues and provide a solid support system. Other breeds that are great as service dogs are Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Great Danes, among others.
What is a Service Dog Used for?
Now, what is a service dog used for? Service dogs are used for many different things. They can help with physical tasks, such as opening doors or picking up things. They can also help with mental tasks, such as providing comfort during a panic attack or helping to remind their handler to take medication.
Service dogs can also be trained to help with specific tasks related to their handler’s disability. For example, a service dog for a blind person might be trained to guide them around obstacles. A service dog for a person with autism might be trained to help them with social interactions.
Service dogs can provide a variety of benefits to their handlers. They can increase independence, provide companionship, and help to reduce anxiety. They can also provide a sense of security and safety. Having a service dog can be a life-changing experience for many people.
The Right to Use a Service Dog
Service dogs are allowed in public places that are typically off-limits to pets, such as restaurants, stores, movie theaters, and public transportation. This is because service dogs are considered to be working animals, not pets. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs must be allowed in all public places.
To be qualified as a service dog, the animal must go through an intense training program that can last up to two years. The dog must be able to perform the tasks specific to the needs of the individual with a disability and do so calmly and unobtrusively.
You and Your Service Dog
Service dogs are incredibly useful animals that are trained to perform specific tasks to help their owners. They can provide physical assistance, help with financial tasks or disability-related tasks, serve as emotional support, and even serve as psychiatric service dogs. If you still have any questions about what is a service dog used for, be sure to ask a certified professional.
Do you need more information before buying a service dog? Take a look at our blog to catch up on the latest and greatest pet information.
