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Frequently Asked Questions About Service Dogs

What Can Service Dogs Do?

Service Dogs can learn to perform a variety of useful tasks at home and in public for the benefit of their disabled handlers.  We have compiled a list of more than 100 possibilities.  They include but are not limited to:Photo: service dog, Dakato, carrying a grocery bag - End of Photo Description

  • Call 911 in an emergency
  • Answer the doorbell
  • Balance support on stairs, transfers
  • Carry in groceries, purse, packages
  • Fetch a beverage from the refrigerator
  • Pick up items dropped or out of reach
  • Turn lights and appliances on and off
  • Assist to walk; prevent falls
  • Bark for help
  • Retrieve a portable phone in a crisis
  • Open heavy commercial doors
  • Wheelchair pulling skills


Photo:  Rachel uses service dog Magic for balance support - End photo descriptionWho Can Have a 
Service Dog?

Many people can benefit from the assistance of a highly trained service dog, including, but not limited to, persons with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Arthritis, a Stroke, MS, Seizures, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Cancer, Heart Disease, Limb Loss, Panic Disorder and Spinal Cord Injuries.

How Disabled Do You Have To Be?

It is not uncommon for disabled persons to think,  "but there are people who are much more disabled than me".  They do not realized that just as there are people with differing levels of disabilities, there are also dogs with differing abilities.  Someone who is more moderately disabled, trying to remain as independent as possible, may find the tasks a service dog can perform to be invaluable to that struggle.  We don't look at the severity of a disability; instead, we look at a person's specific needs and consider what tasks we could teach that dog to increase the safety and independence of that individual.

Photo:  Service dog Chase pulls Chris along in her wheelchair - End of photo description
What Is An Assistance Dog Partnership?

Most people think of a "one on one" relationship between a guide, hearing or service dog and a disabled human handler when they hear the word "partnership".  Individuals partnered with different kinds of assistance dogs become a self sufficient unit, able to go places without supervision and cope with the challenges in the environment on their own.  This traditional model of partnership is still the most prevalent. 

 

Photo:  Melanie directs service dog Rex to bring a phone to her husband Leroy - End of photo description
What Is An Assisted Skills Service Dog?

This is a partnership in which the caregiver is the one who becomes responsible for the service dog's emotional well-being and care.  The caregiver learns how to work with the service dog and how to facilitate interactions between the service dog and a severely disabled adult or a child with a disability, affording a disabled loved one the opportunity to experience the benefits of having a service dog.  Generally the dog must be exceptional and the training takes as long, if not longer, than it does for the more traditional kind of partnership.  However, we have seen such remarkable benefits in prior placements we've made, we believe this kind of placement is every bit as worthwhile as the traditional type.

Do Service Dogs Ever Get  "Time Off" Or Playtime?

Yes, absolutely!  Every service dog gets plenty of time off for simple relaxation during the course of the day.  Also exercise and playtime are important components of a service dog's care. 

Photo: service dog, Magic, opening a heavy doorPhoto: service dog, Dakota, opening a refrigerator door
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