Assistance Dogs
Also Known as Service Dogs
Assistance or Service dogs are working animals that are specially trained to help people who are living with disabilities do everyday tasks and activities so they become more independent.
Most people are familiar with Guide Dogs used to assist people with sight disorders to navigate the world around them in safety, however there are many other types of Assistance dogs that can be trained such as;
- Hearing
- Dementia
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Autism
- And of course PTSD Assistance
The most common breeds used as assistance dogs are Labradors, Golden Retrievers and mixtures of these such as Labradoodles and Groodles, other breeds can also be trained however size and temperament are important factors that must be taken into account.
What tasks or jobs can assistance dogs be trained to do?
Assistance dogs can be taught to carry out more than 50 different tasks. The training for each dog is unique and is tailored to suit the needs of their handler. Some of the tasks we train include;
- Assisting people with balance and walking difficulties
- Turning on light switches
- Opening and closing doors, drawers and fridges
- Retrieving or picking up items such as mobile phones or keys
- Pushing pedestrian crossing buttons
- Picking up clothing and helping take washing out of a washing machine
- Alerting people to seizures or other medical issues such as blood sugar levels
These and many other tasks reduce the handlers reliance on others to help them live a more independent life.
Can a handler take their assistance dog into all public places?
Yes. Handlers of assistance dogs have the right to take their animals into all public places and onto public transport, including buses, trains and airplanes. The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person with a disability accompanied by their assistance dog.
How to behave if you encounter a handler with
The big thing to remember is that an assistance dog is not a pet, they are classed as a medical device and may be required to monitor their handler for signs of a medical emergency and therefore should not be distracted from their job. Do not call or pat an assistance dog without permission from the handler.
