Service dogs became a lifesaver for many people with various disabilities – from mental health problems to serious physical issues. They make everyday routine much more manageable and let their owners live a full, happy life despite all the health troubles.
And even though almost every dog can be trained to perform specific tasks for its owner, some breeds are more successful in learning new skills and performing complex tasks. But what are those breeds? What type of service animal can they be? What are the traits a service dog must have? We’ll explain all nuances in this article.
Even though emotional support animals and therapy animals are considered to be a type of service animal, but that is a common misunderstanding. These three categories are completely different and provide services to people with various health issues.
Remember one thing: a service dog is a working dog. Most of them are specifically trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities ever since they were puppies. Usually, they a taught to help with activities related directly to the person’s health condition. These animals are always alerted; they take care of their owners and help them to complete everyday routine duties to live a full life.
An emotional support dog may also be called a psychiatric service dog. It plays the role of emotional support and companion for the person with trauma. They provide an excellent service for people with such emotional conditions as depression, anxiety attacks, various phobias, fears, etc. Their main task – to provide comfort for those who need it. Moreover, any pet may be an emotional support animal, as long as it is registered.
A therapy dog usually provides its services in such places as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, elderly houses, airports (for nervous travelers), etc. The main task for these animals is to cheer up other people – not their owners. Any person can train their dog as a therapy animal; however, proof of its completed training is required to start working.
As we have already mentioned, the dog needs to possess several character features in order to become a service dog. So, what are those features? Let’s learn more on this topic.
Even though all dogs can make great service dogs, there are some breeds that are considered to be the best breeds to train for becoming service dogs. So, here are the top breeds that are commonly chosen to perform tasks for disabled people.
However, we want to repeat again – a service dog breed is not the most important factor. The main thing is to be sure of your pet, trust it, and be a good owner. Working animal or not – it still needs love.
Good service dogs are usually trained to do tasks that are related to the disability of their owner. There are various types of training that will teach the dog for the following jobs:
Most dogs must be trained from the time they were puppies in order to be able to help people with all the problems mentioned above. However, it is still possible to train your own pet to be your personal helper. The assistance of a trainer may be required.
As we’ve already mentioned before, there is no such thing as “the best service dog breeds.” Every dog can make a perfect service dog, as long as you have enough patience and skills to train it. It’s just that one breed is better at doing tasks another can’t, and vice versa.
It is important to talk to the specialist before getting a service dog, explain the specifics your disability requires, and choose among all excellent service dogs out there. Moreover, experienced trainers will also make a great help in this situation. Good luck in choosing your perfect service animals. Stay safe!