Service dogs perform functions that their masters cannot handle without assistance. There are different types of service dogs for different types of disabilities. Service dogs do not include police dogs, search dogs, or military dogs.
-
Seeing
-
Seeing-eye dogs are the oldest type of service dog. These dogs act as the eyes for persons with limited or no vision and are usually German Shepherds, Labs, or larger dog breeds.
Physical Disability
-
A service dog acts as the arms and legs for physically disabled persons which include persons with arthritis, cerebral palsy, poor balance, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida or stroke. These dogs work mainly with retrieval and removal of objects and items.
Hearing
-
Hearing service dogs learn to recognize certain sounds such as phones ringing, voices, audible traffic signals and smoke alarms. These dogs use touch to alert their master and bring the master to where the sound is.
Psychological
-
Service dogs used in psychological situations are used as a calming or early warning agent. Dogs in this area are used for persons with autism, mental illness, epileptic seizures or mentally slow.
Training
-
Of the types of service dogs, the seeing-eye dog gets the longest and most extensive training. Service dogs are trained by volunteers for compatibility and then trained by professionals for specific service needs before going to their new home.
-