Dog Breeds for Service Animals

The temperament, intelligence and desire to please make dogs capable assistants for disabled and handicapped individuals. Whether blind, deaf or physically impaired, organizations worldwide train dogs to alert those in need to various situations. Their owners prefer to call them assistance dogs.

  1. Breeds

    • Almost three-quarters of dogs guiding the blind are Labrador retrievers, with German shepherds and golden retrievers commonly used. With many different programs using working dogs, other breeds utilized on occasion for various tasks include border collies, standard poodles, Australian shepherds, boxers, huskies, Dobermans, Dalmatians, German short-haired pointers, and Rhodesian ridgebacks. Dogs ranging in size from Yorkshire terriers to Newfoundlands have been trained and assigned tasks appropriate to their abilities.

    Criteria

    • There are reasons particular breeds are chosen. Temperament is a main factor. Shepherds and retrievers are ideal choices as assistance dogs because they are intelligent with gentle dispositions. Their size gives them the strength to pull a wheelchair if necessary. They are popular breeds that are commonly available for breeding and training. They fit comfortably in most forms of public transportation and in public buildings while large enough not to be underfoot.

    Duties

    • Once trained, assistance dogs can compensate for disabilities by coming to their owners' aid. By the year 2000, dogs had been helping the blind for decades. Assisting the deaf and disabled is a more recent advance. Taken from breeders and shelters, guide dogs help the visually impaired avoid hazards as they cross streets in traffic and maneuver stairs. The owner directs the dog while the dog secures their safety. Hearing dogs alert the hard of hearing to smoke alarms, oven timers and other sounds. These are usually small to medium mixed breeds from animal shelters, recognizable by their orange leash and collar. Service dogs aid those with mobility issues and alert them to medical concerns. Labs and goldens retrieve items from shelves, work light switches and open doors.

    Training

    • Formal training for an assistance dog takes six months. Before instruction begins, healthy puppies are socialized in a home environment, preferably with a family. While learning basic commands and proper behavior, dogs are exposed to various types of situations from calm to confusing. On such occasions families reassure the dog that these conditions are normal and acceptable. Assistance dogs must be comfortable under any circumstance whether with crowds or other animals. Unacceptable behavior such as fear of vacuums can hinder a dog's ability to function in an emergency. These dogs are considered inappropriate for training. Sometimes the families who raise them are offered the chance to keep these dogs as pets. Dogs instructed by children consistently do better in formal training. When dogs are between a year and 18 months, they begin their official training.

    Significance

    • Assistance dogs give the disabled access to public facilities, allowing them mobility beyond the home. Individuals using their services work with a dog that is well-mannered, specially trained, and prepared for any emergency.