Everyone knows how ridiculously adorable dogs can be, but are you also aware of how intelligent a dog is? We already know that police forces have been using dogs to help them solve crimes, but over the years dogs have been used to help people heal and help them get around. Those who are disabled or suffer from mental illnesses are being advised to have a service dog to help them in their recovery and movement. If you don’t know much about the topic, we’re going to go over the basics of what you need to know before getting a service dog.
They are Specially Trained to Service
Because dogs are so intelligent, they are usually trained to carry out certain tasks according to the disability that the person in question has. For disabled people in the UK, and on a global scale, service dogs can be life changing, especially in regards to the independence they offer. The right service dog, that’s trained correctly, can give a disabled person the opportunity to get out and about independently, to start and run a successful business, to attend school or college—the options are endless.
It’s not really like having a pet dog at all because, in order for the dog to actually carry out the tasks needed, you need to somewhat treat it professionally so as not to confuse them and have them do the jobs they’re meant to do. Their training is an ongoing process, and they have to meet certain standards in order to qualify as service dogs. Repetition is imperative because routine is everything when it comes to dogs in general, and with service dogs in particular. They have to learn certain sounds and movements and how to react to them accordingly.
Specific Breeds Suit This Service
Not all dogs work out well to be service dogs, as some dogs are easier to train than others. According to the details found at Ourpooches.com, there are 6 breeds in particular that work best as service dogs. They have to have certain characteristics and pass a couple of steps until they can be certified to become service dogs. You’ll find that among the 6 are retrievers, German Shepherds, and Border Collies. Mainly for their intelligence and their ability to grasp training at a much faster rate than other breeds, and also because their size allows them to carry out tasks that weaker dogs simply cannot.
You Need Qualifications to Have One
To qualify for a service dog, you need to have certain prerequisites. Each company that provides these dogs have different qualification requirements, so it’s not really set in stone, but in a nutshell, you have to either have a mental or a physical disability. The point is, the providers want to make sure that the service dog you get actually helps you in the most effective way possible.
If you feel that you’re in need of a helping hand, getting a service dog might be your best bet because they can appeal to you in a physical and mental sense. They provide joy, and they’re able to motivate you to do things that you probably can’t on your own. If you’re on the fence about getting one, the points mentioned here should clarify the process and details and help motivate you— there’s nothing wrong with asking for help, especially from a 4-legged one who always has a smile on their face!
Image Credits: Marcus Christensen, Adam Kontor
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