Mobility assistance dog
Encyclopedia
A mobility assistance dog is a service dog
trained to assist a physically disabled person. Among other tasks, they are commonly trained to pick up objects, open and close doors, and operate light switches. Some larger-statured dogs are trained to pull individuals in wheelchairs, and wear a type of harness
specifically designed for pulling.
Another type of mobility assistance dog task is that of a "walker dog". They are commonly used for Parkinson's patients, along with post-injury recovering and other disorders and conditions. These "living canes" can greatly assist a person with their gait and balance while walking. Also, if their handler falls, the dog may be trained to act as a brace to help regain position.
As with other types of assistance dog
s, in many countries disabled individuals have the right to bring their mobility assistance dogs with them into places where animals are generally not allowed, such as public transportation, restaurants, and hotels. In the United States
, the Americans with Disabilities Act is the law guaranteeing this opportunity to disabled individuals. If access is denied to a disabled individual, federal and some state laws have heavy penalties that may be brought against the business denying access.
In the UK, assistance dogs are trained and supported by charitable organisations; one such training mobility assistance dogs is Dogs for the Disabled
.
Service dog
A service dog is a type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities including visual or hearing impairment, and also to help people with mental disabilities including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and severe depression...
trained to assist a physically disabled person. Among other tasks, they are commonly trained to pick up objects, open and close doors, and operate light switches. Some larger-statured dogs are trained to pull individuals in wheelchairs, and wear a type of harness
Dog harness
A dog harness is piece of equipment for dogs, generally similar to harness tack for horses. There are various designs depending on the type of use, whether it be for assistance to a disabled person, hauling a cart or sled, or pulling a human being, such as in skijoring or pulka...
specifically designed for pulling.
Another type of mobility assistance dog task is that of a "walker dog". They are commonly used for Parkinson's patients, along with post-injury recovering and other disorders and conditions. These "living canes" can greatly assist a person with their gait and balance while walking. Also, if their handler falls, the dog may be trained to act as a brace to help regain position.
As with other types of assistance dog
Assistance dog
An assistance dog is a dog trained to aid or assist a person with a disability. Many are trained by a specific organization, while others are trained by their handler .-Classification:...
s, in many countries disabled individuals have the right to bring their mobility assistance dogs with them into places where animals are generally not allowed, such as public transportation, restaurants, and hotels. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the Americans with Disabilities Act is the law guaranteeing this opportunity to disabled individuals. If access is denied to a disabled individual, federal and some state laws have heavy penalties that may be brought against the business denying access.
In the UK, assistance dogs are trained and supported by charitable organisations; one such training mobility assistance dogs is Dogs for the Disabled
Dogs for the Disabled
Dogs for the Disabled is a UK-based charity training and providing accredited assistance dogs to children and adults with impaired mobility due to physical disabilities.-History:...
.