A
service dog is a type of
assistance dogAn assistance dog is a dog trained to aid or assist a person. Many are trained by a specific organization, while others are trained by their handler .-Classification:...
, specifically trained to help people who have
disabilitiesDisability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities."...
other than
visualVisual impairment or vision impairment is vision loss to such a degree as to qualify as a handicap through a significant limitation of visual capability resulting from either disease, trauma, or congenital or degenerative conditions that cannot be corrected by conventional means, such as...
or
hearing impairmentA hearing impairment or deafness is a full or partial decrease in the ability to detect or understand sounds. Caused by a wide range of biological and environmental factors, loss of hearing can happen to any organism that perceives sound...
, or
medical response dogA medical response dog is a specific type of service dog specifically trained to help mitigate an individual's medical disability. Typically, they are dogs whose job does not handle primarily epilepsy or psychiatric-based conditions, though some seizure response dogs or psychiatric service dogs may...
s. Service dogs do not have to have pedigrees: desirable character traits, good conformation, and good health are more important. Service dogs are sometimes trained and bred by private organizations. In other cases, a disabled handler may train their own dog with or without the aid of a private
dog trainerA dog trainer is a person involved in the training and mental growth of dogs.Professional dog trainers train the dogs to understand and comply with voice commands or hand signals. They also educate dog owners in proper use and technique...
. It may be called a "service dog" or an "assistance dog."
The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) defines "service dog" under its broader definition of "
service animalService animals are animals that have been trained to assist people, including medical assistance, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue...
". "Service Animal" (ADA Subsection 36.104): "Any
guide dogGuide dogs are assistance dogs trained to lead blind or vision impaired people around obstacles.Although the dogs can be trained to navigate various obstacles, they are partially color blind and are not capable of interpreting street signs. The human half of the guide dog team does the directing,...
, signal dog, or other animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding people with impaired vision, alerting people with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items, alerting ."
Virtually any dog can be considered a "service dog" since there is no certification or formal training required. The only requirement that must be met, is the dog must be able to provide a service for the disabled person that they would have had a difficult time without the service dog.
Program-trained dogs
Many assistance dog organizations employ programs where future service dogs spend a year or more with a host family- particularly if the program breeds their own dogs or otherwise receives the dogs as puppies. During this time, they are primarily acclimated to working around people and all kinds of potential situations, as well as exposed to
obedience training Obedience training usually refers to the training of a dog and the term is most commonly used in that context. Obedience training ranges from very basic training, such as teaching the dog to reliably respond to basic commands such as "sit", "down", "come", and "stay", to high level competition...
.
In addition, in the
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Australia, use of selected inmates in prisons as
animal trainersAnimal training refers to teaching animals specific responses to specific conditions or stimuli. Training may be for the purpose of companionship, detection, protection, entertainment or all of the above....
and
puppyA puppy is a juvenile dog, whose size varies among breeds: smaller puppies may weigh , while larger ones can weigh up to . All healthy puppies grow quickly after birth. A puppy's coat color may change as the puppy grows older, as is commonly seen in breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier...
-raisers prove to be a valuable resource to service dog organizations. In addition to teaching the dogs basic obedience and other skills needed to prepare them for their future careers, such programs can be mutually beneficial. Often, the inmates develop improved socialization skills and behavior as a result of their work with the dogs.
The process of obtaining a "program" service dog usually includes an application and evaluation process, after which potential handlers may spend time on a waiting list while a suitable dog is found and/or trained. Some dogs may be obtained free of charge, while a significant financial outlay may be required for others—financial assistance may or may not be offered. Once partnered, the new handler learns to work with the dog over a period of several weeks to a few months, depending on the tasks to be learned, and the personality and age of the dog/puppy. In addition, many service dogs are required to touch up their training after they are formally placed, on a yearly or otherwise regular basis.
Self-training
A growing number of people choose to train their own service dogs, because existing service dog training programs do not answer their needs. Service dogs come from a wide variety of places- from a breeder, or rescued from a shelter. Some owners choose a current, older
petA pet is an animal kept for companionship and enjoyment or a household animal, as opposed to livestock, laboratory animals, working animals or sport animals, which are kept for economic reasons. The most popular pets are noted for their loyal or playful characteristics, for their attractive...
that might become a suitable partner (particularly if they develop the ability to alert to a medical condition). Handlers sometimes choose to train the dogs themselves, while others may employ a professional trainer or organization that accepts handler-picked dogs to help. People who train their own dogs generally spend a year or more with the dog "in-training," though self-trained dogs in particular may never stop learning new skills. There are organizations that can provide training tapes and manuals for those who are unable to attend training sessions.
A puppy is selected for desired traits, which include intelligence, emotionally secure and stable, interested in cooperating with humans, self-confident but not aggressive, responding well to obedience commands. The service dog-to-be goes to a puppy raiser, unless it can be raised at its intended final home. The puppy-raiser teaches the puppy basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, no, 'fetch' or 'leave it'. The puppy is usually neutered or spayed during this time period. Then it goes into specialized training with the desired owner. At schooling sessions, the dog learns special commands to fulfill its duties. Examples of such duties may include but are not limited to turning on lights, opening the refrigerator, opening/closing doors, retrieving objects dropped by the person it's working with, or retrieving requested objects.
If a disabled handler trains their own dog from puppyhood, bypassing a puppy raiser, it is advisable for the disabled person to obtain a puppy showing evidence of the desired traits, and to find a dog training facility that offers "Puppy Kindergarten", Basic Obedience, and a specialized service dog class for training of tasks needed by the disabled person. Internet help is also available, including training films. A puppy that can pass Guide Dog aptitude tests will usually make a fine service dog.
Accessibility
Service dogs are to be allowed to enter public places, with the same access rights afforded to Guide (Seeing Eye) dogs; therefore, service dog owners are expected not only to keep their companions up-to-date on all shots, but also to schedule "well dog" visits at least twice a year. While it is not unlawful to use a service dog without an identifying vest, it helps others to recognize the legally protected status of the service dog. Service dogs that travel on planes/trains to foreign countries can remain with their owners when the requisite paperwork is presented. All service dogs should have an implanted
micro-chipA microchip implant is an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of a dog, cat, horse, or other animal. The chips are about the size of a large grain of rice and are based on a passive RFID technology....
recognized not only in the US, but also in the EU. Before travel, check national and local laws in other countries carefully (see more information, regarding travel, below).
Public accessibility of service dogs varies according to country and region. In the United States, service dogs and their handlers do enjoy special protection under the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is the short title of United States , codified at et seq. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009. The ADA is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits,...
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/statutes/ofccp/ada.htm, which gives them equal access to anywhere the general public is allowed, such as
restaurantA restaurant prepares and serves food and drink to customers. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
s, grocery stores, movie theaters,
taxiA taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire, with a driver, for a single passenger, or small group of passengers, typically for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
s, and
aircraftAn aircraft is a vehicle which is able to fly by being supported by the air, or in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil An aircraft is a vehicle which is able to fly by being supported...
. A number of
statesState has several meanings in law:# in private international law and conflict of laws, State can refer to a well-defined jurisdiction, with its own set of laws and courts...
have enacted specific laws to ensure the rights of handlers while in public. Persons with service dogs should not be required to pay 'pet deposits' nor be excluded from housing available to the general public (though damage done by a service dog is the responsibility of the owner). Nevertheless, it is advised to carry a card stating the rights of service dog owners, as listed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, including Internet and telephone numbers, should the dog's presence be put in question.
Travel Concerns
Travel into and through some countries means having to deal with religious beliefs and concerns. Some Muslim-driven taxis or restaurants may refuse service to someone with a dog; many Indian-owned restaurants also refuse service to anyone with a dog. Dogs may have to be caged/boxed when riding on public transport in Greece, outside of Athens or Rhodes. Most foreign grocery store managers in big cities will allow a service dog to accompany the owner if the dog is well-trained, but generally, the smaller the city, the less chance the service dog will be accepted. Thus, in the newer European Union countries, in particular, it may be useful to obtain a letter from a local authority that states the service dog is to be allowed into restaurants, theaters, etc. Laws change frequently: service dog owners should keep their knowledge up-to-date, and should actively support changes that help ease the current situation in many places even in the US, where service dogs' rights may not be recognized because "the owner isn't blind."
Health regulations vary from country to country regarding the entry of a dog. Be CERTAIN that you have an internationally recognized tracking chip inserted in your service dog, all the required immunizations, and, above all, that the rabies shots and titers are in place. This cannot be stressed enough. It can take up to a year to get all paperwork and immunizations and titer readings in order, and even then, travel papers should be signed, along with proof of worming, no more than 24 hours before departure, at a vet clinic. However, once all your papers are in order, travel becomes easier. For example, the service dog passport, once accepted in any EU country, is accepted in all the others. Caution: if you enter a country where
rabiesRabies is a viral neuroinvasive disease that causes acute encephalitis in warm-blooded animals. It is zoonotic , most commonly by a bite from an infected animal but occasionally by other forms of contact...
is extant, you may not be able to re-enter an EU country. Check all the quarantine and entry-exit requirements for every country you wish to visit. Very few service dogs travel due to these difficulties, and then there can be problems with hotels. Make reservations in advance with pet-friendly hotels.
When planning a trip, especially by air, several considerations must be kept in mind. For plane flights, try to choose the shortest time span, and check airport websites for pet relief stations. It's wise to train your service dog to urinate into a sewer grid, since so many airports have no relief stations for dogs. Make sure your service dog drinks plenty of water up to two hours before the flight, then withhold water until shortly before the plane is to land. Dehydration can be a problem for service dogs in flight, but so can a bulging bladder! In an emergency, flight attendants can provide newspapers, atop a plastic sheet, when long delays occur.
If you have a long trip involving different countries, you must make certain your dog can set paw on that country to relieve itself, and then be allowed to continue on to your next destination. Many airline websites don't have a way to reserve cabin space for a service dog, and many planes can take only one service dog or guide dog per flight, so care must be taken to inform the airline carrier of the need for a service dog well ahead of your planned departure date. It's easiest, when reserving a flight online, to choose the option 'blind' when reserving space for your service dog, and then to confirm by telephone the presence of the dog as a certified service dog, since prices online are typically lower than reservations made by telephone. Even after these precautions, always double-check to make certain your service dog will accompany you in the cabin.
For air travel, your service dog will probably be required to wear a flight harness that can be attached to a seatbelt during takeoffs and landings. Flight harnesses are also snapped to a seatbelt if heavy turbulence is encountered during a
flightFlight is the process by which an object moves either through the air, or movement beyond earth's atmosphere , by aerodynamically generating lift, propulsive thrust or aerostatically using buoyancy, or by simple ballistic movement.-Buoyant flight:Humans, although not apparently other animals, have...
. For long/transoceanic flights, flight harnesses are generally removed for comfort. Your service dog should have a pillow to lie on for air flights or long bus rides. A bag containing the flight harness, pillow, emergency dog food, the dog's comb, and medical supplies should be allowed to travel free with your service dog in the same sense that an infant's bag of formula and diaper supplies is allowed on board without extra charge. Don't abuse this privilege: keep the bag as light as possible. Sometimes the owner needs to remind airline personnel that it is discriminatory to force a disabled person to be charged 'extra' for the bag needed to hold these necessary items, especially when the flight harness may be required, and flight delays may make a meal of
dog foodDog food is food intended for consumption by dogs or other canine. Special types of dog food, given as a reward, and not as a staple, are known as dog treats....
necessary. If the bag is labeled "Service Dog Necessities" and can be carried on board by the service dog, there are usually no problems. The bag can also be added to a wheelchair's pouches.
Service dogs in all advanced countries have been granted the right to ride public transport, including transport by plane, free of charge, but typically will only be provided the same space as the paying passenger—i.e. it may not take up a second space in addition to that of the paying passenger it is accompanying. Outside the US, sometimes surcharges apply on train systems. Some airlines have restrictions regarding travel to or from countries where rabies or other diseases are not controlled.
The service dog's passport should be updated every six months by your vet even if you aren't traveling. It is easiest to have your dog 'in uniform' when traveling out of country. Remember that you have the legal right not to disclose why you need a service dog, for your own privacy, but if you travel outside your own country, a doctor's statement can be useful, especially if you travel alone.
A favorite toy, and a few days' supply of the dog's usual food helps your dog to adjust to new conditions. Playing a CD with familiar music also helps your traveling service dog relax in a hotel or unfamiliar place. One owner discovered that tuning in her TV to Animal Planet in the hotel room guaranteed relaxation for her service dog.
Retirement and Finding a Successor
Service dogs in good health might be able to be in service up to ten years, and will probably want to 'help' past their ability to do so. When your service dog begins to fail due to age, or illness, reduce the work load little by little, if possible, and try to bring in a young successor, if possible, before your service dog retires completely. It is usually easier to train a puppy who is brought into a home where an exising service dog is still working, as the puppy will often bond with the older dog and will learn from its example. To avoid depression and conflicts, the older service dog needs to be 'dominant' over the newcomer, being fed first, petted first, acknowledged first and so on. Remember that your retired service dog will still need daily exercise and significant interaction with you.As the population ages, more service dogs will be needed. Service dogs are working animals, and most should be retired from serious workloads at about ten years of age, or when the dog becomes physically incapable of fulfilling its duties.
Some Useful Commands for Service Dogs
Besides the ordinary commands of "sit," "stay" "fetch" "down" , etc., service dogs use particular sets of commands depending on the needs of their owners.
- "Go, go" : Tells service dog to move forward, ahead of owner (Dogs that 'lead' must nevertheless understand that their owner is 'dominant.' Owner should, when possible, exit first and enter first. However, the service dog learns to ignore 'rank' when the command 'go, go" is given, and the service dog is then expected to lead.)
- "Say hello" : Used when Service Dog must allow approach and to allow itself to be petted, or patted down, such as in an airport terminal, when otherwise it would be in working mode
- "Look left/look right" : reminds Service Dog to check road traffic both ways (important for vision impaired owner)
- "Turn left/turn right" : tells Service Dog which way to turn
- "Go home" : tells service dog to go home
- "Open/Close" : tells Service Dog to tug or push doors
- "On/Off" : tells service dog to turn lights on or off
- "911/112" : emergency code (911 US,or 112 most of Europe), with one big-pad telephone square selected for fast-dial (single press)
- "Go UNDER, and STAY" : service dog goes under table, counter, etc., out of sight. Useful in restaurants, at work
- "Drink water." An important command, because service dogs can get quite thirsty while working. Before a long walk or trip out anywhere, command your service dog to drink water. Carry water with you when possible.
Other useful commands: "Get your leash" "Pick up!" "No bark!" "Stop!"
"Good dog" is used for praise. Occasionally, food treats are given to reward hard work.
Recreation for Service Dogs
A service dog should have an area, such as a portable kennel or a bedded area under a desk, where it can rest and feel free from duty for a few hours a day. The jacket off is the usual signal that rest can be taken, but some service dogs must stay alert many hours, because their owner may be epileptic, or be subject to diabetic coma, etc. If the service dog is under that kind of pressure, it's good to have someone else available to take the service dog away from duty once a day (take the dog for a walk, play with the dog outside, take the dog for a ride, etc.). At this time, the service dog can interact with other dogs and people as would any other dog.
Service dogs, as do most intelligent dogs, like to play with balls and squeaky toys, and no doubt will have favorite toys and chewing exercise items that will need regular replacement. Service dogs need defined periods of time when they do not have to be alert for their owners, even when traveling. Service jackets handily define "time on" and "time off" to the dog, or by designating a blanket or area where the service dog can rest and relax.
See also
- Bonnie Bergin
Bonita M. Bergin Ed. D. is President of the Bergin University of Canine Studies and originator of the "service dog", dogs that are trained to help people with mobility limitations.-Early years:...
- Canine Companions for Independence
Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that trains and provides assistance dogs. - Foundations :CCI was founded in Santa Rosa, California in July 1975 by Bonnie Bergin. Since then, it has grown to a national organization...
- Dogs for Diabetics
Dogs for Diabetics, also known as Dogs4Diabetics, provides trained assistance dogs to alert people with type 1 diabetes. Dogs for Diabetics dogs are trained to identify and act upon the subtle scent changes that hypoglycemia creates in body chemistry...
- Guide dog
Guide dogs are assistance dogs trained to lead blind or vision impaired people around obstacles.Although the dogs can be trained to navigate various obstacles, they are partially color blind and are not capable of interpreting street signs. The human half of the guide dog team does the directing,...
- Hearing dog
A hearing dog is a specific type of assistance dog specifically selected and trained to assist people who are deaf or hearing impaired by alerting their handler to important sounds, such as doorbells, smoke alarms, ringing telephones, or alarm clocks...
- Mira Foundation
The Mira Foundation is a French-Canadian community-based organization which pursues the following stated "objective": "to bring greater autonomy to handicapped people and to facilitate their social integration by providing them with [guide and service] dogs that have been fully trained to...
- Paws With A Cause
Paws With A Cause is a non-profit organization that trains assistance dogs for the people with disabilities. Founded in 1979 by Michael Sapp, Sr., it was originally called "Ears for the Deaf," and specialized in hearing dogs...
- Psychiatric service dog
A psychiatric service dog is a specific type of service dog trained to assist their handler with a psychiatric disability, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or schizophrenia....
- Support Dogs, Inc.
Support Dogs, Inc. is an American non-profit agency that provides assistance dogs to people with special needs. It was founded in 1981 by Sandy Maze, and is based in St. Louis, Missouri....
External links
[1.
^ The online copy of The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990]