Service Dogs, and everything you need to know about it is contained in this article. These dogs provide an invaluable service to their masters, thus proving the adage that a dog is man's best friend.
Service Dogs - Dog Type Facts
Type Description:
These are well-trained and highly intelligent dogs that act as helpers for physically disabled people to do their tasks.Varieties:
Several active dogs can be used as service dogs.
The popular service dogs are Labrador retrievers, shelties, beagles, golden shepherds, golden retrievers, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. AKC Group:
Most service dogs are registered in the AKC under the category of sporting dogs, working dogs or gun dogs.Popularity:
Service dogs are very popular among people who suffer from some physical impairment.History:
The origin of training dogs for service can be traced back during the period of the First World War. Many people who suffered handicaps in those days, especially the blind, got trained service dogs to assist them. In the last thirty years, Labradors are being extensively trained for service.Physical Traits:
Service dogs are very agile and highly trainable. They are capable of developing strong emotional bonds with their owners. Some dogs are so cleverly trained that they can anticipate catastrophes, like seizures, even before they take place.
Service Dogs - Dog Type Defining Characteristics
Shared Characteristics:
Service dogs are intelligent and virile. They are trained to perform tasks such as pushing wheelchairs, retrieving and picking up objects, guiding their owners, acting as watchdogs, etc.Training:
Extensive professional training is required to make an ordinary dog into a service dog. These dogs are purchased only after they are well trained.Child Friendly:
Service dogs are extremely friendly and helpful towards children, especially those who are physically challenged and are in need of their services.
Service Dogs - Dog Type Concerns
Benefits:
Having a service dog can be not only a physical help, but also a mental companion to the owner. These dogs can help their owners in their chores apart from being their best friends.Liabilities:
Some service dogs may be too eager and plunge themselves and their masters into difficulties. There are instances when service dogs have known to die in freak accidents and burglar attacks while assisting their masters.Health Issues:
Service dogs are chosen from among healthy breeds so that they provide no more concern to their owners. They are constantly monitored by vets.
In fact, it is the other way round. Service dogs do not need care from their owners apart from a kind word; it is the owners that derive care from these wonderful dogs.
Specific Care Needs: Special Household Needs:
Several pieces of furniture must be remodeled in a way so as they can be accessible to service dogs. If they are trained to open doors, then there should be latch attachment that can be compatible with their paws.
Service Dogs - How to Choose a Dog Type
What to Look for:
The service dog you choose must instantly take a liking to you and obey commands unhesitatingly. See that it is active and energetic to perform the tasks you wish to assign it.Supplies:
Service dogs do not require any fancy supplies. They make do with what other dog breeds survive and thrive upon.Expense:
Service dogs may be expensive, for a huge amount of expenditure is incurred in their training program.
