Service Dogs and Their jobs By: Kristin French Owner/Head Trainer at Peninsula K9 Training

What is a service dog? A service dog is a type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments,(such as post traumatic stress disorder), seizure disorder, mobility impairment, and diabetes.

What are some traits of a service dog? Traits for a service dog vary for each job but the common traits for a service dog is having a good temperament, trainability, good stamina and health.

What breed can be a service dog? There is no breed restriction on which breed is allowed to be a service dog The most common breeds for service dogs are Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, german shepherds, and even pitbulls. Depending on the job being given to the service dog will determine size and stamina for the dog. Mobility dogs are normally large dogs that support a persons weight and to be able to brace in case of a fall.

How do you get a service dog? You can get a service dog from a private service dog organization that breeds and trains service dogs which can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. The dogs are trained from puppyhood in a private facility and then bought by a handler. Another way is to find a breeder and purchase a puppy from a breeder and then have a private trainer train the dog for its particular job. The cost can be much cheaper depending on the cost of dog from the breeder. Lastly the law allows a person with a disability to self train their dog to be a service dog.

What other animals can be service animals? According to the ADA a service animal is any animal that performs a task to help a person with a disability Majority of all service animals are dogs but there are other animals that are recognized as service animals Miniature Horses are becoming more popular especially for the blind and for mobility disability. Horses can leave for 30 years or more which is longer than a dog and their size is perfect for support. Ferrets can be trained to alert someone before they have a seizure and to remind there owner to take medication. Potbelly Pigs can be trained just as easily as dog and can be trained to do all the same functions as a traditional service dog. Capuchin Monkeys can be taught to retrieve items, open doors, grab phones, and even feed a person. They are highly intelligent and very talented.

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