Dogs – Identifying Neighborhood Assistance Dogs

Know Your Friendly Neighborhood Assistance Dogs

Dogs, aside from being his best friend has also served man in so
many useful and varied ways – from shepherding, to cattle
rustling, to rescue, and protecting property.

It doesn’t come as a surprise that they also are able to assist
those who cannot get about by themselves. Assistance dogs are
specially trained dogs that serve to complement, assist, and aid
those that may have some sort of limitation. They have also
become indispensable to some who have difficulty with mobility
due to some disability.

Below are a few ways dogs have truly become man’s best friend as
assistance dogs.

Guide Dogs: When you mention assistance dogs, this is the first
function they perform that comes to mind. These types of dogs
help those who have visual impairment and help them move about
conveniently. They help these people cross roads, climb stairs,
and find their way around a place. They are usually able to help
these people manage even potentially hazardous areas.

Hearing Dogs: These dogs assist those that have hearing
impairment, and are specially trained to nudge their owners when
they hear certain noises such as telephone rings, doorbells, and
horns among others.

Mobility Assist Dog: These friendly canines pull wheelchairs,
and carry light equipment for their owners in their backpacks.
These amazing dogs assist those who cannot move around easily to
at least find convenience moving around an area.

Seizure Alert/Response Dog: These dogs are trained to hit a
button that contacts 911 in case of a seizure or cardiac attack.
Operators are advised in advance that calls coming from this
line are activated by dogs. In turn, they alert paramedics on a
possible emergency situation. As with most assistance dogs, they
do not leave their owner’s side and are constantly alert and
observant.

Psychiatric Service Dog: These dogs provide an emotional
security blanket to those who may have mental illnesses and
phobias. They also help autistic people stay focused. These dogs
never leave their owner’s side and provide steady, reliable
companionship to their owners.

Combo Dogs These dogs are a hybrid combination of the above
mentioned assistance dog types. They are trained to assist those
with multiple disabilities or needs. Although their jobs may
seem quite advanced, they do accomplish their tasks
consistently.

Assistance dogs serve a vital part of many people’s lives. They
are not only ‘tools’ that assist a deficiency, but friends that
provide companionship for the duration of their lives.