Types of Trained Service Dogs

A service dog is a catch-all phrase for dogs that help a physically or mentally disabled individual. The most familiar service dog is a guide dog, which has been trained to assist someone who is blind. However, trained service dogs are being used in many new capabilities to assist many other types of problems. You should never ask a person with an assistance animal what their disability is. Many disabilities are invisible. It is impolite, and it could be illegal in the case of a business. You can ask if the animal is a service dog and an assistance dog. Trained service dogs perform a valuable service for their handlers, and they should be respected when they are working.

A service dog can be identified by its harness or vest. Don’t ever try to pet or call to the assistance dog. Its focus needs to be on its handler. By calling attention to the dog, you may disrupt its tasks or even make the handler uncomfortable. Talk to the handler, not the dog.

5 Types of Service Dogs

You are probably aware that service dogs exist to assist those who are visually impaired or those in wheelchairs. However, the scope of services available with trained canines includes way more than that. These dogs have the same access privileges as guide dogs. It’s important to understand how these dogs assist their owners and why they are permitted in public and private facilities. Here are five types of services you may not have known could be provided by man’s best friend.

Medical Response Dogs

These canines are trained to be acutely aware of physiological changes their handler may experience. These changes may include a spike or drop in blood pressure, a hormonalvariance, or another significant deviation from the norm. Some medical alert dogs can identify a change in blood sugar, assisting diabetic handlers. Should something unfortunate occur to the human, many of these dogs are trained to utilize specialty K-9 alert systems to call for help.

Mobility Assist & Walker Dogs

A mobility assist dog and a walker dog help the handler who needs assistance with balance or picking things up. A dog can be trained to open doors or to help the handler get dressed.

Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs)

Psychiatric service dogs (PSD) are becoming more and more common. These dogs should not be confused with an emotional support animal. Psychiatric trained service dogs perform specific tasks to assist an individual. They are usually trained not to leave their handlers side for any purpose. This service dog can assist a person who is autistic by keeping them focused.  Agoraphobics may need a psychiatric service dog to be able to go out in public. They can be trained to perform many tasks.

These service dogs are trained to assist with psychiatric disabilities. They can be assigned to handlers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, anxiety and panic disorders, or depression.

Seizure Response Dogs (SRD)

A seizure alert/response dog can alert their handler to a seizure before it starts so they can stay safe. This dog may also be trained to stay with the person or to get help. If the handler has an alert system, the dog can trigger it to call 911.

These dogs are paired with handlers who suffer seizures, retrieving necessary medications, locating help, or contacting emergency services. They can even be trained to apply certain stimulation to assist their handler during the episode, shortening it considerably. Some of these canines also fall under the category of seizure alert dogs, using a natural intuition and familiarity with their handler to be able to give an alert that a seizure is about to occur.

Severe Allergy Alert Dogs (AADs)

For those with severe allergies, walking into any new space or area occupied by others can be scary, as the threat of an allergen can be well hidden. These particular service dogs are trained specifically to be aware of threats such as gluten, nuts or shellfish, and can alert their handler when in the vicinity. They may also wear a vest with medications should the need arise.

These are just a few of the services and skills these dogs offer to humans. Service dogs come in many breeds and sizes, with many giving no indication of their abilities with their appearance alone.