[/caption]Service dogs by definition are dogs that are trained to assist and empower people with disabilities. They are the professionals of the dog world and include leader dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, physical assistance dogs, hearing assistance and personal security dogs. Service dog training is specialized to the task they are asked to perform. Each year well trained service dogs save hundreds of lives and help the disabled to live independent lives. Each day service dogs are being trained for new and unusual tasks which results in the continuing need for quality trained dogs.
Service dog training begins with basic obedience training. Along with this basic training the dog is socialized to people, other animals and environments that the dog is expect to work in. Dogs that lack the personality and temperament necessary are soon removed from the training program. There has been a trend toward using what many call lap dogs as service dogs. While these dogs make great companion dogs for a shut in, however they are in general not capable of performing as full service dogs. Many people have tried to blur the line between a companion or pet dog and a service dog. Service dogs are used to provide more than company to an infirm individual.
Task orientated service dog training is designed to allow the dog to empower the person it is serving. Depending on the individual dog, training periods range from 3 to 6 months. Training curriculum normally includes retrieve tasks including retrieving dropped items, wallets and purses in other rooms, specific needed medications, cell or cordless phone when it rings, items of clothing and even groceries. In addition the dogs frequently are used to carry groceries to and from vehicles. As you can see that service dog training covers a wide range of subjects and skills.
There are many more tasks that a service dog can accomplish with proper training. Service dogs greatest benefit to handicapped individuals comes by providing the freedom and independence needed to live a normal life. The bottom line is that service dog training provides qualified dogs to handicapped and infirm people who need help to live a better life on their own.
