September is National Service Dog Month in honor of service dogs. Dogs receive training for different needs, including service, work, and therapy.
History Of Service Dogs
Dogs have been trained for thousands of years. Prehistoric humans tamed and trained wolves to help with tasks, going back 15,000 years ago. Dogs have also been used in warfare to deliver messages and attack or harass the enemy.
The origin of the service dog dates to Germany following World War I. Thousands of soldiers were left blind following the war due to poisoning, normally from mustard gas. A German doctor left his dog with a blind patient to address an emergency and upon returning, observed the dog looking after the blind patient. The doctor then began training dogs to assist visually impaired people.
Types Of Service Dogs
Guide dogs help blind or visually impaired people navigate the world. Guide dogs receive training to lead the blind and alert them of danger. Many guide dogs wear a harness with a handle for guiding. While guide dogs can help navigate, they are not cable of interpreting street signs or colors.
Signal dogs help deaf individuals by alerting when sounds are present, such as a knock on the door or smoke alarm. Signal dogs are trained to will nudge or paw the individual to alert them of common sounds.
Psychiatric dogs help individuals with emotional or psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric service dogs help people who struggle with disorders, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), autism, and anxiety. These dogs are trained for different situations and can recognize signs related to their owner’s needs.
Mobility assistance dogs help physically disabled individuals with different tasks made difficult by their disability. These service dogs help with things like retrieving items, opening or closing cabinets, and turning on or off lights.
Seizure response dogs are trained to alert the owner when the dog senses a seizure. Seizure response dogs allow the individual to prepare for seizures, so they do not injure themselves.
Every Service Dog Is Unique
Service dogs are trained for different tasks and needs; thus, every service dog is unique. Training, experience, and the owner make each dog different. If you see a service dog in public, remember the dog is working and needs to focus for the safety of their owner and others. Do not approach service dogs in public. If a service dog approaches you, let the owner know so they may address the situation. If they are without their owner, the dog may be trying to alert someone. Follow the dog to the owner and call for help or provide aid.
Service dogs provide a great service to individuals and it is important to raise awareness so that others better understand their importance and respect their roles.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source(s): Omni Financial, “Omni Military Loans Blog: 5 Types of Service Dogs” | Photo
