Service dogs are highly trained and do some incredible things. But many people are not aware of all of the things these dogs are capable of.
Scroll through learn more about these 11 amazing service dog facts.
Just like how guide dogs help people see, Hearing Dogs help people hear. These dogs can alert their owners to noises, like the door bell, fire alarm and even text messages received on a cell phone. Many different breeds have been used as hearing dogs. Some training organizations obtain mix breeds from county shelters.
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Only Dogs and Miniature Horses Are Officially Recognized As Service Animals
Sorry cat lovers but according to the Federal ADA (American with Disability Act), the only animals recognized to be service animals are dogs and miniature horses. But why a miniature horse? They can follow commands and be trained to perform the same tasks as dogs. Also, people who have allergies to dogs may do fine with a horse. A miniature horse may be also be preferred for those with dog phobias.
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They Can Help Those With Seizures
Over 65 million people have Epilepsy. This condition can severely impact the normal everyday life for a person. Seizure Alert dogs typically alert family members/friends when their owner is having a seizure. Some claim that these dogs can amazingly sound an alert before an seizure occurs but this theory lacks scientific evidence. These dogs are trained to stay by the side of the person during his seizures and to fetch medicine and/or the caretaker.
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They Are Loved
Service dogs are treated like family members. At the beginning and end of the day, these dogs get time to relax and play. They are well cared for and loved by their owners.
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Service Dog vs Therapy Dog vs Emotional Support Dog
Service dogs have a high level of training. They are individually trained to perform specific tasks (i.e. services) for a person with a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act law states that only service dogs have the legal right to be allowed in public facilities.
Therapy Dogs have received comprehensive training but are very different than Service dogs. Therapy dogs provide physiological and emotional support to multiple individuals. They are usually escorted by their handler/owner to facilities such as hospitals, schools, retirement homes, etc.
Emotional Support Dog provide emotional comfort to a specific individual. These dogs are not required to have any specific training and their owners do not have the right to bring an emotional support dog to a public facility. They are allowed to fly with an individual but they must have written proof and documentation from their physician.
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They Can Help Those With Diabetes
These type of service dogs are referred to as Diabetic Alert Dogs. Thanks to the dog’s powerful nose, they are easily trained to smell chemical changes in the human body for when the person’s glucose levels get too high or too low.
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Ask Before Petting
It’s proper ettiquette to ask the dog’s handler first if it’s okay to pet their dog. You don’t want to distract a service dog. They need to stay focused and pay attention so they can do their job and keep their handler safe.
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Most Famous Service Dog
One of the most famous service dogs is history was a yellow labrador named Endal. The yellow labrador was from Great Britian and it’s been claimed that he was “the most decorated dog in the world“. Endal was the service dog for ex-Royal Nacy Chief Petty Officer, Allen Parton, who had suffered head injuries in the late 1990’s. Endal knew over 100 verbal commands and hundreds of sign commands. He could preform some amazing tasks like loading and emptying the washing machine. He could even put a credit card in cash machine and place it back in the wallet after it was processed.
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Cost $20,000 To Train a Service Dog
The cost will depend on the amount of training but it’s approximately $20,000 to $35,000 to train a service dog.
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Multiple Breeds Are Used As Service Dogs
Some service dog organizations use only certain breeds and traditionally the commonly used breeds were Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. But now many other breeds are being used as service dogs with success. Larger breeds like Mastiffs are being used for mobility and small breeds can also be easily trained as alert dogs. Mixed breeds and bully breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers are being used as well.
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They Help Fight Poaching
Dog’s are now being used in the battle to stop illegal wildlife poaching and trafficking. A Belgian Malinois named ‘K9 Killer’ is being called a hero for his efforts in hunting down rhino poachers in South Africa. When authorities are alerted to poaching activities, K9 Killer and his handler are air lifted to the area by helicopter. He then goes after them on foot. This incredible dog has helped catch dozens of poachers – ultimately saving hundreds of rhinos. K9 Killer was a recent recipient of the PDSA Award and received a gold medal for his bravery and devotion as a service animal.