Service dogs - loyal helpers on four paws

written by Sarah Doleschal (nuts&needles)

 

Service dogs are remarkable animals that can significantly improve the lives of many people with physical or mental disabilities. They are not only dogs, but also loyal companions that allow their owners a new level of independence and autonomy.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the important role service dogs play in our society and how they positively impact the lives of their owners.

 

Service dogs are much more than just working partners for their owners. They give their owners unconditional love, trust and friendship. They are emotional supports and help their owners feel safe and confident. Assistance dogs enable people with disabilities to live independently and promote their participation in society.

  

In Germany, assistance dogs are recognized by law and have the right to accompany their owners in public places. This includes access to stores, restaurants, public transportation and many other places. Trained service dogs are even allowed in hospitals and ambulances! The dogs wear conspicuous identifying marks, such as an identification vest or special collar, to signify their role as a service dog. These identifying marks help avoid conflict and promote acceptance by the public.

The prerequisite for keeping and driving a service dog is that the person concerned has been medically diagnosed with the disease for which the dog is trained and has been determined to have a severe disability (at least GdB 50).

Since the beginning of 2023, there has been the Assistance Dog Ordinance (AHundV) in addition to the previous Participation Strengthening Act.

  

It is important to note that service dogs are specifically trained to perform their duties and meet the needs of their owners. Therefore, it is crucial that the people around them respect the service dog and do not distract it from its work. It is very important not to approach, distract or pet the dog unless the owner gives explicit permission to do so.

Also, it is rude to ask the human part of the assistance team what exactly the dog is doing. After all, very few people want to tell strangers their medical history. When doing so, please respect the limits of the other person and understand that not all disabilities are visible.

 

 

A service dog specializes in helping its owner with certain tasks. There are different types of service dogs that are tailored to the individual needs of their owners. 

 

Guide dogs for the blind are the most well-known service dogs and are specially trained to help people with visual impairments. Their main role is to guide their owners safely through everyday life. They help detect obstacles, navigate stairs, recognize curbs, and cross streets safely. They are also able to find specific destinations, such as bus stops or stores. Guide dogs for the blind are equipped with a special harness and handhold that allows the owner to find their way around.

 

A diabetic alert dog specializes in helping people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels. These dogs are able to detect the smell of chemical changes in the body that are associated with hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. They can alert the owner by touching, pawing or barking. By doing so, they enable the diabetic to take timely action, such as checking blood glucose levels, taking insulin or eating carbohydrates. Diabetic alert dogs play a critical role in preventing dangerous blood sugar fluctuations, contributing to the safety and health of their owner.

 

Mobility assistance dogs are trained for people with limited mobility, such as wheelchair users. Their main role is to help their owners get around and bring them items. They can open doors, turn on light switches, pull wheelchairs, or pick up objects from the floor. Mobility dogs also provide stability and balance by helping their owners stand or climb stairs.

  

Autism dogs specialize in helping children or adults with autism. They provide calming presence and help relieve anxiety. They can also help reduce sensory overload and facilitate social interaction. Autism assistance dogs are individually matched to their owners' needs and can play a critical role in promoting safety and independence.

 

A PTSD assistance dog helps people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by watching for signs of anxiety and stress, calming their owner, providing distraction, securing the space, and assisting in returning to daily life. Through its specialized training, the PTSD service dog is able to specifically address the individual needs of its owner, providing emotional support and safety in stressful situations.

 

An epilepsy alert dog is trained to help people with epilepsy recognize seizures and alert them in time. These dogs are able to detect changes in their owner's behavior, scent or body language that indicate an impending epileptic seizure. Once they detect such signs, they are able to alert the owner by touching, pawing or other specific signals. This allows the sufferer to take timely protective action, such as seeking safe ground, lying down or calling for medical help. Epilepsy alert dogs play an important role in the safety and well-being of their owners by enabling them to better cope with the challenges of epilepsy and reduce the risk of injury.

An LPF (life skills) service dog is trained to assist people with physical limitations or disabilities in their daily lives. These dogs are trained to perform a variety of practical living tasks to help their owners become more independent and mobile. These include opening doors, picking up and bringing objects, pulling wheelchairs or operating light switches. They can also assist with dressing and undressing, open drawers or cabinets, stabilize individuals when needed and assist with crossing streets. LPF service dogs are individually trained to meet their owner's needs and are indispensable companions, helping them to perform daily tasks and live more independently.

 

A Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) service dog is trained to assist people with fetal alcohol syndrome or alcohol-related neurological impairments. These dogs provide emotional support to their owners, improve their social skills and promote independence in their daily lives. The tasks of an FAS service dog can be varied, depending on the individual needs of the owner. These include offering comfort and reassurance in stressful situations, facilitating social interactions by building trust and providing reassurance, assisting with structuring daily routines, and reminding the owner of important appointments or tasks. FAS service dogs play an important role in improving quality of life and overcoming the challenges associated with fetal alcohol syndrome. They are loyal companions who provide stability, security and confidence to their owners.

 

A signal dog, also known as an alert dog or signaling dog, specializes in signaling audible signals or sounds to people with hearing loss or deafness. These dogs are trained to notice and alert their owners to various important sounds such as doorbells, phone calls, alarm clocks, fire alarms, or a baby crying. When such a sound is heard, the signal dog can alert its owner by touching, pawing, or some other pre-arranged method. In this way, the signal dog allows its owner to respond to important audible signals and not miss important information or events. Signal dogs play a valuable role in assisting people with hearing loss by providing them with greater independence and safety in their daily lives.

 

A dementia assistance dog is trained to assist people with dementia in their daily lives and provide them with peace of mind. These dogs can perform a variety of tasks to help owners. These include recognizing loss of direction and guiding the owner safely home or to familiar places, reminding them to eat regular meals or take medications, recognizing stress or anxiety, and reassuring the owner through gentle petting or leaning. They can also help reduce the risk of injury by detecting obstacles and alerting the owner to them. Dementia service dogs are empathetic companions that make everyday life easier for people with dementia, giving them a sense of safety and security.

 

A stroke alert dog specializes in helping people at increased risk for strokes by detecting and alerting them to early signs of an impending stroke. These dogs are trained to notice changes in their owner's scent, behavior or body language that may indicate impending danger. Once they notice such signs, they can alert their owner by touching, pawing or other specific signals. This allows the affected person to seek timely medical attention and take life-saving measures. Stroke alert dogs play a critical role in the early detection of strokes and help ensure that their owners receive appropriate medical care as quickly as possible to minimize potential complications. They provide their owners with an increased level of safety and support regarding their health.

 

Each of these assistance dog species has unique training tailored to the specific needs and requirements of their respective owners. Their skills and dedication make them valuable companions for people with disabilities by providing them with increased independence, safety and quality of life.

 

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Training service dogs requires a lot of time, patience and expertise. The dogs are trained by professional trainers in specialized organizations. They learn to respond to verbal and nonverbal commands, perform specific tasks, and maintain calm and composure at the same time. The training can last from several months to years and includes training with future owners to ensure successful cooperation.

 

Service dogs are amazing creatures that change the lives of many people with disabilities. They provide not only practical support in everyday life, but also emotional security and friendship. Their training, recognition, and community support are critical to ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to maximize their independence and quality of life. Service dogs are true heroes on four paws, making a positive difference in the world every day.