Applying for service dogs is known for a lengthy process, as there is such high demand. The associations that are dedicated to the education of these animals carry out an individual assessment of each request, to find the right pet for each case.
Requesting service dogs is something that has to be very thoughtful. The user has to be aware and assess the impact that the presence of this pet will have on their lifestyle.
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Service dogs – people’s best friends
There is a high percentage of disabled people who prefer to choose therapy dogs, since, apart from helping them, they keep them company, bond with them, and become good friends and companions.
Read more: What kind of dog should i get?
These animals are considered an institution since they have been carving out the image of man’s best friend. The sad thing is that these dogs cannot access many public places, which is not the case with guide dogs, and therefore, the people who have them, see their independence frustrated.
On certain occasions, once the dog is assigned, joint training takes place, as in this way they check if the dog and the human get along well. Then there is a follow-up that can last several months. Requesting service dogs for children requires a minimum age, as that way the dog will be able to recognize you as its owner.
On the other hand, it is also important that the child assumes some responsibilities with his service dog, such as taking him for a walk or brushing him.
The training process for service dogs
Between 8 and 10 months is what the training of service dogs and therapy dogs occupies. It is a long process that can take up to two years.
Read more: Best Agility Training Tunnels for Dogs
In general, animals are selected from puppies, and those who want to request service dogs adopt them when they are in the training process or when they are fully educated.
But also, there are some cases of training of an animal that already belongs to a disabled person, but that requests that education for the dog.
Some associations also work with abandoned dogs or that come from protectors, but if they meet the characteristics to become faithful helpers.
The training of service dogs is based on teaching them to perform the tasks that help their future human companion in their daily life:
- Pick up and bring things
- Open and close doors
- You ring bells
- Turn lights off and on
- Open and close drawers
- Help the person remove clothes or shoes
- Protect your owner
- Ask for help
- Pulling the wheelchair for short distances
But those who think about requesting service dogs, should be clear that this implies a series of responsibilities. Just as the dog will take care of us, therefore we have to take care of it and keep it in the proper conditions.
