Understanding Service Dogs

Written by: Karin Fry

What is a Service Dog? Every dog has a job. Most dogs’ job is being a pet. They typically are there for the enjoyment of the owner(s), perhaps a family, a couple or a single person. Dogs bring comfort, love and responsibility. Their job is to blend into their environment, adapt to domestic life and be a friend. “A trained dog is a happy dog” goes the saying and I hold that to be true. Dogs should be trained in order to keep the peace and be controlled. Some dogs qualify and are trained to be service dogs. Examples of such dogs are guard dogs, search and rescue dogs, police dogs and those that help people with documented special needs. Those are the most common service dogs. They are highly trained in providing a particular task. Perhaps the service dog is a guide dog for the blind, assisting people with PTSD, the hearing impaired, those with anxiety, epilepsy, and much more.

The training goes above and beyond his basic training. Discipline is the most important part and this is what they are working on every day. Yes, service dogs are working dogs and they loyal, obedient and trusting to their handler. What is amazing is that their sense of need to help and serve is without any judgment and selfishness. Their task is to assist their handler in whatever they are trained for and to be alert. When you see a dog with a service dog vest or a tag, know that they are working and need to focus on their handler, even though it may not look like it.

These dogs don’t pull on leashes, bark, growl or jump up. They heel, sit, come and defecate on command. Every one of those commands has been drilled into them and their training is ongoing. Just like we have learned a language, how to do simple everyday tasks, they have learned their skills.

What is the special need of any particular handler? That is only between the handler and the dog. Just like anyone doesn’t want to be asked about their medication, handlers don’t want to be asked what service the dog is carrying out for them. They are not to be petted without asking, they won’t come to you if you call them, and they won’t take a treat. They are there for only the handler alone and will only answer to them.

Contrary to belief, emotional support dogs are not service dogs. True service dogs get an A+ in behavior and are educated, trained and mentally mature. They can go into public places like grocery stores, restaurants, airports and airplanes, hotels and many more. The training for service dogs varies and is intense. It can take a long time to shape a service dog and they need to pass a test for their skill before they can graduate. As a result of their education, many people are benefitting from their services that can make life easier and more comfortable than before. Above all things, the most important part of the training is the trust and respect to their handler.

people interested in becoming a foster and they can always use donations that will go towards the care of the adoptable animals. Visit www. armyslegacy.org to learn more. Happily

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