Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. They play a vital role in the lives of people with disabilities, ranging from autism to muscular dystrophy, by helping their owners perform day-to-day tasks. Service dogs are trained to assist people with physical disabilities affecting one or more limbs, such as pulling a wheelchair, opening doors, turning light switches on/off, or picking up objects as small as a dime. They can also be trained to help individuals who suffer from things like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by sensing a change in their owner when they’re about to experience negative symptoms, such as an anxiety attack or a flashback. Service dogs have full public access rights, which means they can go places where other animals aren’t allowed, including restaurants, libraries, and public transportation. There is no universally-accepted list of types of service dogs, but some of the most common types include:
- Guide dogs
- Hearing dogs
- Seizure alert and response dogs
- Diabetic alert dogs
- Allergy detection dogs
- Mobility assistance dogs
- Autism service dogs
- Psychiatric service dogs
- Therapy dogs
Service dogs are not required to be professionally trained, and people with disabilities have the right to train the dog themselves. However, professional service dog training organizations and individuals who train service dogs are located throughout the U.S. and work to train dogs to perform a skill or skills specific to a handler’s disability.
