Purpose of a service dog
The purpose of a service dog is to assist a person with physical disability in their everyday activities. A service dog can be trained to assist in a multitude of tasks. Followed by the basic training, each dog is then individually trained for a specific skill set to meet the needs of their future handler. If required, the handler can continue to train the dog throughout its working life, with the support of a professional trainer.
Not all service dog handlers sit in a wheelchair; some also walk. These handlers often need assistance in maintaining their balance as well as retrieving and carrying items.
Among other things, the duties of a service dog may include:
- providing support and balance for an ambulatory handler;
- turning light switches on and off;
- pressing buttons, for example to call a lift;
- opening and closing doors;
- retrieving items and moving and/or carrying them;
- assisting in dressing and undressing
Furthermore, dogs can be taught special tasks, such as:
- lifting their handler’s hand back on to the control panel of an electric wheelchair
- changing the position of their handler’s feet on the wheelchair footrest;
- helping their handler turn in bed
- helping their handler get up if they fall down;
- alerting others for help; and
- alerting to various medical issues.