Archive for the ‘Breeds’ Category
Many seniors find Service Dogs helpful in maintaining their independence while dealing with mobility challenges. Fortunately, Service Dogs are able to travel with their owners wherever they go.
In order to certify your dog as a service dog, you will need to train the animal to provide a task to help with your disability. Although it is not required, you may also submit your dog’s information to get your ID and service dog certification online and enroll it in a national database that is easily searchable.
While most breeds can be trained as a Service Dog, you will want one that can meet the physical demands of the job. In this article you can find some of the more popular breeds for Service Dogs that work best for seniors.
To register your dog as a service dog in our national database, click on the link below to get started.
RetrieversBoth Golden and Labrador Retrievers are common choices for Service Dogs. Gentle by nature, Golden Retrievers are popular with families that have young children, but they are also excellent companions for seniors with mobility issues. Goldens are very intelligent and easily trained. In addition to their other wonderful traits, they are large and strong enough to provide physical support for a person with mobility challenges. For example, they are good at carrying things—as their name suggests—and can help provide support for a person who has balance issues or difficulty standing.
Golden Retrievers make all-around perfect Service Dogs.Labradors are also very intelligent, and have sharp hearing and a strong sense of smell. Like Goldens, they are easy to train, with friendly personalities and a strong desire to please. They also have the strength to assist with a wide variety of physical tasks.
Poodles The friendly Poodle will not disappoint.Poodles are usually medium-sized dogs, and are able to perform several tasks, such as carry objects, fetch things, turn lights on and off, and open and close doors. They are also known for their ability to sniff out allergens in food, so if you have a severe food allergy, they can be an excellent choice. Also friendly by nature, Poodles are easy to train.
German Shepherds German Shepherds are strong and guide you safely through life.Like Retrievers, Shepherds are large dogs that do well at physical tasks like providing support and helping people get around. However, they test well in all Service Dog categories, and make excellent guide dogs for the visually impaired. They can help you move safely through your home and the outside world, as well as give you extra support if you need assistance with standing, walking, or other movements.
PomeraniansPomeranians are a smaller breed, and not as well suited for a person who needs a lot of physical support. Some people think they are too small to be Service Dogs, but this is a common misconception. They make excellent medical alert dogs for people who may have sudden changes in condition—such as people with diabetes, heart conditions, epilepsy or other neurological issues. For example, they can let you know if your blood sugar has fallen too low, so you can eat something or seek medical attention.
The small Pomeranian is your nurse on four paws.Pomeranians are also great for people with hearing impairments. They can be trained to alert you to sounds you wouldn’t otherwise notice, like a knock at the door, a ringing doorbell or phone, etc.
Bernese Mountain Dogs The strong, kind Bernese Mountain Dog can take on any task.This is another large breed suitable to be a Service Dog for owners with physical support needs. In training, they have to prove they can support the weight of their owner and pull a wheelchair in order to be of assistance. Friendly and intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs are capable of a variety of other tasks, including picking up items and even opening the door for emergency services personnel if you have an emergency and need help.
ColliesMany of us have seen reruns of that old TV show about the Collie “Lassie” who was always running for help when her young human friend was in trouble. As it turns out, Collies really are very intelligent, and great at caring for their human companions. They are large enough to help with physical tasks, but are also known for their ability to detect seizures in advance. If you have epilepsy, a Collie may be trained to let you know before a seizure starts, so you can call for help, take medication, or make sure you aren’t in an unsafe place (like a bathtub).
The Collie is your smart companion.Collies are also great at providing emotional support for patients with mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD. However, as a long-haired breed, they do shed sometimes, so you will want to find a good vacuum cleaner for picking up dog hair.
If you are ready to take your Service Dog with you after you’ve gone through proper training, you may considered ordering your Service Dog a vest and ID card and registering their information into Service Dog Certifications’ global database. For more information, click on the image below.
There are approximately 18 million Pit Bull-type dogs in the United States, (or 20% of the dog population). The “Pit Bull,” however, is not a definitive breed, but rather a catch-all term for any dog that exhibits the appearance of this bully breed (not necessarily its genetic makeup).
In general, there are four breeds widely referred to as the “Pit Bull.” These include; the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
These breeds are similar and do share some common characteristics, which could be why they are commonly confused for one another.
In this post, we will explore the American Pit Bull and answer the question of; can a Pit Bull be a Service Dog?
General Traits of the American Pit BullUnfortunately, over the years, unscrupulous people have given the “Pit Bull” a bad name. These dogs have gained the reputation for being vicious killers out for blood. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A well-bred “Pit Bull” is friendly, loving, and a devoted companion. They have no idea of their size and believe that any lap is an opportunity for love and affection.
Although the Pitty is very keen on its surroundings, it does not make a good watchdog. Yes, the Pit Bull will alert you to someone at your door, but only because it is eager to greet its “guests.”
The Pit Bull is a sturdy, energetic dog, that is very tolerant of children. However, as with any dog, early socialization and exposure to different sights, sounds, people, and other dogs is highly recommended.
Because of its need for love and affection, the American Pit Bull does not do well when left alone for extended periods-of-time.
American Pit Bull Terriers have a great need to chew. They also have powerful jaws that can (and will) make quick work of cheap or flimsy toys. Be sure your Pitty has only tough, durable toys that can’t be chewed up and swallowed.
American Pit Bull Terriers are best suited to owners who can offer firm, fair training, and gentle, consistent discipline.
Fast Facts About the American Pit Bull
Height: Up to 19 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 to 85 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Characteristics: Pit Bulls are known for their loyalty and eagerness to please. This makes them a wonderful candidate to be trained as a service animal.
The American Pit Bull as a Service DogDespite the stigma attached to the Pit Bull, they do make excellent Service Dogs. They are large enough and strong enough to pull a wheelchair, as well as offer physical support for those with balance or mobility issues.
Their loyal, dedicated, and intuitive nature makes them a natural for offering emotional or physical comfort for those individuals with psychological or psychiatric conditions like PTSD, depression, or social anxieties.
The American Pit Bull can also be trained to be a Medical Alert Service Dog. These animals respond to various health issues such as low blood sugar, oncoming seizures, or low oxygen levels. They can also be trained to remind people to take their medications.
Click here to Register your Service Dog Breed Legislation and the Pit Bull BreedsDue to the misconceptions of the Pit Bull breeds, many regions have imposed a ban on owning these dogs. However, according to the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate against a person owning a Pitty breed when it is used as a Service Dog.
There are also two organizations on a mission to change the stigma of the Pit Bull breeds.
The Animal Farm Foundation’s Assistance Dog Training Program (New York) trains shelter Pit Bulls to push wheelchairs and to help people regain their mobility and avoid falls. It’s believed to be the only American training school that exclusively trains shelter Pit Bulls to be service dogs.
Another group in Chicago, Pits for Patriots, trains rescued Pit Bulls as comfort, therapy, and support dogs for veterans, police officers, and firefighters. The organization’s co-founder, Kelly Yearwood, says;
“veterans and first responders identify with bully breeds because they’ve both seen a lot of trauma.”
Can an American Pit Bull Be a Service Dog?
The American Pit Bull (and all the Pitty breeds) can make excellent Service Dogs. However, like any other dog, early socialization, proper training, and positive reinforcement all work together to create a well-rounded canine.
Service dogs are entitled to public access rights with their handler. This means that you and your service dog can go anywhere that you are allowed to go – like office buildings, stores, no-pet apartments, etc.
If you think a Pit Bull is a breed that will work best for your disability, be sure to seek out a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Get all the information you can on the specific dog, then go to work training it up in the ways of service.
You will be happy you did.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a big dog in a small package. With his silky coat and traditional “topknot,” the Yorkie is sure to attract attention wherever he goes. And because of his pint-size, this dog often travels in style – in designer doggy purses or special totes made just for those “elite” pooches.
The Yorkie may have won the hearts of those looking for some “furry arm candy” but what about in the world of service? Can a Yorkie be a Service Dog? According to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), any breed of dog can be a service dog.
Ready to register your Service Dog Yorkie? Complete the service dog registration in the link below.
General Traits of the YorkieThe Yorkie is a curious and playful pooch that is always on the lookout for a new adventure (and maybe even some trouble). This breed is affectionate towards his people, yet he can also be a bit wary of strangers, barking at unfamiliar sounds and “intruders.”
Despite his propensity for being a watchdog, the Yorkie does need time with his family and won’t do well left alone for long periods-of-time.
The Yorkie is also a very intuitive breed. He will pick up on his owner’s feelings so be aware not to over-coddle your pup, or he may start to believe the world is a scary place and react with fear.
Since the Yorkshire doesn’t grow very large, it’s best to keep small children away from this dog. They can become snappish if startled or teased.
The Yorkie adapts well to apartment and condo living as he doesn’t need excessive exercise. It is also considered to be hypoallergenic since his long coat is more like hair than fur.
Fast Facts About the YorkieHeight: Up to 9 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Yorkshire Terriers as a Service Dog?For obvious reasons, the Yorkie would not do well for people that need a Service Dog for large tasks such as pulling a wheelchair or providing balance support. However, that doesn’t mean your Yorkie is out of the picture.
Even though they are small, Yorkies can still be adept at helping around the house with more managable projects. These include pulling open cabinet doors equipped with soft handles, fetching the television remote, retrieving clean clothes from the dryer, and alerting their owners to specific sounds such as the telephone ringing, the doorbell or a crying baby.
Yorkies have even proven themselves to be valuable as a medical alert service animal. They can be trained to detect epileptic seizures and subtle changes in a diabetic’s glucose level.
This breed is also valuable for those individuals that suffer from specific psychiatric issues. Their small stature allows them to accompany their handlers almost anywhere, which can be a huge advantage for some people suffering from a mental illness.
Another area a Yorkie can be used as a Service Dog is lap duty. This is perfect for tinier breeds (like the Yorkie) which provides caregivers the opportunity to physically embrace their canine companions rather than having just the dog’s head resting on their laps.
What to Look for in a Potential Service DogRegardless of the breed of dog, there are some qualities and characteristics a good Service Dog should possess. These include;
Being the right size, with the right amount of strength, and stamina to perform the duties. The canine must be physically active as well as calm when in public. The dog will need to have a certain amount of Intelligence and obedience and will need to problem-solve. Must always be well-behaved in public situations. Not hyper, snappy or creating a ruckus. Can My Yorkie Be a Service Dog?Although the Yorkie is a small breed, there are many Service Dog tasks he is capable of learning. These include being there for physiatric issues and small duties around the home, like opening cabinet doors.
If you have a disability and believe a Yorkie may be the right choice for you, then be sure to seek out a reputable breeder or a rescue organization.
Getting back to living a healthy life may be closer than you think.
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