Disabilities and service dogs
Disabilities in dog owners can illustrate how valuable their dogs are to them.
Living with a disability can often lead to feelings of isolation, damaged self-confidence, and even depression. Many disabled people struggle with simple tasks. Getting dressed, crossing the street, or picking up the mail can be a real problem.
There are different types of assistance dogs to help people with various disabilities. Service dogs are trained to help with everyday tasks and offer companionship and much-needed emotional support. Service dogs help many people live a fuller life, help them to improve their self-esteem, and reduce stress and depression.
1) Types Of Service Dogs
- Service dogs trained for people suffering from Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis
- Service dogs for people with physical disabilities (people who use a wheelchair to move,etc.)
- Support dogs for children with Autism
- Hearing dogs for the deaf, and guide dogs for the blind and partially sighted
- Support and “detecting dogs” for Epilepsy, Autism, and more. Some of these dogs are trained to detect upcoming Epileptic attacks (or similar attacks)
- Other types of support and service dogs (for the elderly in nursing homes, etc.).
2) The Range Of Things That Service And Support Dogs Can Help With
First you can train a service dog to open and close doors and help you get dressed and undressed. Second, they can alert you to emergencies with barking and retrieve your items (keys, phone, etc.). Dogs can switch lights in the apartment on or off and help you cross the street or get the mail. And third, your pet can provide you with support when walking and much more.
Different disabilities in dog owners require service dogs with specific skills. Did you know that service dogs for the deaf can: distinguish many different sounds (smoke alarms, CO2 alarms, alarm clocks, doorbells, people calling their owners name, and more).
Guide dogs, for the blind and partially sighted, are trained for spatial awareness, to help you cross the street and not bump into things, etc.
Many service dogs help people with Epilepsy, Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes type 1, Parkinson’s, and more. These dogs are specially trained to perform the tasks their owners need (detecting upcoming attacks, sugar detection, etc.).
3) How can I take care of my dog if I live with a disability?
Living with a disability does not mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a dog.
Trained dogs can help you with everyday tasks and yet they will still require care and attention. Therefore, here are some useful tips on how to make your pooch happy despite any obstacles you might face in your life.
3.1 Playing with your dog
If you are using a wheelchair to move, or you live with any other physical disabilities, you can play with your dog in different ways. To play with your dog, you can use remote control toys (cars, etc.), flashlights, or even laser pointers. Another good activity is to teach your dog to fetch a ball or stick. Moreover if you feel like it’s hard to give your dog enough playtime, engage family members and friends.
3.2 Feeding your dog
To help you feed your dog, you can buy larger containers and not have to lift them from the floor or bend as much. There are automatic dog feeders available. You can purchase automatic dog feeders with a camera to aid you.
3.3 Dog sitters and “walkers.”
Many people train to assist with your dog. They can walk your dog or give him medication. You can call a dog sitter to walk and feed the dog if you are away for a few days.
Engage friends, family, and neighbors, if you need help with walking, feeding, or playing with the dog. Not many people will say no to dogs!
Conclusion:
A service dog can aid with disabilities in dog owners. Dogs love to do things that please their owners and therefore are very protective. I believe that if you have a disabled friend or loved one you should research how to help. Consequently, I am including some very important sources you can use to gain additional information.
http://aabr.org/2019/04/26/how-animals-benefit-people-with-disabilities/
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/lifestyle/dog-jobs/service-dogs-and-people-with-real-disabilities/
https://dogsfordisabled.ie/about/how/
https://www.disability-grants.org/assistance-dogs-for-the-disabled.html
