Service dogs are animals specially trained to assist people with disabilities or specific needs. These dogs can make a significant difference in a person's life, providing emotional support, security, and helping with everyday tasks. They can also be essential for the emotional and physical well-being of a family.
Diseases or conditions in which a service dog can be helpful include:
Reduced mobility or physical disabilities: Service dogs can be trained to help people with physical disabilities, such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, or amputations, perform everyday tasks.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Service dogs can provide emotional support and stabilization to people with ASD, helping them manage stressful or overwhelming situations.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Service dogs can provide emotional support to people suffering from PTSD, helping them manage anxiety and stress.
Diabetes: Service dogs can be trained to detect changes in blood sugar levels and alert their owners before a crisis occurs.
Epilepsy: Service dogs can be trained to detect seizures and provide support during and after an epileptic event.
Blindness or visual impairment: Guide dogs can help visually impaired people navigate safely and effectively.
Deaf or hard of hearing: Service dogs can be trained to alert their owners to important sounds, such as smoke alarms or telephone rings.
Doodle breeds and crossbreeds, such as Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, Cavapoos, Aussiedoodles, Shepadoodles, and Cockapoos, are popular as service dogs due to their unique characteristics. These dogs are usually intelligent, friendly, easy to train, and have a hypoallergenic coat that makes them ideal for people with allergies.
Other common service dog breeds include the Golden Retriever, Labrador, Samoyed, Newfoundland, Portuguese Water Dog, Cocker Spaniel, and Australian Shepherd. Each of these breeds has its own characteristics that make them suitable for certain tasks and people.
It is important to mention that choosing the right breed or crossbreed for a service dog depends on the individual needs of the person with a disability and their personal preferences. The dog's personality, temperament, and abilities also play a crucial role in its success as a service dog. Therefore, it is essential to work with a trainer or specialized service dog organization to ensure the best possible match.
Additional information about each breed mentioned is presented below, along with the specific tasks for which they might be recommended:
Goldendoodle (cross between Golden Retriever and Poodle): They are intelligent, friendly and sociable dogs, excellent for people with physical disabilities, ASD and PTSD. Their hypoallergenic fur also makes them ideal for people with allergies.
Labradoodle (cross between Labrador Retriever and Poodle): They share similar characteristics with Goldendoodles, such as intelligence, friendliness, and ease of training. They are suitable for people with physical disabilities, ASD and PTSD.
Bernedoodle (cross between Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle): Known for their affectionate and calm nature, they are excellent for providing emotional support and companionship to people with anxiety, depression or PTSD.
Cavapoo (cross between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle): These dogs are friendly, affectionate and adaptable, making them suitable for elderly or people with reduced mobility who require companionship and emotional support.
Aussiedoodle (cross between Australian Shepherd and Poodle): They are intelligent, energetic and loyal dogs, ideal for people with physical disabilities who require assistance in outdoor activities and daily tasks.
Shepadoodle (German Shepherd-Poodle cross): These dogs are intelligent, protective and energetic, making them suitable for people with physical disabilities and those who can benefit from a vigilant and loyal service dog.
Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross): Known for their affectionate temperament and adaptability, they make excellent therapy dogs and can provide emotional support to people with anxiety, depression or PTSD.
Bernese Mountain Dog: They are large, friendly and protective dogs, suitable for providing emotional support and assisting people with physical disabilities in daily tasks.
Golden Retriever: They are intelligent, friendly, and easy-to-train dogs, making them ideal for a wide variety of service dog roles, including emotional support, assisting people with physical disabilities, and detecting medical conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy.
Labrador Retriever: Like Golden Retrievers, Labradors are versatile, intelligent and friendly dogs, suitable for a wide variety of service tasks.
Samoyed: These medium-sized dogs are friendly, loyal and adaptable, making them suitable for providing emotional support and assistance with daily tasks.
Newfoundlands: They are large, friendly and protective dogs that can provide emotional support and assist in daily tasks to people with physical disabilities.
Portuguese Water Dog: These dogs are intelligent, energetic and friendly, making them ideal for people with physical disabilities, especially those who require support in aquatic activities, as they have great ability to swim and work in water .
Cocker Spaniel: They are friendly, affectionate and adaptable dogs, which makes them suitable for providing emotional support to people with anxiety, depression or PTSD. They can also be trained to assist people with physical disabilities with daily tasks.
Australian Shepherd: These dogs are intelligent, energetic and loyal, ideal for people with physical disabilities who require assistance with outdoor activities and daily tasks. They can also be helpful for people with ASD, as their energy and dedication can help provide stability and emotional support.
It is important to note that, although certain breeds and mixes may have characteristics that make them better suited for certain service dog tasks, a dog's success in a specific role also depends on its individual temperament and personality.
Service Dog Certification and Credentials: In many countries, official certification is not required for service dogs, but obtaining one can be helpful in facilitating their acceptance in public settings and reducing potential conflicts. Certification generally involves the dog completing a training program through an accredited organization or professional trainer that meets certain standards.
The advantages of having an identified or credentialed service dog include:
Facilitates access to public places: An identified and credentialed service dog can enter places where pets are not allowed, such as restaurants, stores and hotels, without facing problems.
Avoid confusion and conflicts: Credentials and identifications can help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts with people who are not familiar with service dog laws and regulations.
Provides legal protection: In some countries, laws protect the rights of people with disabilities and their service dogs. Having a dog with credentials can make it easier to defend these rights if necessary.
Increases trust and support: An identified service dog can provide its owner with a greater sense of trust and support in difficult or uncomfortable situations.
Traveling by plane with a service dog: Regulations vary between airlines and countries, but in general, service dogs are allowed in the aircraft cabin at no additional charge. Some general guidelines for traveling with a service dog include:
Communicate with the airline in advance: It is important to inform the airline about your service dog before you travel. This gives them time to prepare and ensure the needs of the passenger and their dog are met.
Required Documentation: Depending on the airline and country, specific documentation may be requested, such as health certificates, vaccinations, and service dog certification.
Know local regulations: It is essential to know the laws and regulations of the destination country related to service dogs, as they may vary. Some countries may require quarantine, additional testing or specific documentation.
Preparing the dog for the flight: Making sure the dog is comfortable and safe during the flight is essential. This may include bringing an appropriate harness, blanket, and comfort items for the dog.
In summary, service dog certification and credentialing can be beneficial in facilitating access to public places and protecting the rights of people with disabilities. When traveling by air, it is crucial to communicate with the airline and know local regulations to ensure a safe and trouble-free trip for both the passenger and their service dog.
Arrive early at the airport: Arriving early enough at the airport will allow extra time to overcome potential complications, such as check-in and security, and to familiarize your dog with the airport environment before the flight.
Seating Assignment: If possible, request an aisle seat with extra legroom, which will give your service dog more room to move around and lie down during the flight.
Basic dog needs: Make sure your dog has relieved himself before the flight and has access to water during the trip. Some airports have designated areas for service dogs to relieve themselves before boarding.
Keep calm and be supportive: The air travel process can be stressful for both you and your service dog. Staying calm and providing emotional support to your dog can help ensure a more comfortable and safer flight experience.
In general, service dogs can be a great help to people with disabilities, and obtaining proper certification and identification can facilitate your access to public places and protect your rights. When traveling by air, it is essential to follow appropriate guidelines and regulations and take steps to ensure that both the passenger and their service dog have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.