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Assistance Dogs: Bred to Help

We are all accustomed to the sight of helper dogs and the telltale assistance dog harness used by the blind. Many people are unaware, however, that there are also hearing dogs for deaf people and service dogs for the physically disabled. Dogs are preferred for these jobs because they are intelligent and loyal animals that not only provide independence to their masters but also companionship.
Training dogs for the handicapped and assistance dog training involve rigid qualifications that must be met by both human and animal to achieve a successful partnership.

Assistance Dogs for the Blind

Guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired must learn a great deal more than how to work with an assistance dog harness. These U-shaped handles are but one means of communication between master and animal. These dogs must remain calm in noisy urban environments, they must keep their focus on their work, and they must be prepared to disobey their masters when they sense danger.

Larger dogs are usually preferred for this purpose because they have the bulk to block their master's movements and prevent them from straying into danger. Breeds that work well as guide dogs include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds. The dogs are trained for a year by volunteers and then undergo a four to six month course with a professional trainer.

Hearing Dogs for the Deaf

Hearing dogs assist the deaf and hard of hearing. Many of these dogs are of mixed breeds of a small to medium size. Appropriate breeds might include Sheepdogs, Schipperkes, Poodles, or Fox Terriers. These dogs are educated to understand basic sounds like the ringing of a telephone, an alarm clock, door bell, and even the crying of a baby.

These dogs can respond to a knock on the door or to the sound of the smoke alarm. Hearing dogs for deaf people are socialized by volunteers and undergo formal audio response training.

Service Dogs

Service dogs can be smaller breeds like Beagles, Shelties and Corgis or larger animals like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. They help the physically disabled individual by pulling wheelchairs, performing bracing movements, retrieving objects, and opening and closing doors among other functions.

These dogs may wear an assistance dog harness and are often outfitted with backpacks. Like guide dogs, they are raised first by volunteers before going into formal training.

Continue to: Volunteering to Foster Dogs and Training Helper Dogs
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