Requirements of Service Dogs
Requirements for service dogs are not as stringent as they are for rescue dogs or those that assist the blind or the hearing impaired. Guide dogs are usually specific breeds, but service dogs can be any breed as long as they meet the basic requirements. They must be intelligent, obedient, in good health and must have a good temperament. Service dogs can perform many functions, including carrying or fetching things, ringing doorbells and opening doors, and assisting you if you have fallen and need help getting up. Service dogs can also assist you if you have autism or warn you about an oncoming seizure.
Intelligence
Intelligence is critical because your dog needs to be trainable to assist you as needed. The dog must be able to learn the necessary skills.
Temperament
It is important that your dog is calm and will not become aggressive under any circumstance. You need to be assured that it is not going to be suddenly provoked into aggression.
Obedience
Obedience is a necessity because you must be able to rely on the dog to follow your instructions. If it is easily distracted or ignores your commands, it will not be of any help.
Health
Your dog needs to be in good health. This means a healthy medical history as well as the probability of a continued healthy life. For example, certain breeds that are extremely susceptible to a specific illness or condition might not be good choices for service dogs.
Non-Protective
It is important that your dog is not protective of you. Its role is to assist you, not to protect you. You must be able to control your dog in public places, and if it is protective, you may have difficulty in public situations.
Certification
There are no national certifications for service dogs. However, some organizations offer their own program certifications, and in some cases you can complete the training with your dog. Following completion of their training program, Service Dogs America can provide you with an identification card that permits you to take your dog with you anywhere you go (see Resources).
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