Many dogs assist with specific tasks and are known as service dogs. These dogs always arouse curiosity from people who are impressed with the skills that these dogs have, so it is expected that when you find such a dog, you are full of questions. If you own a service dog and don’t know how to satisfy that curiosity, you’re in the right place!
What Questions Do I Have To Answer About My Service Dog?
When you leave the house with your service dog, you will receive different looks and even come across a curious person who will approach you to ask about your buddy. People can ask about the training and the type of food you provide. It’s normal for people to be curious about these dogs. After all, it’s not every day that we see such a cute and dedicated worker. The questions will be the most varied, and you may feel pressured. After all, you must be ready to answer them, right? No, you are not obligated to answer any questions, but remember that it is always nice to share knowledge and experience. By answering them, we can often help someone who is going through or will go through the same situation as us. And if you’re like me, who can spend all day talking about my dogs, this interaction with people might be great for you.
If you are afraid of what you might be asked, here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions by working dog owners.
- Where can I buy a service dog?
- Where did you train your service dog?
- Does it need any special care?
- Is there a company that specializes in training dogs for this job?
- What things does it do that sets him apart from a regular dog?
- Can any dog be trained to be a service dog?
- Why did you want a dog of this breed? Only this breed can do this.
- What breeds can do this? What’s the best?
- Did you catch it as an adult?
- How much does it cost?
- Do you need to do more training with it?
- Is it docile with other people?
- Does it obey anyone?
- Is it challenging to train a dog for service?
- Have you spent a lot of money on training your dog?
What Questions Should I Answer About My Guide Dog?
I know there are a lot of questions, and you may feel questioned, but calm down. People don’t do this out of malice, just out of curiosity. Remember, you are not obligated to answer everything you are asked. Just answer what you feel comfortable with. Sometimes, the massive number of questions can give us a blank when answering them. So to help you get ready, I’m going to answer some of the questions you might come across.
- Where did you train your service dog?
Service dogs can be trained in establishments, or you can train them at home with the help of a specialized professional. - What things does it do that sets him apart from a regular dog?
The difference between a service dog and a regular dog is the training. - Where can I buy a service dog?
Some establishments donate and sell working dogs, and the price varies according to your need. - Do you need to do more training with it after you buy it?
Training must be continued regularly so the dog does not lose practice.
What Are The Three Qualities A Dog Must Have To Be A Service Dog?
To be adept at services, a dog needs to have some characteristics. The main ones are:
- Ease of being trained
- calm behavior
- Intelligence
How Can You Tell If It’s A Real Service Dog?
Some dog breeds have already been selected over the years to develop specific activities, which means that they will be more apt to develop some activities. However, that doesn’t mean that other breeds aren’t suited for these jobs, just that certain breeds tend to be more easily trained for the activity you need. Many dogs are trained to assist people with disabilities or illnesses, surely you have heard of guide dogs and sniffer dogs, but did you know that there are eight types of service? Were you surprised? Check it out below:
Guides – are trained to provide greater mobility and independence for the visually impaired. The training is carried out to warn of any obstacles in the way, such as fallen branches, uneven floors, and stairs.
Listeners – are trained to assist people with hearing impairments. Trainings are carried out to notify their tutors when there is an essential sound in the environment, such as fire alerts, bells, alarms, etc.
Sniffers – assist in the fight against drug trafficking.
Grazing – they help on sheep farms to manage the animals.
Alert – through the smell, they are trained to detect a drop in blood sugar when a seizure is about to happen and even allergy pictures.
Therapists – benefit hospitalized people and elderly people in nursing homes.
Psychiatric service – it is similar to the therapy dog but receives specific training for cases of panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, autism, and depression.
Military service – assist soldiers on their return with post-traumatic stress and motor impairments. They also assist in wars and peace missions.
Check out some examples of breeds mainly used as service dogs
Labrador Retriever – one of the favorite breeds of dog lovers, it became even better known after the movie Marley & Me. Very friendly and with a charming temperament, when well trained, they help as guide dogs, listeners, and an alert for people with diabetes.
Golden Retrievers – they are similar to labrador retrievers. They are highly sociable and extremely attentive. When well trained, they help as guide dogs, listeners, alerts for diabetics, and seizure alerts.
German Shepherd – you have undoubtedly seen this breed in action movies. One of the most famous films is the K9. This breed is usually known for being brave, but, contrary to what they think, they are very loving and obedient, an excellent example of loyalty. When well trained, they help in military service as a guide dog, alert for diabetics, and seizure alert.
Border Collie – A brilliant and energetic breed. Their primary use is to assist in herding farm animals, but they are also great companions for people with special needs.
