subject: About Service Animals [print this page] Service dogs come in all breeds and sizes, although many trainers prefer to work with Labradors and Golden Retrievers because they're known for their great temperament. They are selected for their ability to respond well to obedience commands that aren't too aggressive, that aren't too hyper, and that are friendly and intelligent. Puppies chosen as service dogs from breeders, animal shelters, or donated by owners go to obedience training first and then more specialized training. Dogs can be trained to retrieve dropped objects, open the refrigerator, open/close doors, turn lights on/off, assist people across streets, and other duties. Families now use service dogs to work with their autistic children. Other dogs are trained to assist people with hearing impairment by alerting their owners to sounds such as someone knocking on the door or ringing the door bell, telephones, and smoke alarms. Mobility service dogs help people transfer from their wheelchairs, with dressing/undressing, with balance issues while standing at cash registers, etc. There are even dogs for people with psychiatric disorders where the dog's job is to keep them calm while they're out in public.
There are many different types of service dogs who provide care to our loved ones. Next time you're out at a large public venue such as a mall, large church, or other venue, look around to see if there are service dogs on duty.
