DIFFERENT TYPES OF WORKING DOGS
DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?
Did you know that there is a difference between a Service Animal, a Guide Dog, a Therapy Dog, and an Emotional Support Animal? It’s OK if you didn’t – a lot of people often get the different types of working animals confused. In honor of National Guide Dog Month, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired put together information on each and what they do for their handlers.
Service Animal/Dog
In some cases, some animals are needed after training to meet the needs of disabled people. This is required by federal law. Service animals are the only working animals that can enter public facilities with a trainer. These animals not only meet the needs of the disabled, but also learn the skills needed to meet the needs of the work. They have impeccable manners in public settings and have been very well socialized; having positive interactions with people as well as other animals. This type of animal is not a pet, it needs to develop skills to help disabled people, so it is not subject to the limitations of pets.
There are several types of Service dogs, some include:
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Hearing Dogs
Diabetic Alert Dogs
Seizure Alert Dogs
PTSD Dogs
Wheelchair Assistance Dogs
Dogs to help children with Autism
Therapy Dog
A therapy dog is a dog which offers comfort, and stress relief to a group of individuals. These dogs are commonly seen in nursing homes, schools, courtrooms, and hospitals. These dogs not only provide comfort to animal trainers in their work, but also help a lot of disabled people in their lives. These dogs are usually certified and evaluated by professional organizations before they can be used in the lives of disabled people. And they must master some skills, have a good character, and have basic help for the life of the disabled.
Therapy dog handlers are only allowed to enter public spaces with permission; they do not have the same access rights as people with disabilities using a service dog.
Emotional Support Animal
These dogs not only provide comfort to animal trainers in their work, but also help a lot of disabled people in their lives.
These dogs are usually certified and evaluated by professional organizations before they can be used in the lives of disabled people. And they must master some skills, have a good character, and provide help for the life of the disabled.
