How Service Dogs Help Heal Others
Happy National Service Dog Month! After nearly eighty years of campaigning, the American Disabilities Act was finally passed in 1990, legally recognizing Service Dogs as a treatment source for various physical, emotional, and mental illnesses. Service dogs are furry friends with lots of patience and training to be prepared to aid in numerous situations or routine daily tasks for their humans. These pups are incredibly in tune with body language and can notice any shifts or unease in their handler’s behaviors. Service dogs know when to provide their aid or when they need to defend those around them.
Healing their Human
The primary goal of service dog training is to allow handlers to live their daily lives without relying on other people, only their dog. These pups are not only helpful for physical tasks, but they also provide companionship and emotional support to their human. Any slight demeanor changes can result in some physical touch, whether leaning on your leg or putting their paw on you. The bond between a person and their service dog is unmatched; having a furry friend at your side 24/7 is like having a cheerleader always keeping you on track!
Healing other Humans
You should never pet a service dog without asking first. These specially trained working animals are there to protect their human; if you get too close, they’ll see you as a threat. If their handler allows it, service dogs can be very loving and emotionally support everyone around them. Therapy Dogs are more likely to be seen taking laps around hospitals or schools; they aren’t as explicitly trained as service dogs. Their presence is for the purpose of emotional support, and they are prepared to keep calm in crowds of people. Therapy dogs love receiving all the love they can get while making everyone around them happier!
Check out these related articles for more info on supportive pets!
The Difference Between Therapy Dogs & Service Dogs