Service dogs are wonderful friends and aids for people who require them. Service dogs are highly skilled canines that aid people with impairments by carrying out a range of activities. Service dogs play a crucial part in the lives of their owners, whether they are guiding a person who is blind, picking up objects for someone who has trouble walking, or carrying out other crucial jobs. However, there are still a lot of false beliefs regarding service dogs. We’ll dispel common service dog myths and give real facts about these great creatures in this blog article. Read on to discover more about service dogs if you’re interested in them or if you know someone who has one.
- Only the Blind and Deaf Are Eligible For Service Dogs
Wrong! Service dogs may be trained to do a wide range of duties that help people with various limitations. While hearing dogs are available for the deaf and hard of hearing, guide dogs are helpful for people who are blind or have impaired vision. The ability to pull a wheelchair, aid with movement, detect medical issues like seizures, and even support their handlers with anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder are all examples of other activities that assistance dogs may perform (PTSD). Additionally, service animals may benefit kids with autism and other developmental disorders as well as those with physical limitations.
- Service Dogs Are Expensive
The idea that service dogs are too expensive for the typical person to purchase is another prevalent misperception about them. Although it is true that training service dogs takes a lot of time and money, there are several organizations in the United States that offer assistance dogs to qualified people at no cost. To finance the costs of breeding, rearing, training, and matching assistance dogs with individuals in need, these organizations rely on contributions and volunteers. Service dogs for people with physical limitations often cost between $15,000 and $30,000.
- Service Dogs Are Only Trained to Do Simple Tasks
Many people mistakenly believe that service dogs can only be trained to do basic duties like opening doors or collecting goods. In actuality, service dogs are taught to carry out a wide range of jobs that may be tailored to each person’s needs. For those who have anxiety or panic episodes, certain service dogs are trained to do deep pressure treatment. Other service animals could be taught to warn their owners when a doorbell or a smoke alarm rings. Depending on the needs of each owner, a service dog will be trained to do a variety of duties. One service dog training tip is that you should not overload your dog with too many commands as this could lead to confusion.
- You Can’t Pet a Service Dog
Another widespread misunderstanding is that you cannot pet a service dog. It’s possible that some people who need a service animal don’t want other people to pet their dog, but this isn’t always the case. Some people who use assistance dogs take pleasure in interacting with other people’s pets. It is best to get the owner’s permission before petting a service dog if you encounter someone with one and would want to. Additionally, because service dogs are trained to interact with humans, you shouldn’t be concerned that the animal will become overexcited or interfere with the owner’s work.
- Service Dogs Are Always Well-Behaved
Although it would be ideal if all service dogs were always well-behaved and clean, this isn’t the case. Service dogs are living beings, just like any other animals, and they occasionally have bad days or make errors. They can have an accident in the house or bark when they shouldn’t. This only indicates that they are animals rather than machines, which does not imply that their training was useless. Do not presume that a service dog’s owner is careless or clueless if you notice the dog acting inappropriately. The animal could not have received sufficient training or be having a bad day. In any event, it’s better to keep quiet unless you have a close relationship with the owner and feel at ease broaching the matter.
- You Can’t Train Your Own Service Dog
The idea that you can’t train your own service dog is among the most widespread misunderstandings regarding them. Simply said, this is untrue! While it is undoubtedly more challenging to do so, it is not impossibly tough. There are several organizations that can assist you with the procedure, and there are many internet resources as well. However, it’s vital to remember that raising your own service dog requires a significant time investment. It requires a lot of time, money, and effort. Additionally, you must confirm that you are both emotionally and physically fit to care for a dog with special needs.
- Service Dogs Always Wear a Vest or Patch
Although it’s true that service dogs frequently wear vests or other gear that makes them obvious as working dogs, this isn’t always the case. A service dog may find it more acceptable in some circumstances to travel without any kind of equipment. For instance, it might be less noticeable for the service dog to not wear a vest if the person with PTSD is accompanied by a small dog. Additionally, it’s common for service dogs in training to go without a vest or other protective equipment.
- You Can’t Take A Service Dog into Public Places
One of the most pervasive myths regarding assistance dogs is this one. In fact, assistance animals are welcome in almost all public areas. The only exceptions are when the dog is acting dangerously or when having the dog there will significantly alter the nature of the company (for example, a service dog in a surgery). Additionally, rumor has it that assistance dogs are allowed in hotels, restaurants, grocery shops, and even airlines.
- You Don’t Need A Service Dog If You Have A Nice Dog
This is false. Having a good dog may help with emotional support, but service dogs are taught to do much more. They are raised and educated expressly to help those who have disabilities. Before they are prepared to be paired with a person in need, they go through years of training. Simply, companion dogs cannot equal the amount of help offered by service dogs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the typical service dog myths described above are just those—myths. Service dogs are amazing animals who offer people in need priceless help. Don’t be afraid to learn more if you or someone you know might benefit from having a service dog as a companion.
