10 Service Dog Misconceptions |
Posted: May 8, 2023 |
Dogs are some of the most intelligent creatures in the world. Their unconditional love and unwavering companionship combine to result in many physical and mental health benefits for their owners. With this in mind, it makes sense that dogs have been trusted as service animals, helping humans to manage and overcome barriers associated with certain mental and physical conditions. While undoubtedly doing great work, there are misconceptions surrounding service dogs. Namely, what they do and how they are qualified to act in such a manner. Despite being seemingly harmless, these misconceptions can negatively impact service dog owners. 10 misconceptions surrounding service dogsService animals make the lives of people living with disabilities exponentially easier. However, as most people have never seen a service dog in action, they can raise a lot of questions. For some individuals and animals, this may seem overwhelming. Highlighting why it’s important to clear up common service dog misconceptions. 1. There is only one type of service dog One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding service dogs is that there is only one type. In reality, there are different types of service dogs because each dog is trained to provide individualised support. As such, service dogs can provide emotional and physical support. For example, there are emotional support dogs. While they haven’t been specifically trained, these dogs are there because their mere presence supports their owner or lessens the severity of certain symptoms. In another example, there are seeing eye and hearing service animals. These dogs are trained to help those with a physical disability maintain independence while also remaining safe. In a final example, there are also psychiatric service animals. Trained to perform specific tasks, these animals help individuals handle the onset or affects of psychiatric episodes. These tasks range from searching rooms to reminding the handler to take their medications. 2. All service dogs must wear a vest Another common service dog misconception is that these animals must wear a vest that identifies their role. While there is no requirement to do so, owners can choose to give their animals a vest. 3. Only one service dog can be allotted to an individual As service dogs can perform different functions, there is no rule pertaining to how many service animals one person may have. In an example, an individual may have mobility issues and therefore, a service dog provides stability support. That same individual may also suffer from psychiatric episodes. As a result, they have another service dog who can perform functions such as providing reminders to take medications at certain times. 4. Service dogs must pass rigorous training There is no legal requirement for service dogs to undergo a professional or standardised form of training. Rather, a person with a particular disability reserves the right to train their own service dog. 5. There are no laws pertaining to service dogs It’s also important to note that service dogs are not exempt from following the law, nor do they have their own laws. This means that owners must ensure that their animal follows everything from local laws to vaccination requirements. While pet insurance isn’t mandated, it is advised. 6. Service dogs only help people with obvious disabilities Another misconception centres around the fact that service dogs help people with obvious disabilities. This isn’t true. In fact, not all people with a service dog will have an easily identifiable disability. This is a testament to a service dog’s ability to aid individuals with unseen disabilities ranging from autism and diabetes to seizures and PTSD. It’s also important to reiterate that service dogs can benefit handlers suffering from both mental and physical conditions. 7. Businesses can ask for your service dog’s verification When entering a business with a service dog, there are certain questions they can and cannot ask. While a business owner cannot ask for your service dog’s verification, they are allowed to ask if the dog is required because of a disability and what tasks the dog is trained for. 8. Only certain breeds can qualify as service dogs There are also misconceptions surrounding the breeds of dogs that can qualify as service animals. In fact, some think that dogs such as pit bulls are precluded from being service animals. This is untrue, service dogs come in all shapes and sizes. 9. Petting service dogs is allowed As service dogs are still animals at heart, it can be tempting to bend down and give them a pat. This is potentially harmful to both the handler and the dog. As such, don’t assume that petting is allowed, always seek permission if you feel the need to pet a service animal. 10. Service dogs have to be quiet Characterised as extremely well behaved, many people think that service dogs must remain quiet. This is another misconception. While some service dogs will be quiet, others have been trained to make noise in order to alert their handlers or prompt them to perform a task. Understanding the nature of service dogsService dogs are incredibly gifted animals. Their ability to provide support to individuals suffering from mental and physical conditions is life changing. To ensure that service animals can continue the great work, it’s essential to understand and respect their individualised role.
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