Dogs with Jobs: Assistance Dogs
Dogs look like they have a fairly easy life, don’t they? Sleeping, eating and playing all day sounds like fun, but you may be surprised to learn that there are some dogs that have jobs, just like grown-ups do. And in most cases, these jobs are very, very important.
Here are some of the amazing jobs that dogs can do to support people who need extra support in their everyday lives.
Physical/Medical Assistance Dogs
You’ve probably seen assistance dogs when you’ve been out in shops, libraries, museums and other places where dogs aren’t usually allowed to go. Assistance dogs are specially trained to support people who have disabilities and medical conditions and there are lots of different types. They include:
Guide dogs. Guide dogs are one of the most common assistance dogs. They are trained to support blind and visually impaired people, helping them to move around safely, especially when outside of their homes where it can be harder to stay safe. Watch Emma and Sam’s story here.
Hearing dogs. These clever canines can alert their owner to doorbells, smoke alarms and other important sounds that can make their lives easier and safer. Check out how hearing dogs are trained!
Seizure alert/medical response dogs. Many people suffer from medical conditions, and there are dogs that are trained to help out in the case of a medical emergency.
Some dogs are trained to recognise when their owner is about to have a seizure. Seizures are something that can happen in several medical conditions including epilepsy. The person affected loses control of their body and this can cause them to get hurt. Seizure dogs are trained to position themselves to protect their owner during the episode and get help once it’s over. Find out more by watching this video featuring the amazing Wadsley.
Some dogs are trained as diabetic alert dogs too. Diabetes is a condition that makes it hard to control your blood sugar levels and it can be very dangerous. Diabetic alert dogs can pick up scent changes in your blood that tell them that sugar levels are too high or low. They can alert you or your grown-up so you can take your medication quickly. Meet Molly – a pawsome diabetic alert dog.
Autism/Therapy Dogs
Not all disabilities are physical. Many people suffer from disabilities like ADHD or autism, or mental health conditions like anxiety and PTSD, that make day to day life more difficult for them. Assistance dogs can provide them with emotional support and make them feel safer and more confident. This can improve their quality of life when they are at home or out in public. Check out this video about Cohen and his clever support dog Azerley.
Assistance dogs are not only loyal friends and amazing companions, but in some cases, they can even save lives. How amazing is that?!
Find out more amazing dog facts and useful information about how to care for your canine pal by signing up to the Zara Dog Dog Club today!
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