4 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Service Dogs

Published on: 18 June 2019 Last Updated on: 08 December 2021

Service dogs are the most adorable animals on this planet. It is amazing how these dogs can undertake tasks such as picking something that has fallen, save a child from drowning, help someone who has anxiety and even help people who experience seizures. However, the ability of a service dog to undertake these tasks is dependent on how well the service dog training school trained it. As such, it is essential to do your due diligence and find a dog training school that is well known and has a good track record too.

Below are four cool things you probably never knew about service dogs;

1. Service dog training is an investment:

dog training

Like any other service, you also need to pay for a service dog training course. The puppies are trained as young as two days old. And, the training might take quite some time before the dog is considered fit to undertake the tasks. However, the end goal should be what motivates you. Having a dog that can help you cope with life is rewarding.

2. All service dogs are unique:

There is no specification of which dog can be a service dog; in fact, if not aware, it can be hard to identify one. Arguably, all dogs can be trained to become service dogs. They come in different breeds, colors, shapes, and sizes; the difference of their abilities comes in the tasks that a given dog can perform. Of course, you cannot expect a Chihuahua to perform heavy tasks such as pulling a wheelchair, but, it is possible for it to help someone with a seizure or PTSD. Therefore, the service dog training depends on the type of dog as well as the type of disability the dog is purposed to help with.

3. Service dogs are not pets:

Often, when you see someone strolling with a dog, we consider them as a pet. But, service dogs are not necessarily pets but rather service animals that are trained to help people with disabilities. However, in as much as they aren’t pets, they still need tender love and care. Ensure that they are well fed, bathed, and even goof around with them from time and again. Also, do not forget to take them to the veterinary for regular checkups.

4. There is no specific dress code for service dogs:

You might be thinking that since service dogs are not pets, there would be a uniform to make them distinct. However, that is not the case. Yes, some vests are designed to identify a dog as a service dog, but it is not necessarily a requirement. As the dog handler, however, it is advisable to purchase a vest for the dog in case you often access dog prohibited areas. The attire is simply an indication that the dog is not a pet but rather an assistant.

Conclusion

The points, as mentioned above, have at least given you an insight into what service dogs are. Remember, these dogs also need to be cared for.

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How does the Training of Defence Dogs Look Like?

Defence dogs have special features that make them suitable for this purpose. Before the dog is admitted to defence training, he has to complete a course for a 1st degree companion dog. This gives confidence to the trainer that the dog understands the basic commands such as summoning, fetching, "sit", "go", and walking on a loose leash or even without a leash. In addition, defence dogs should be very disciplined. The first step is, of course, to choose the right breed. The breed that has an internal defense reflex which tells them when their owner is in an emergency situation. The most popular dog breeds for defence include: Amstaff, Bullmastiff, Bulterier, Doberman, Boxer, German Dog, French Shepherd, and Caucasian Shepherd. Choosing a particular puppy can’t be a matter of chance. The animal should come from a registered kennel and preferably have a pedigree. The problem with these breeds is that they are prone to aggression, so it’s important to bring up such a dog using appropriate forms of training. A well promising defence dog shouldn’t show too much aggression. The training requires a lot of patience and commitment of the caregiver and starts only when the dog is taught obedience, walking by the owner's leg and self-control. The trainer takes part in the training together with is assistant. The dog is taught to attack when it hears the command "take". He cannot attack the assistant even if it’s against the owner's will. The only exception to this rule is the situation of a direct danger, for example when the assistant attacks the trainer, then the dog should throw itself at him. However when the assistant takes a defensive stance, the dog cannot attack him, but it has to guard him. Unfortunately, due to the natural aggression of these breeds, it’s sometimes really difficult to control them in such situations. Nevertheless, the defensive dog should stay loyal to his master, have sympathy, fidelity, and trust. The dog's behavior cannot be unpredictable, and that’s why dogs with a pedigree are chosen for this job because we can be sure that the animal will meet these criteria. Hidden aggression can never be directed towards the master. In addition, the dog must observe the surroundings and know for himself when the master is in an emergency situation and needs help. In addition, the external appearance of the dog, which is often able to scare the attacker just with its silhouette, shouldn’t be insignificant. Unfortunately, the dogs performing such a role are often poisoned, so well-trained dogs should only eat food given to them by their master. For defence training, apart from the dog, we need an assistant. He should be dressed in a special suit or hand guard. The purpose of the first stage of training is to irritate the dog to the point when he can learn the skill of grabbing a sleeve or a teether. The success of this exercise depends on the behaviour of the master, who must hold the dog on a short leash and encourage it to attack. He can do it by running, shouting, or waving a baton. Meanwhile, the assistant tries to provoke the dog to attack him. At this stage of learning, we do not use coercion. If the dog behaves correctly, the master praises him, which encourages the dog to continue the exercises. If the dog succeeds the master should reward him for that immediately. After a few lessons the trainer is able to control the dogs aggressive behaviour. For example, he can successfully command the dog to stop attacking the target. When the dog has mastered the "take" and "let go" commands, the trainer can move on to more advanced exercises. How to train defence dogs? - A dog that goes by the foot of his master has no right to pull itself forward, bark or behave aggressively. Training a dog requires a lot of patience and determination. - During the training, the trainer cooperates with the assistant. If he tries to run from the dog and the trainer does not give a direct order to attack, the dog cannot pull himself out and throw behind him in pursuit. - The dog cannot attack the assistant when we show a defensive attitude. When the aggressor is still, the dog will proceed to guard him until the master arrives. How to stop the dog from attacking someone: In the case of training a dog with an innate tendency to aggression, surprises can happen. The most important thing is to know what your dog can do. Stopping such a trained dog from attacking someone randomly on the street is really difficult and often ends in the death of the dog. When it happens, you shouldn’t try to kick the dog with your legs, because it will only enrage it more. That’s why the owner should learn how a stun gun works. It’s the best way to effectively stop the dog from attacking someone with the smallest chance to kill it. Characteristics of a good defence dog: When we buy a pedigree puppy from a proven breeding, we can be sure that it has an innate tendency to perform the function of a defensive dog. We should anticipate the behavior of the dog by which we must be sure that the dog will not hurt us. How to take part in defence training if we can't judge whether the dog will not direct the aggression towards us? We have to teach obedience to the dog. The biggest difficulty is to learn how to walk by the leg and stay on a loose leash. The defence dog must be vigilant and it should inform us about the dangers ahead. Even when the aggressor is still, the animal cannot stop watching him. Perseverance in battle and stubbornness are the hallmarks of defence dogs. A defensive dog cannot be bribed. The attraction with treats and distraction are common methods used by aggressors. How much does a defence dog training cost? Dog training takes place at the time set by the training centre and usually lasts for about 40 hours. The price of the courses varies between 500-1000 Euros. Read Also: Can Dogs Make The Anti-Social Kids Socialize Better? Can Dogs Help Writers Stay Positive During Stress?

When Every (Dog) Year Counts: The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Puppy vs. An Older Dog

If you’re looking to add a four-legged, tail-wagging friend to your family, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether about adopting a puppy or an older dog. Either would give you an adorable, furry friend, but both choices have their unique disadvantages, too. Whether you’re looking for a puppy or an older dog, you’ll want to check out this year’s most popular dog breeds. These showstopping canines will give you an idea of what other pet parents are looking for in their animals. Mixed breed dogs are a perennial favorite for their unique makeups and generally stable health, but they may not be the answer if you’ve got your heart set on a specific breed. Following the mixed breed dogs are toy breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians. These loyal, yappy dogs are popular among older adults or couples without children, as they can be particular about their boundaries. Lastly, everyone loves the classic Retriever breeds, such as Goldens and the ever-adorable Lab puppies. Now that you’ve got the necessary background on this year’s best in show breeds, here are the pros and cons that come with both puppies and older dogs. Puppies pros Adopting a pint-sized pooch can be the puzzle piece your growing family needs, but it won’t be without a lot of patience (and chewed furniture). 1. Puppies are cute and affectionate Young dogs are precious, which is why so many people want to adopt them. Puppies are also affectionate and can become very attached to their owners. 2. Plenty of energy to play If you want an energetic dog, puppies are the way to go. These little dogs love to run, play, and go for walks. If you’re into jogging, a younger dog's energy will make your pet a fun partner on your daily 5K. Puppy cons Owning a puppy may be fun at playtime, but it can also be a lot of work. Here are the cons to adopting a puppy. 1. Training is needed Puppies require training in every way imaginable: housebreaking, noise, nipping, jumping, and more. Just like human children, puppies aren’t always eager to do what they’re told, so you’ll need a pound of patience. 2. Puppies’ adult years are a mystery How a puppy will grow up is a bit of a question mark. Will your dog have behavior issues or medical problems? Only time will tell, and the uncertainty might be more than you’re willing to handle. Adult dog pros Grown dogs can offer just as much love and companionship as a puppy, so some prefer to give an adult dog home when adopting a pet. Here are the pros of adopting a seasoned dog. 1. You know what you’re getting When you adopt an adult dog, you already know its temperament and health needs. There are fewer questions with older dogs, as their personalities have already developed. 2. The dog may already have training Some adult dogs who need a home have already been housebroken and may have other training, such as service dog training. Older dogs can be an excellent choice for first-time dog owners because of this experience. Cons of adopting an older dog Giving an older dog a home carries with it a few considerations. Among them are these possible cons. 1. Senior dogs may not be as energetic Adopting a senior dog who needs a home is admirable, but don’t expect older dogs to have the same energy level as a puppy or younger dog. For some aspiring dog owners, this chilled-out nature may be a plus. It may mean leaving Fido at home more often than not for active families. 2. Possibility of medical costs Aging dogs can have medical problems, so you’ll need to consider the cost of veterinary care. Though puppies can also go through their share of medical mayhem, dogs nearing the end of their lifespan will undoubtedly incur a few vet bills before they leave your life. Giving a dog a home Deciding to give a dog home can be one of the best choices you ever make, but you’ll need to determine whether an older dog or a puppy is best suited for your home. Whether you adopt a puppy or senior dog, you’ll find either to be loving companions for the whole family. Read Also: Ten Superfoods for Your Dog Dog Bites- Steps to follow when a Dog Bites your Kid Reasons to Buy CBD for Dogs with Appetite Loss And Skin Allergies What You Should Know About Mini Sofas For Dogs

8 High-Need Animal Shelter Donations

Every year, there are more than 6 million animals all across the country that end up in animal shelters. Most of these shelters are staffed by volunteers who rely on the donations of others to keep the shelters up and running. Without these animal shelter donations, the volunteers wouldn't be able to do their jobs and care for the animals that come through their front doors. Do you want to donate items that could potentially make a huge difference and allow shelters to give animals the TLC they need? If so, animal shelters have a long list of items they need on a regular basis. Here are 8 animal shelter donations you should consider dropping off at the shelter in your area. 1. Pet Food : This might be one of the more obvious animal shelter donations. But it's still worth mentioning because shelters simply can't have enough extra food hanging around. There are new dogs and cats coming into the average shelter every day. And from the moment they arrive, they have to be fed regularly so that they get the right nutrition. If you have extra dog food lying around in your home and it hasn't expired yet, you should consider calling your local animal shelter to see if they have a need for it. Just make sure the food hasn't been opened. Shelters won't be able to use opened bags or cans of food. 2. Dog Beds : In addition to providing dogs and cats with food upon their arrival, they also need to provide them with a place to sleep. Many dogs and cats that are turned into animal shelters haven't gotten a good night's rest in quite some time. Therefore, you should consider making animal shelter donations that include dog beds and beds for cats. They will really come in handy when dogs and cats are set up at animal shelters for days, weeks, or months at a time. 3. Litter : Kitty litter is one of the other items that animal shelters are always on the lookout for. From the moment cats step foot inside of a shelter, they need to have access to clean litter to handle their business. If possible, you should make sure your animal shelter donations include clumping litter that will be easy for shelter volunteers to clean up. You should also consider adding a litter box to the mix if your shelter needs one. It's a good idea to get in touch with a shelter ahead of time to see if they have a specific litter they prefer to use. Animal shelters will be ecstatic if you're able to provide them with fresh litter for their feline friends. 4. Blankets and Towels : Blankets and towels are a necessity whenever you're caring for animals at a shelter. They can be used for cleaning up messes or setting up a quiet space for the animals to rest. Either way, shelter volunteers will definitely find good uses for your blankets and towels. They don't have to be new, either! In fact, you're better off donating older blankets and towels to animal shelters that you don't need anymore. These items often don't have much value when you donate them elsewhere. But at an animal shelter, they'll come in handy in a variety of different ways. 5. Zip-Lock Bags : One of the keys to running a successful animal shelter is keeping everything organized. From food to treats to toys, you want to keep items where they belong. Zip-lock bags will help your local shelter do just that. So if you have a bunch of Zip-lock bags sitting in your house right now, you should donate them to a shelter. Shelter volunteers will be able to keep everything straight when they have places to put the things they use on a regular basis. 6. Pill Pockets : The Humane Society and other organizations insist on shelter animals receiving the best medical care possible at shelters. Often times, this means that dogs and cats have to take medications during their shelter stays. The problem, of course, is that many of them won't willingly take these medications. Pill pockets make it possible for shelter volunteers to give dogs and cats their medications without a problem. One box of pill pockets can last for a long time and make it easier than ever for animals to get the medications they need. 7. Kongs : As you can probably imagine, dogs that are placed in animal shelters can get very bored over time. They can, as a result, get themselves into trouble by chewing on things they shouldn't. Kongs are a great solution to this problem. Shelter volunteers can place treats into Kongs and provide dogs with hours and hours of fun. Shelters are always looking for large Kongs since they usually have a lot of larger dogs in their care. When you donate even just one Kong, you'll provide a dog with the entertainment it needs in a shelter. 8. Cleaning Supplies : Keeping an animal shelter clean is of the utmost importance. Shelters usually fly through cleaning supplies on a daily basis. You can make things easier on them by donating: Disinfectant wipes Bleach Powdered laundry detergent Dish soap Paper towels And more If you're not sure about which cleaning supplies would be best for your local animal shelter, give them a call and ask. They would probably be more than happy to let you know which supplies they use most often. You can help keep your local shelter a lot cleaner by setting them up with the supplies they need. Make Your Animal Shelter Donations Today : When you make animal shelter donations, you'll be helping both the animals in the shelters as well as the volunteers who give up their time to work in them. You'll feel great about yourself and know that you did what you could to help the animals even if you couldn't adopt them. Animal shelters rely on people like you to allow them to assist as many animals as possible. Check out our blog for other lifestyle tips that will help you become a better person.

4 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Service Dogs

1. Service dog training is an investment:

2. All service dogs are unique:

3. Service dogs are not pets:

4. There is no specific dress code for service dogs:

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Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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How does the Training of Defence Dogs Look Like?

When Every (Dog) Year Counts: The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Puppy vs. An Older Dog

8 High-Need Animal Shelter Donations

4 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Service Dogs

1. Service dog training is an investment:

2. All service dogs are unique:

3. Service dogs are not pets:

4. There is no specific dress code for service dogs:

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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