Essay On Service Dogs

To accommodate disabled Americans, the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 (BE#9). This act was the first to be passed addressing people with disabilities. It stood for better accommodations such as handicap accessibilities and public services. It defined a service dog as “any guide dog, signal dog, or animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability” (The History of…). No matter what the situation may be, working dogs help those in need achieve independence and so much more. Dogs can be trained to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder, diabetes, blindness, and many other disabilities. They are invaluable to many people and families throughout the world. Service dogs of all types can make a huge difference in the lives of individuals. Guide dogs, first recognized as “seeing eye” dogs, date back to 1929 (SC#11). Guide dogs help the blind, and are considered the first type of service dog (Savransky). It was not until 1975 that the Canine Companions for Independence was founded, making it the first training program in the United States (The History of…). From the 1970’s until now, assistance dogs have increased in popularity and use. People have begun to realize just how many capabilities dogs have. Service dogs are not to be confused with the average pet. These dogs are …show more content…
Training a service dog takes a long time because they must overcome many of their natural instincts. Squirrels, other dogs, and noises cannot have an effect on the dog while it is working. All distractions they must ignore (SC#16). Being obedient, well trained in multiple tasks, and trained for the public environment are the three main benchmarks a dog must accomplish before working (Service Dogs). Working dogs must rewire their brains to not chase things that catch their eye. To be a working dog, the dog must naturally have a calm, confident