Here Are 9 Ways To Support Your Service Dog
More dogs every year are trained to be service or therapy dogs. The current figure stands at approximately 500,000 dogs working in the US today as service animals for their owners. It’s safe to say that the dogs of our nation are doing what they can to keep us safe, so we need to give them a little love back.
That’s why the dog-loving team here at WOLFpak has designed a new line of patches for your dog harness for all the service dogs out there.
If you’re a service dog trainer or owner, this article is for you. We will be covering the top nine ways to support your service dog so that they can stay happy and healthy, so that you can too.
What are Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs?
Therapy dogs and service dogs are two types of trained dogs that provide support and assistance to their owners or others in need.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional support and comfort to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and disaster zones. They are often used in animal-assisted therapy programs, where they interact with people to provide comfort and stress relief. Therapy dogs are typically friendly and outgoing, and they enjoy being around people.
Service dogs, on the other hand, are trained to perform specific tasks to assist their owners with disabilities. They can be trained to help with a wide range of disabilities, such as physical disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, seizures, and psychiatric disorders. Service dogs are typically trained to perform tasks such as retrieving objects, opening doors, alerting their owners to sounds, and providing balance and stability.
Service dogs are legally recognized as working animals and are allowed to accompany their owners in public places, including stores, restaurants, and public transportation. They are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and cannot be denied access to public places or housing because of their status as a service dog.
Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are not considered working animals and do not have the same legal protections as service dogs. While they may be allowed in certain public places, such as hospitals or schools, they do not have the same rights to access public places as service dogs.
9 Ways to Support Your Therapy Dog
Service dogs are incredibly important and provide a vital service to their owners. Whether they are assisting with mobility, guiding the blind, or detecting seizures, service dogs play a crucial role in the lives of many people with disabilities. As such, it's important to support and care for these amazing animals. Here are 8 ways you can support your service dog:
- Provide Regular Veterinary Care
Just like any other dog, service dogs need regular veterinary care to maintain their health. Make sure to take your service dog to the vet for checkups, vaccinations, and any necessary treatment.
- Keep Them Well-Groomed
Grooming is an important part of caring for any dog, but it's especially important for service dogs. Make sure to keep your service dog's coat clean and well-brushed, and trim their nails regularly.
- Give Them Plenty of Exercise
Service dogs need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Make sure to give your service dog plenty of opportunities for physical activity, whether that means going for walks, playing fetch, or going for a run.
For all your dog’s physical activity needs, you need WOLFpak WOLFPUP Line. In this line, we offer tactical dog collars, dog leashes, and dog vest harnesses.
Click here to shop our dog collars.
Click here to shop leather dog leashes.
Click here to shop tactical dog harness.
- Provide Mental Stimulation
In addition to physical exercise, service dogs also need mental stimulation to stay sharp and engaged. Consider providing your service dog with puzzle toys, hiding their treats to make them think, or physical games that involve practicing new skills to keep their mind active.
- Feed Them a Healthy Diet
Proper nutrition is crucial for all dogs, but it's especially important for service dogs who need to maintain their energy and stamina. Make sure to feed your service dog a high-quality, nutritious diet that meets their specific dietary needs.
- Train and Socialize Them
Service dogs require extensive training to perform their duties effectively. Make sure to provide your service dog with ongoing training and socialization opportunities to help them stay focused and well-behaved.
- Provide Adequate Rest
Service dogs work hard and need plenty of rest and downtime to recharge. Be sure to provide them with adequate rest and relaxation time, and avoid overworking or pushing them beyond their limits.
- Show Affection
Service dogs form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on affection and attention. Be sure to show your service dog plenty of love and affection, and make time for play and bonding activities.
- Advocate for Their Rights
Service dogs play an important role in our society, and it's important to advocate for their rights and recognition as working animals.
93% of service dog users report that they have encountered a poorly trained or out-of-control service or emotional support dog in public. 79% of people had an uncontrolled dog snap at, bite, bark at or interfere with their service dog while at a public place where pet dogs are not allowed.
It’s important that we educate others about the important work that service dogs do and support efforts to improve their recognition and treatment. If youre interested in supporting Canine Companions Grassroots Advocacy Initiative, click here. Service dogs are more than their vest!
Introducing the WOLFPUP Patches Line
Your pup deserves recognition with a patch for their harness! Getting a dog patch can help signify what their job is to other people, so that you don’t have to keep telling strangers not to pet your dog. You can choose from an array of patches like:
Your furry friend might benefit from signalling his job or requirements to others, so that he can keep doing what they do best - keeping you safe!
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