The types of service dogs you can rely on

Sure, we know dogs are a (hu)man’s best friend, but did you know how many different jobs our four-legged friends can do? We take a look at the different types of service dogs that lend a helping paw when they’re most needed, and what these clever canines can be trained to do. 

What are service dogs?

Service dogs aren’t the same as any old working dog, the Americans with Disabilities Act states that service dogs are “trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability”. These brainy buddies are specifically trained for a wide range of activities, from helping people with their day-to-day tasks to detecting something potentially life-threatening. Their job is different to that of an emotional support animal as their tasks are related directly to a person’s disability - visible or not. For this reason, service dogs are allowed to enter all public spaces, including hospitals, schools and restaurants.  

Service dogs undergo years of serious training from a young age and develop into hard-working pooch pals that understand all the ins and outs of their specialized field. They are not pets, and if you see one out and about, it’s important to remember that they have a job to do and you mustn’t distract them, even just for a cuddle. Now, what types of service dogs are there? We thought you’d never ask!

The different types of service dogs

Guide dogs for the blind

German Shepherds, Labradors and Retrievers all make excellent guide dogs, which are trained to help blind or visually impaired people. They lead their handler along a safe path, avoiding obstacles and helping them navigate tricky situations like going up and down stairs and crossing the street. It is thought that dogs were used to guide the blind as far back as the first century A.D., and nowadays they are one of the most common types of service dogs we see. Interestingly, they are trained to be selectively disobedient, meaning they obey commands but also make choices based on their own judgment of the situation. Not all heroes wear capes, but guide dogs usually wear a fluorescent yellow harness for their handler to hold onto. 

Hearing dogs

Hearing dogs are used by people who are deaf or hearing impaired. They alert their handlers to important sounds, from alarm clocks and phone calls to fire alarms and passing traffic, helping to keep them safe from potentially dangerous situations. They also play a crucial role in the overall well-being of their handlers and increase their independence and awareness of the world around them.

Mobility assistance dogs

Another one of the most common service dog types, the mobility assistance dog helps people with mobility issues go about their everyday lives. This includes people with arthritis and neurological conditions as well as people who use a wheelchair to get around. Larger breeds like Golden Retrievers make great mobility assistance dogs as they are capable of bracing handlers with balance issues as well as pushing buttons on doors, carrying bags, retrieving objects and even pulling wheelchairs up ramps.

Diabetic alert dogs

Dogs are known for having good noses, in fact, their sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times better than ours, which is why they make such excellent hunters. But they can also turn the 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses to sniffing out potentially dangerous changes in the blood sugar levels of their handlers. Diabetic alert dogs are trained to warn their handlers when they need to inject insulin or glucose into their bloodstream and are also able to fetch help if needed. 

Allergy detection dogs

Like the diabetic alert dog, allergy detection dogs rely on their sensitive noses to get the job done. They are able to detect even the smallest of traces of allergens such as peanuts and gluten, alerting their handlers that there are dangerous foods or substances nearby. 

Seizure alert dogs

It takes nearly two years for service dogs to learn to spot the early signs of a seizure, and they’re often able to do it before the handlers themselves know it’s happening. They are trained to assist their handlers before, during and after a seizure, and can help their handler get into a safe position while alerting someone to assist if necessary. Although there is no scientific evidence explaining how dogs detect seizures, no one can argue with the fact that they play an important role in keeping their handlers safe. 

Autism support dogs

Autism support dogs are trained to provide constant companionship and give their handler a better quality of life. Acting as both BFF and watchful guardian, an autism support dog enables its handler to be more independent and navigate social situations, and is often paired with an autistic child to keep an eye on them if they wander off. 

Psychiatric service dogs 

Sometimes incorrectly confused with therapy dogs and emotional support dogs, these service pups are specifically trained to support people dealing with mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress, anxiety, bipolar and depression. Among other things, they provide comfort to their handler and help them to remain calm when they’re showing signs of a panic attack. They can also be trained to remind their handler to take medication and protect their personal space in social situations.

Service dog breeds

We adore our canine companions just a little bit more after reading about the different types of service dogs. But a service dog isn’t just any old knight in furry armor. There are certain breeds that make particularly good service dogs due to being the ideal combination of hard-working and intelligent and calming and friendly. 

• Labrador Retrievers - intelligent, friendly and eager to please.
• Golden Retrievers - excellent retrievers, gentle and devoted. 
• German Shepherds - loyal, protective and courageous.
• Poodles - smart, active and easy to train. 
• Border Collies - intelligent, energetic and affectionate. 
• Bernese Mountain Dogs - loyal, calm and easygoing.
• Pomeranians - sociable, intelligent, and the ideal companion for small spaces. 

Has this list of service dog types got you thinking about your own beloved pooch? Next time you’re jetting off, treat them to a bit of TLC at home with one of our loving pet sitters, who will give your pooch the best possible care (because they deserve nothing less!).