What does an assistance dog do?
Disability can lead to isolation, loss of confidence and feelings of low self-esteem. For many people with disabilities, being unable to do even a simple task like picking up the post can leave them feeling depressed and worthless. Dogs for the Disabled trains dogs to assist with practical, everyday tasks to help people with disabilities live life to the full.
These are just some of the range of tasks that an assistance dog trained by the charity will be able to help with:
- Open and close doors
- Help a person dress and undress
- Bark to raise the alarm in an emergency
- Retrieve items such as a telephones or dropped articles like keys or a bag
- Empty the washing machine
- Switch the lights on and off
- Bring in the milk and fetch the post
- Press a pedestrian crossing button
- Reach up to shop-counters and carry a shopping basket
- Help people to walk by providing a stable base and forward motion
In fact, a registered assistance dog with Dogs for the Disabled provides an extension of the person with disabilities abilities. In addition an assistance dog gives enormous psychological benefits, breaking down barriers to the outside world and helping to improve confidence and reduce stress levels. Dogs for the Disabled is a member of Assistance Dogs UK. This umbrella organsiation works to improve access for people who depend upon their assistance dog in public places such as supermarkets, restaurants, and public transport, which might not otherwise be accessible to them.
