Purpose of a service dog

The purpose of a service dog is to assist a person with physical disability in their everyday activities. A service dog can be trained to assist in a multitude of tasks. Followed by the basic training, each dog is then individually trained for a specific skill set to meet the needs of their future handler. If required, the handler can continue to train the dog throughout its working life, with the support of a professional trainer.

Not all service dog handlers sit in a wheelchair; some also walk. These handlers often need assistance in maintaining their balance as well as retrieving and carrying items.

Among other things, the duties of a service dog may include:

•  providing support and balance for an ambulatory                   handler;
•   turning light switches on and off;
•   pressing buttons, for example to call a lift;
•   opening and closing doors;
•   retrieving items and moving and/or carrying them; 
•   assisting in dressing and undressing

Furthermore, dogs can be taught special tasks, such as:

•  lifting their handler’s hand back on to the control panel of an electric wheelchair
•  changing the position of their handler’s feet on the wheelchair footrest;
•  helping their handler turn in bed
•  helping their handler get up if they fall down;
•  alerting others for help; and
•  alerting to various medical issues.