Service Dogs in the parks

[wvdislover]

This is so interesting. I had no idea that there were SD's for autism. My DD10 has autistic tendencies, ADHD, mild Asperger's, Sensory Integration problems, anxiety issues, has no sense of danger, and problems with anger. I'm going to check into this. She's been wanting a dog and we're planning on getting her one after our WDW vacation we're taking in a couple of weeks. My main reasoning behind getting her a dog is for therapeutic reasons. She needs to know there is SOMEONE who loves her and cares for her (besides mom, dad, and DS6). Even if she doesn't qualify, maybe I can get some ideas to help us choose the right dog for her and the rest of our family (no shedding--asthma for 2 of us).

 

[livndisney]

I don't want to "hijack" the thread, but I was wondering something and it seems like the "experts" are here

I have seen the large dogs used as service animals (And have taught my daughter we do not disturb them as they are working.) But I recently have noticed much smaller dogs as "service" animals. How does this work? What do these dogs do? (I thought I was doing a good thing teaching my daughter to reconize a working dog and I have been missing something )

 

[Talking Hands]

I don't want to "hijack" the thread, but I was wondering something and it seems like the "experts" are here

I have seen the large dogs used as service animals (And have taught my daughter we do not disturb them as they are working.) But I recently have noticed much smaller dogs as "service" animals. How does this work? What do these dogs do? (I thought I was doing a good thing teaching my daughter to reconize a working dog and I have been missing something )

The smaller dogs can be alert dogs for people with epilepsy, diabetes, and any of a number of problems that would cause them to be in danger if they were to pass out or panic. Also small dogs can be used by deaf people to alert them to sounds and dangers they cannot hear. I have a lab who although never trained will alert me to blood sugar lows and to door knocks and phones ringing. I don't take her out with me but I could if she had papers.

 

[livndisney]

The smaller dogs can be alert dogs for people with epilepsy, diabetes, and any of a number of problems that would cause them to be in danger if they were to pass out or panic. Also small dogs can be used by deaf people to alert them to sounds and dangers they cannot hear. I have a lab who although never trained will alert me to blood sugar lows and to door knocks and phones ringing. I don't take her out with me but I could if she had papers.

Do the smaller dogs wear the vest/harness to show they are working?

 

[Talking Hands]

Do the smaller dogs wear the vest/harness to show they are working?

Some but not all. It does make it easier if they do as you recognize the vest.

 

[SueM in MN]

One of the young ladies in my DD's wheelchair dance class has a small white "alert dog". I'm not sure of all the things he does, but I know he assists her by alerting someone else in another room when she needs something (she uses a power wheelchair to get around and her voice is very quiet).

He does wear a harness while he is working.