There are various types of service dogs, but for the purpose of simplifying things, I’ll cover 6 categories. Within each category, the type of work the dog does can get very specific depending on their handler’s needs. The purpose of this post is to give a quick overview of the types and what tasks they may perform. Many people believe that service dogs only help the blind or deaf, but there’s so many more disabilities that service dogs can help mitigate. At DADTC, we help train mobility dogs, specifically for people with chronic pain, but I feel it’s important for people to learn about and understand that there are many different ways a service dog can help someone with a disability.

​Quick Facts About Service Dogs & Their Handlers:

  1. Not everyone with a disability needs or wants to work with a service dog.
  2. Some people may decide they’d rather have a dog for purely emotional support (ESA), if they don’t need the functional assistance of a service dog.
  3. It is possible for a handler to need a dog who performs multiple types of tasks, for instance needing both mobility and psychiatric tasks. Or for a handler to work with two dogs, one that does mobility and the other who alerts for diabetes

5 Things All Types of Service Dogs Must Do

  1. Be well behaved and responsive to their handler in public
  2. Perform tasks (activities) for their handler to help them manage their disability
  3. Go through 1-2 years of extensive training and socialization
  4. Their handler must be disabled, visible or invisible
  5. Be friendly and relaxed around all types of people, animals, and situations

5 Things All Types of Service Dogs Cannot Do

  1. Be protective of their handler because this interferes with their ability to work safely in public and can be dangerous to first responders helping their handler in an emergency
  2. Behave wildly in public, go potty inside, steal food items, or bark when working in public (unless it is a task)
  3. React with barking, growling, cowering, hiding, or shaking because of a certain person, place, or situation on or off duty
  4. Skip the intensive training and go straight for wearing a fancy vest or ID
  5. Be disabled themselves. All service dogs must be in peak performance and health in order to work with their partner.

Types of Dogs That Aren’t Service Dogs in the US

  1. Military Combat Dogs (These are sometimes called military service dogs, but they aren’t the same as service dogs who help disabled handlers)
  2. Police Dogs
  3. Search & Rescue Dogs
  4. Protection Dogs
  5. Therapy Dogs
  6. Emotional Support Animals
  7. Facility Dogs
  8. Detection Dogs — Bombs, Drugs, Weapons

#1: Mobility
Definition: Handler with physical disability that affects their dexterity & mobility. Might Be Visible or Invisible.

Handler’s Disability Might Be: Paralysis, Muscle Disorders, Bone Disorders, Neurological Disorders, ​Chronic Pain, and More

Possible Tasks the Dog May Do: Brace to Help Handler Rise from Chair or Get Out of Shower Safely – Provide Counter-Balance While Walking – Open/Close Doors – Retrieve Items – Find Help – Drag Heavy objects – Load dishwasher – Help with Laundry – Assist in Getting Dressed/Undressed – Assist After Falls

Mobility Dog Resources:
https://www.anythingpawsable.com/brace-mobility-support-dogs-complete-guide/
https://www.anythingpawsable.com/100-examples-service-dog-tasks/
https://www.servicedogsociety.com/mobility-service-dog/
https://www.crpsservicedog.weebly.com

#2: Alert
Definition: Warn handler of hazardous allergens, oncoming seizures or flares, blood sugar drops, etc

Handler’s Disability Might Be: Severe Allergies, Diabetes, Seizures, Migraines, Chronic Pain, ​and More

Possible Tasks the Dog May Do: Sniff Food to Warn of Allergens – Alert to Oncoming Seizure so Handler Can Take Meds, Get Somewhere Safe, etc – Remind to Take Medication – Protect Handler’s Head from Hitting Floor During Seizure – Find Help – Bring Insulin Kit – Bring snack or beverage

Alert Dog Resources:
https://www.anythingpawsable.com/100-examples-service-dog-tasks/
http://www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com
http://www.servicedogsforamerica.org/about-us/service-dogs/emergency-medical-response-dogs/
https://www.rover.com/blog/role-medical-alert-medical-response-dogs-monitoring-health-conditions/

#3: Psychiatric
Definition: Provide day to day physical and mental support for handler with various mental illnesses to manage their condition; This is very different from an emotional support dog.

Handler’s Disability Might Be: PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and More

Possible Tasks the Dog May Do: Search Room to Ensure that It is Safe – Ground By Laying on Handler, Licking Face, Etc – Find Exits – Interrupt Self-Harm – Wake from Nightmares – Interrupt PTSD Episodes or Panic Attacks – Find Help – Body Block in Public to Create More Space Around Handler (this is not the same as guarding) – Remind to Take Medication/Bring It

Psychiatric Dog Resources:
https://www.anythingpawsable.com/100-examples-service-dog-tasks/
http://www.mentalhealthdogs.org/Psychiatric-Service-Dogs.html
http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html

#4: Hearing
Definition: Be their handler’s ears and help bridge the language gap with others

Handler’s Disability Might Be: Disorders that Cause Hearing Impairment, Total or Partial

Possible Tasks the Dog May Do: Alert to Noises at Home Such as Phone Ringing, Door Bell, Alarms, and More – Alert to Noises in Public – Alert that Someone is Talking to Handler – Retrieve Unheard Dropped Items

Hearing Dog Resources:
https://www.anythingpawsable.com/100-examples-service-dog-tasks/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/advanced-training/hearing-dogs/
https://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/about-us/types-of-assistance-dogs/hearing-dog/

#5: Guide
Definition: Be their handler’s eye to keep them safe in day to day functions

Handler’s Disability Might Be: Disorders that Cause Visual impairment, Total or Partial

Possible Tasks the Dog May Do: Help Navigate Various Surfaces & Obstacles at Home – Help Navigate in Public, Alert to Curbs or Holes, and More – Alert to Someone’s Presence – Find Empty Table at Restaurant – Find Empty Seat on Subway – Retrieve Items

Guide Dog Resources:
https://www.anythingpawsable.com/100-examples-service-dog-tasks/
https://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/about-us/types-of-assistance-dogs/guide-dog/
https://www.guidedogs.com/explore-resources/general-information
https://nfb.org/resource-list-guide-dog-schools

#6: Autism
Definition: Typically help handler function throughout the day, guide through activities, keep them safe, and more

Handler’s Disability Might Be: Child or Adult on the Spectrum to a Degree that Impacts Their Ability to Perform Daily Activities Without Assistance

Possible Tasks the Dog May Do: Guide Through Activities – Find Child and Return to Parent – Deep Pressure Therapy During Episodes – Interrupt Self-Harm – Find Parent or Guardian

Autism Dog Resources:
https://www.anythingpawsable.com/100-examples-service-dog-tasks/
https://www.rover.com/blog/service-dogs-benefit-autistic-community/
http://autismservicedogsofamerica.com
https://www.globalautismproject.org/things-to-consider-before-getting-an-autism-service-dog-for-your-child/

If you feel like you might need a service dog to assist you in the long-term management of your condition, but aren’t sure, check out more of our blog posts or send me an email through the contact page. I offer consultations for people thinking about working with a mobility service dog, or people who need assistance getting started in finding a good service dog program to go through.