Questions
- What is an assistance dog?
- Types of assistance dogs
- Training assistance dogs
- Access rights in the UK
- How to support the cause
If you’ve ever found yourself doubting the intelligence and ability of dogs, this article will make you think again. Our furry friends are more than their cute, aww-worthy exterior – they can be supportive aids and companions to those who need assistance. They transform the lives of those they’re involved in, making every day that little bit easier and safer. Assistance dogs are working animals that change their owner’s life.
What is an assistance dog?
The definition of assistance dogs is a dog that has ‘been highly trained to carry out a range of tasks and alerts that support a disabled person or person with a long-term medical condition’, according to Assistance Dogs UK.
There is a variety of ways dogs can assist or support their human carers, most notably as assistance dogs, therapy dogs or emotional support animals. By either physically or mentally supporting their parent, dogs become a form of supporter or reliance for those less able.
An emotional support dog provides companionship and comfort to those struggling with mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Therapy dogs are trained to provide support and comfort in professional settings in hospitals, schools or care homes.
There are notable differences between assistance dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support, most significantly the variations between their training and legal rights as working dogs. Assistance dogs have Public Access Rights and must be task-trained to support a disability, which is the most distinct difference between these working dogs.
Types of assistance dogs
Now we’ve explored the differences between assistance, therapy and emotional support dogs, here are the different types of assistance dogs available:
Guide dogs for the visually impaired
Hearing dogs
Medical alert dogs (e.g. for diabetes or seizures)
Mobility assistance dogs
Autism assistance dogs
PTSD and psychiatric support dogs
How to get an assistance dog
There are a variety of organisations that you can request an assistance dog from. You’ll firstly need to find out if you’re eligible, which is specific to the organisation you’ll enquire with. The eligibility lists may be quite extensive, with most organisations having a waiting list, or periods of closure depending on availability.
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Training assistance dogs
Assistance dogs don’t arrive ready and fully-trained; you should be prepared to train, support and maintain your dog’s skills whilst establishing a close bond.
They must undertake rigorous training in their tasks to learn how to support their owner.
How assistance dogs are trained
Once a puppy is socialized and undertaken basic obedience training, more formal training is put in place around 12 months old. This training usually takes shape in 3 parts; advanced obedience, task training and public access.
Advanced obedience builds on the skills they learnt as a pup, whilst task training is more specific to the disability the dog will be supporting. Public access training is crucial, as assistance dogs are permitted in areas other dogs usually aren’t, so it’s important they learn how to behave appropriately.
They are usually paired with a trainer or matched with an eligible applicant, and then supervised through their handling and training for a period of time.
How to recognize a trained assistance dog
As tempting as it can be to approach dogs in public for a quick cuddle and a tail wag response, it’s really important to remember that some dogs may be working, and can’t afford to be distracted. These dogs aren’t pets – they’re supporting and focusing on their handler, so here are a few things you can look out for to recognize a working assistance dog:
1.     They’re wearing an assistance dog identifier, such as a harness or ID tag. This is optional in the UK, so some assistance dogs won’t wear anything to indicate they are a working dog.
2.     They’re performing tasks – whether it’s object retrieval, guiding their handler or alerting to a trigger like a sound, medical condition, etc.
3.     They’re very obedient - assistance dogs are not easily distracted and promptly follow their owner’s commands.
Access rights in the UK
To allow assistance dogs to fully do their job, access to public spaces like airports, restaurants and hotels are essential. That’s why assistance dogs are granted Public Access Rights, meaning they can accompany their owners in most public spaces.
Assistance dogs are legally protected under the Equality Act 2010 which enables their presence in areas that typically do not allow dogs. The Act prevents businesses from discriminating against someone accompanied by an assistance dog, whether the dog is wearing identification gear or not. This Act also does not require dogs to wear any visible identification that indicates they are an assistance dog.
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How to support the cause
There are a variety of ways to support assistance dog charities, including donations, volunteering or even just raising awareness of the cause!
Donations are essential for continuing their work changing lives and helping those receive assistance canine companions! Volunteers are appreciated and there are a variety of ways you can give your time to the charity, as receptionists, puppy socialisers or temporary boarders. There are some requirements to become a volunteer for a charity, which can be specific to the organization you enquire with.
You may be supporting the cause in ways you didn’t even realise! Brands and businesses partner with charities to support them, so buying from shops that support a particular charity is offering a helping hand to this cause.
Assistance dogs are truly valuable in their support to those who need it. Our furry friends aren’t just cute, they’re clever too! The skills they learn to assist people in their everyday lives are priceless, and they change lives with their abilities, companionship and support.