Service Dogs
The term 'service dogs' refers to dogs that assist those with a physical disability. Many, but not all, of our clients use a wheelchair or other adaptive equipment. They are matched with a dog that has been trained to help them perform their activities of daily living. This may include the dog turning on and off lights, opening and closing doors, and retrieving dropped items. As well, the dogs can be trained to assist in more specific tasks, such as removing a client's socks or tugging the bed covers on or off.
Within the definition of 'service dog', there are also some more specialized dogs. These dogs perform a specific function for their client in addition to the basic service dog skills set. Not all clients require these skills and not all dogs are suitable to perform them.
PULLING DOGS
Pulling dogs are placed with clients who use manual chairs. These dogs are trained to pull their handler on command, and assist the handler ascending curb cuts, ramps, short hills, or even a longer gradual rise. The dog wears a specially designed harness, and the handler must grasp the harness by a repositionable handle. Candidates for pulling dogs must have good upper body strength. Pulling dogs themselves require a lot of strength and stamina and are usually very active, fast-paced dogs.
BRACING DOGS
Bracing dogs are a very different kind of service dogs. They are placed with people who are ambulatory but would still benefit from a dog. In this case, the dog acts as a sort of living cane, as well as performing many of the skills that a regular service dog would. These dogs are trained to take stairs one step at a time to act as support where there is no railing. They are also trained to stand in the event that their handler falls, so the handler can "climb" up the dog and back onto their feet. Because of the nature of work that they do, bracing dogs are usually slow and steady dogs.
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If you are interested in applying for a PADS Service dog please go to "Apply for a Dog"