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  • Writer's pictureTraci Wilkerson Steckel

International Assistance Dog Week

Updated: Aug 11, 2020


We're officially 3 days into International Assistance Dog Week and as much as we would love to thank our Traci's Paws spokesdogs Lexi & Emee for their assistance in bringing awareness to pet adoption, especially senior pet adoption, they are not assistance dogs.

This week was established due to the efforts of Marcie Davis, a paraplegic for over 35 years living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Assistance dogs include a diverse group of K-9 workers that goes well beyond just providing sight to the blind. Assistance dogs include Guide Dogs, Hearing Alert Dogs, Medical Alert Dogs, Seizure Alert Dogs, and Service Dogs, all of which are loving animals who give people with mental and physical disabilities a second chance at life.

“We recognize and honor the hardworking assistance dogs; raise awareness and educate the public about how these specially trained animals are aiding so many people in our communities; honor the puppy raisers and trainers of assistance dogs; and recognize heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our communities. The celebration takes place each year, starting on the first Sunday of August. In 2019, International Assistance Dog Week will be August 4-10th. Read more about International Assistance Dog Week at https://www.assistancedogweek.org/about.

Golden Retrievers are a very popular breed to be used as assistance dogs. Traci's Paws blog, The Paws Spot.

Although many of the assistance dogs we see are Golden Retrievers and Labradors, thanks to the countless advocates working on the front lines to end pet overpopulation, we are seeing more and more shelter dogs take on this role. ​

Shelter dogs are being used as assistance dogs more than ever thanks to advocates. Traci's Paws blog, The Paws Spot.

Not only does this save a homeless dog’s life, but it provides an amazing companion and working animal that will literally change the life of someone with a mental or physical disability.

So what does it take to be an assistance dog? Well, first off it takes a dog with great personality that responds well to positive reinforcement, whether it is a treat or a toy. Happy dogs that love to work make the best candidates. A pup that has the ability to pay attention and learn commands well is also needed to take on a specific role to help its human. Since we see more shelter dogs being trained, it doesn’t require being a puppy, although it is always best when you can start them young.

Assistance dog opening the refrigerator for his owner. The Paws Spot, Traci's Paws Blog.

Whether it is to guide a person who is blind, assist one with help around the home carrying or retrieving things, or to alert someone who is about to have a seizure. Does size matter? Most assistance dogs are medium to large sized so they are physically able to do the work that is needed to aid their humans like helping with household chores. Smaller dogs such as Chihuahuas are used as Emotional Support dogs instead.

An assistance dog greeting her owner in the pool. Traci's Paws Bolg, The Paws Spot.

Assistance Dogs are not only confined to working inside the home. According to the American Disabilities Act, Assistance Dogs are allowed to go anywhere the general public would normally go, they not allowed to be turned away. Please visit this link for a complete set of questions and answers on the American Disabilities Act website: ADA Revised Regulations for Service Animals.

Unfortunately, we have seen a lot of people abuse the label, “Assistance Dog”. Since including emotional support as a form of service performed by assistance dogs, we have seen a growing number of people producing fake documentation and fake vests. When fake assistance dogs are out in public and cannot be controlled or act out, this has a huge negative impression on these dogs with the general public, making it very difficult for people with disabilities to be accepted well when they are out with their trained assistance dogs.

With continued support, there are many wonderful organizations in the United States and beyond, who raise and train assistance dogs. If you or someone you know is in need of an assistance dog, you may contact our office or visit the site below for a list of participating chapters with organizations who help others regain control of their lives. Assistance Dog Regional Chapters website: https://assistancedogsinternational.org/members/regional-chapters/

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