Post by Lαrα on Mar 16, 2014 7:25:36 GMT -8
We all know how highly trainable dogs actually are so how can a service/assistance dog actually assist you? When i started to do some research on this subject i was amazed how much they can actually assist and therefor promote independence
Your canine friend can do the following...
Retrieve Based Tasks.This basically means they can be trained to get your phone, crutches, shoes, drink tec....pick things up that are dropped by you, taking washing out of the washing machine.
Carrying Tasks: Helping with adding shopping to your basket, taking items off the assistant at the checkout. Carrying items up and down stairs and bringing post.
Deposit Tasks:Putting rubbish in the bin, placing non breakable items in the sink, placing items on work tops or on checkout in shop.
Pulling / Tugging Tasks: Open cupboard doors with attached strap/cord, open drawers with strap/cord, Open light doors with a suction cup device, open handled doors with attached rope/cord, slide patio door open, assist to remove shoes, slippers, sandals, tug socks off without biting down on foot, remove trousers, sweater, coat, drag heavy coat, other items to cupboard. Take edge of a blanket and move backwards, tugging to remove it or assist someone to pull the blanket up to their chin if cold
Nose Nudging Tasks: Cupboard door or drawers - nudge shut, washing machine door - hard nudge, ,swing bin - nudge open, operate button or push plate on electric commercial doors, turn on light switches, assist wheelchair user to regain sitting position if slumped over, help put paralysed arm back onto the armrest of wheelchair, return paralysed foot to the foot board of a wheelchair if it is dislodged
Emergency Assistance: Bark for help on command, find the carer on command, lead back to location of disabled partner. Wake up partner if smoke alarm goes off. Operate the big button on an emergency home-call telephone. Fetch a portable phone off it's cradle to bring to disabled partner who has had a fall.
Cupboard door - shut it with one paw, refrigerator & freezer door - one forepaw or both, operate light switch on wall - jump up, paw the switch, pedestrian crossing buttons, lift buttons, operate push plate on electric commercial doors, close heavy front door, other doors - jump up, use both forepaws
Mobility Assistance: Dogs can also help by bracing to enable partner to keep balance whilst transferring from wheelchair or similar. Also with the right harness, a large fit dog and a light enough partner dogs can help with moving wheelchairs, overcoming obstacles and supporting those unsteady on their feet.
Emergency Assistance: Bark for help on command, find the carer on command, lead back to location of disabled partner. Wake up partner if smoke alarm goes off. Operate the big button on an emergency home-call telephone. Fetch a portable phone off it's cradle to bring to disabled partner who has had a fall
These are just a few examples of how you can be assisted....i know for sure they can certainly make life easier
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