What is a service dog?

Most people are familiar with the concept of a guide dog for the blind or a hearing dog for the deaf.  A service dog is a dog that helps out a person with a physical disability that is not related to sight or hearing.  The most common recipient of a service dog would be a person who uses a wheelchair.  Like guide dogs and hearing dogs, these dogs go through a very structured training process to prepare them for their life as a service dog.  When their training is complete, they are matched to a suitable recipient.

What can a Helping Paws service dog do?

Each dog is trained to meet the needs of an individual with a physical disability.  The dogs are trained to pick up dropped objects, open and close doors, assist in getting up from a chair or the floor, turn light switches on and off, get the phone, find help, and provide assistance as needed.  Of great importance is the unconditional love and companionship that dogs also provide. To learn more about what these dogs can do, and to see some photos of the dogs performing some of their commands, click here.

What breeds of dogs are used?

Helping Paws chooses primarily purebred Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers because of their natural desire to work with people, their retrieving instinct, their ease of care, and their friendly disposition.  Standard Poodles, another breed known for these same characteristics, are also being used on a limited basis.  Puppies are donated by a breeder or come from our breeding program.  Occasionally, Helping Paws will purchase puppies.

It is important to note that not all puppies offered to Helping Paws are chosen for the training.  We currently require OFA certification of hips and elbows, as well as eye and heart clearances of the sire and dam.  This is done to lessen the likelihood of a puppy developing a physical problem that would prevent its work as a service dog.  Puppies are also evaluated by our staff individually as to willingness, response to environmental stimuli, retrieving instinct and general trainability.

After it is selected, how does a puppy become a Helping Paws dog?

A puppy selected for the program will spend approximately two years in a foster home learning the skills it will need to be a service dog and experiencing a variety of social environments.  As part of the training, it will attend formal classes once a week and be involved in daily training activities.  The dogs are subsequently matched to an applicant and receive more specialized training to meet the needs of the individual.

Who is eligible to apply for a Helping Paws service dog?

Any adult with a physical disability wanting increased independence through the use of a service dog is welcome to apply. 

For more information on getting a service dog of your own, please go to our "What to Expect from Your Service Dog" page by clicking here.