The Many Ways Golden Retrievers Serve as Service Dogs

Golden Retrievers are known for many things:  A gentle nature, beautiful disposition, and intelligence, just to name a few.  It is these attributes that allow the Golden to excel so well as a service, or assistance dog.  Goldens, of course, are not the only breed of dog that can serve as a service dog; however, they are one of the main breeds that are used in this way. 

Assistance dogs are specially trained dogs that serve to complement, assist, and aid those who may have some sort of limitation. They have also become indispensable to some who have difficulty with mobility due to some disability.

Below are a few ways Golden Retrievers have truly become man’s best friend as assistance dogs.

Guide Dogs:

When you mention service dogs, this is the first function they perform that comes to mind. These types of dogs help those who are visually impaired and help them move about more conveniently. They help these individuals cross roads, climb stairs, and find their way around a place. They are usually able to help these people manage even potentially hazardous areas.

Hearing Dogs:

These dogs aid those that have a hearing impairment.  They are specially trained to nudge their owners when they hear certain noises such as telephone rings, doorbells, and horns, among others.

Mobility Assist Dog:

These friendly canines pull wheelchairs, and carry light weight equipment for their owners in their backpacks. These amazing dogs assist those who cannot move around easily; and by doing so help these individuals gain some freedom by being able to move around a given area. 

Seizure Alert/Response Dog:

These dogs are trained to hit a button that alerts 911 in case of a seizure or cardiac attack. Operators are advised in advance that calls coming from this line are activated by dogs. In turn, they alert paramedics on a possible emergency situation. As with most assistance dogs, they do not leave their owner’s side and are constantly alert and observant.

Psychiatric Service Dog:

These dogs offer an emotional security blanket to those who may have mental illnesses and phobias. They also help autistic people stay focused. These dogs never leave their owner’s side and provide steady, dependable companionship to their owners.

Combo Dogs

These dogs are a hybrid combination of the above mentioned assistance dog types. They are trained to assist those with multiple disabilities or needs. Although their jobs may seem quite advanced, they do accomplish their tasks consistently. 

Golden Retrievers that serve as assistance dogs are a vital part of many people’s lives. They serve not only as ‘tools’ that assist a deficiency, but friends that provide companionship for many, many years.

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