Mobility Service Dogs
Service Dogs are task trained to mitigate their owners disability. Some of the Mobility Service Dog tasks include:
▢ Assist in a public restroom
▢ Assist with position changes (sit to stand, lay to sit, etc)
▢ Balance assist on stairs
▢ Balance support
▢ Block
▢ Brace
▢ Carry/deliver an item
▢ Clean up items
▢ Close doors
▢ Counterbalance
▢ Cover
▢ Deep Pressure Therapy
▢ Drag laundry basket
▢ Forward momentum
▢ Oops pick up
▢ Open doors
▢ Provide momentum up inclines
▢ Push handicap or elevator buttons (this is actually a rare one, as many places do not have handicap buttons)
▢ Remove socks or other clothing
▢ Retrieve items
▢ Turn lights on/off (paw, nose, teeth)
A mobility service dog is a dog trained to assist a physically disabled person who has mobility issues, such as poor balance or being a non-ambulatory wheelchair user. Roles include "providing balance and stability,” picking up and carrying objects, pulling wheelchairs, opening and closing doors, and operating light switches.
Angus has been a huge mobility help. He picks things up for me so I don't have to bend over. I have been setting him up for full mobility work (without the strain) and so far he's acing it. Braces against pressure, standing, stays in place.
-Holly M in Indianapolis, Indiana