It isn’t unusual to see the identical kinds of dog breeds working as service dogs. You’ll likely mostly see Labs, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds on this field of labor. Nonetheless, there isn’t a rule stating that only certain dog breeds will be service dogs.
Any dog that has been trained to perform a service for an individual to assist their disability is a service dog. Which means American Bullies and other Bully breeds will be service dogs similar to a Labrador Retriever will be.
In this text, we will likely be explaining exactly why Bully breeds could make for excellent service dogs with the precise training. We may also be answering some commonly asked questions on service dogs on the whole.
Let’s dive right in!
Also Read: Service Dog vs. Emotional Support Dog: What is the Difference?
Do Bully Breeds Make Good Service Dogs?
Yes, bully breeds could make great service dogs. It is because most bully breeds are very intelligent, in order that they can learn to perform tasks for disabled individuals. I even have actually seen many great bully-breed service dogs working in my personal life.
On the subject of service dogs the important thing to think about is a dog’s trainability. It is because service dogs have to be specifically trained to do a selected task. They may also must find a way to disregard distractions like people and other dogs when working.
So long as a dog can do this stuff, they’re a wonderful service dog candidate.
Can American Bullies be Emotional Support Dogs?
Yes, any style of dog will be classified as an emotional support dog. Actually, more animals than simply dogs will be considered emotional support animals.
This includes animals like cats and even more odd pets comparable to ferrets.
So long as an animal provides their owner with vital emotional support, it might technically be considered an emotional support animal.
All you’ll need before your wonderful American Bully will be classified as an emotional support dog is a letter out of your mental health skilled. A great example is your psychiatrist.
This letter states that it’s good to have your dog as an emotional support animal to your mental health and well-being.
Once you might have this letter, your dog is officially considered an emotional support dog. You don’t legally require every other style of certification for an emotional support animal in the USA.
Are There Any Service Dog Breed Restrictions?
There isn’t a service dog breed restrictions. Which means each mixed breeds and purebred dogs can work as service dogs.
Service dogs don’t necessarily have to be bought from a breeder either. There are numerous stories of adopted dogs becoming successful service dogs with some additional training.
What Does Service Dog Training Entail?
While training will likely be different depending on the style of service dog, there are some things that each service dog handler might want to do when training their dog.
Listed below are some basic guidelines on what service dog training generally entails.
Thorough Socialization
Service dogs need extensive socialization. This preferably occurs from puppyhood, but this isn’t necessarily needed in every instance.
Service dogs need thorough socialization because they’ll be out in public rather more often than the common pet dog, and they’re going to also must not react to most stimuli as a way to do their jobs properly.
Socialization includes:
- Exposure to quite a lot of people and animals. You will likely be teaching them to disregard them more often than not.
- Exposure to quite a lot of floorings and foot feelings. Service dogs walk on a greater number of surfaces than the common pet dog does.
- Quite a lot of environments. Stores, public transportation centers, city streets, etc.
- Quite a lot of sounds. Loud and soft.
- Crowds and crowded areas
- Moving vehicles
- Anything that your service dog may come across
The important goal of socializing is getting your dog used to things in order that they don’t frighten them. The final thing you wish is a nervous or fearful service dog in your hands, so proper and thorough socialization is crucial.
Basic Obedience Training
Your dog may also need some solid basic obedience training before their service dog training begins. That is partially since it makes their service dog training easier and partly because service dogs are expected to be incredibly well-behaved.
As an example, service dogs must not chase things like small animals, children, or fast-moving objects. They have to even be housebroken and refrain from destructive behaviors. Having a solid foundation with basic obedience training will will let you move on to more advanced service dog training.
Service Dog Training
Once your dog has been properly socialized and has some essential basic obedience training, you possibly can then begin service dog training. This training will teach your service dog learn how to do their job.
Some service dogs need extensive training on this area, particularly guide dogs for the blind. Nonetheless, other kinds of service dogs may not need extensive service dog training. It depends entirely on the style of job or jobs that your service dog might want to do.
Do You Have to Get Specific Dog Training Certification for Service Dogs?
While it’s true that service dogs need rather more training than the common pet dog, they don’t need special dog training certification. They legally don’t need any certification for that matter.
In response to the ADA, going through a specialized service dog training course is totally optional. Which means you even have the choice of coaching your service dog entirely on your personal! It’s also possible to undergo any style of training course that you just select. There are not any specific qualifications on this area.
Next Read: Making Your Dog a Therapy Dog: Therapy Dog Training Plan
