Why Rescue Animals Make Great Service Animals
Rescue animals often face a myriad of challenges before finding their forever homes. These animals may have experienced neglect, abuse, or simply the misfortune of abandonment. Despite these hardships, many rescue animals have the qualities necessary to become exceptional service animals. Organizations like Dogs for Better Lives and Pups4Patriots are pioneering efforts to train shelter dogs for service roles, demonstrating that rescue animals can excel as service animals with the right training and support.
The Training Process
Training a service animal is a rigorous process that requires time, patience, and expertise. The training process for rescue animals typically involves several stages:
Assessment—The first step is to assess the animal’s temperament, health, and behavior. Not all rescue animals are suited to service work, but many possess the resilience and adaptability that is necessary.
Basic training—This phase focuses on teaching the animal basic commands and socialization skills. The animal must be well-mannered and responsive to commands in various environments.
Specialized training—Depending on the service the animal will provide, specialized training can include tasks such as retrieving items, opening doors, alerting others to medical conditions, or providing emotional support.
Bonding with the handler—A strong bond between the service animal and its handler is essential. This phase involves the animal working closely with its future handler to ensure that it can meet the specific needs of the person it will be assisting.
Success Stories
There are many instances of successfully trained rescue dogs providing invaluable assistance to their handlers and becoming treasured members of their families. Here are just two real-life examples;
Weston - The Home Hearing Service Dog
Weston, a mixed-breed dog, was found wandering the streets and taken to a local shelter. His calm demeanor and quick learning ability caught the attention of Dogs for Better Lives. After extensive training, Weston was paired with a client with a severe hearing-impairment, Allison. Now, he keeps his handler safe in her Harrisburg, Virginia, home by alerting her to important sounds such as doorbells, alarms, and phones. He is what is known as a home hearing service dog, as opposed to a certified hearing assistance dog. But, in addition to helping around the house, Allison says he’s also a great bridge between her and the “hearing world” as a conversation starter when people see her out and about with him at her side.
Shiloh - The PTSD Support Dog
Pups4Patriots paired rescue pup Shiloh, a male Labrador retriever, with Florida-based veteran Charles. Charles had trouble adapting to civilian life after four years in Iraq. He struggled to accompany his wife and family to places and events they wished to visit. Shiloh is trained to recognize and respond to signs of anxiety and panic attacks, and his presence has been life-changing. He provides emotional support and helps Charles navigate daily challenges.
PTSD support dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These dogs can perform various tasks to help their handlers manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Some of the tasks they might perform include:
Providing psycho-emotional support—Dogs can help their handlers by nudging, pawing, or leaning on them during moments of distress.
Waking from night terrors—They can wake their handler from nightmares or night terrors.
Creating personal space—They can create a buffer zone around their handler in crowded areas.
Retrieving medication—They can bring medication or other items to their handler.
Alerting for help—They can find another person in the house or hit an alert button to signal for help.
Benefits of Using Rescue Animals As Service Animals
There are a number of benefits involved in training rescue animals to become service animals. They include:
Saving lives—Training rescue animals as service animals gives them a second chance at life, reducing the number of animals in shelters and potential euthanasia.
Cost-effective—Rescue animals can be more cost-effective compared to breeding and raising service animals from birth. Shelters often have lower adoption fees, and many rescue organizations offer training at a reduced cost.
Emotional rewards—Handlers of rescue service animals often feel fulfilled knowing they have given their companion a new lease on life. This bond can enhance the effectiveness of the service animal-human partnership.
Challenges and Considerations
While there are many benefits involved in training rescue animals as service animals, there are also challenges:
Behavioral issues—Some rescue animals may have behavioral issues stemming from their past experiences. These issues require careful and sometimes lengthy rehabilitation.
Health concerns—Rescue animals may have undiagnosed health issues that could affect their ability to perform service tasks.
Compatibility—Ensuring the right match between the animal and the handler is crucial. Not all rescue animals will be suitable for every type of service work, and finding the perfect fit can be a complex process.
Conclusion
Rescue animals have the potential to become outstanding service animals. Organizations like Dogs for Better Lives and Pups4Patriots are proving that with the right training and support, these animals can overcome their past and provide invaluable assistance to those in need. The success stories of animals like Weston and Shiloh highlight the transformative power of second chances, not only for the animals themselves but also for the people they go on to help. While there are challenges to consider, the benefits and rewards of training rescue animals as service animals make it a worthy endeavor.