Analytical Essay on the Role of Service Dogs

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It is confusing how service dogs work in order to maintain a relationship with its owner. They also have to help with physical and mental needs. But something that might stop a service dog from not helping its owner is, not being allowed in public places. So in this essay we are clearing up service dog etiquette, impact service dogs have on humans, and whether or not service dogs are allowed in public places.

Both service dogs and humans have to follow a certain etiquette in order to maintain a service dogs job and relationship to its owner. “A service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disabillity” (Americans with disabilities act). This quote explains that dogs have to follow a certain etiquette they have been trained to do. Although dogs have to follow a proper etiquette, humans also have to play a role in how they act towards a service dog. “Speak to the handler, not the dog. Some handlers will allow petting, but be sure to ask before doing so. If allowed, don’t pat the dog, stroke the dog on the shoulder area” (Americans with disabilities act). This quote explains to always make sure the owner is okay with people to pet their service dog, and if they are able to , pet them a certain way. Now that service dogs and humans have proper etiquette, service dogs have an impact on humans physical and mental needs.

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Service dogs are thought to guide people with physical disabilities and find relief, but the evidence to support their effectiveness has been missing. Aside from physical aids, service dogs have other advantages that help well being from their unique bond with owners. “ Results indicated that compared to those on a waitlist to be matched with a service dog, individuals with a service dog exhibited significantly better psychosocial health, including higher levels of social and emotional functioning at work and/or school” (purdue study). This quote explains that people have had better mental health than those on a waitlist. Not only do service dogs help mentally but they can also help physically. “Service dogs more specifically medical alert service dogs can be placed with individuals with a variety of different conditions or disabilities such as seizure disorders, quadri or paraplegia, or cerebral palsy. Service dogs can benefit them through helping with mobility including helping with basic tasks such as opening and closing doors” (Purdue Study). This quote explains that service dogs help with physical needs. Now that service dogs have proper etiquette and help with physical and mental needs, there is still controversy on whether or not service dogs can be allowed in public places.

There are differences in whether or not service dogs can be in public or not. “People with disabilities who use service dogs equal access to public places to restaurants, hospitals, hotels, theaters, shops, and government buildings” (ADA). This quote explains that these places must allow physical need service dogs. Although people with physical need service dogs can be in public places, emotional support service dogs are not allowed in public places. The ADA considers, “Such emotional support animals to be distinct from psychiatric service dogs” (ADA). This quote explains that emotional support service dogs are not allowed in public places. This paragraph shows that physical service dogs can and mental service dogs can not be in public places.

In conclusion service dogs can maintain a relationship with its owner while helping with physical or mental needs. Even though emotional support dogs might not be able to be allowed in public places, they still help their owners function better emotionally and socially. Next time you see a service dog make sure you follow proper etiquette and recognize their hard work that they do to keep their owners happy and healthy.

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