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In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of dogs for various forms of support and assistance. However, there is often confusion and misconceptions about the roles and distinctions among assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs. While all these dogs provide valuable support to individuals, it is essential to understand the differences in their training, functions, and legal protections. Understanding the differences among these dogs helps prevent discrimination and misunderstandings. It reduces the likelihood of individuals with disabilities or other health conditions facing scepticism, questioning, or denial of their rights.
Assistance dogs, also known as service dogs, are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities. These disabilities can be physical, sensory, psychiatric, or intellectual in nature. The primary role of assistance dogs is to perform tasks that mitigate their handler's disability, enabling them to live more independently and safely.
There are various types of assistance dogs, including guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs, medical alert dogs, and psychiatric service dogs, among others. Guide dogs, for example, are trained to assist individuals with visual impairments by leading them around obstacles and navigating them safely through the environment. Hearing dogs are trained to alert individuals with hearing impairments to important sounds, such as doorbells or fire alarms. Mobility assistance dogs are trained to help individuals with physical disabilities by retrieving objects, opening doors, or providing balance and stability support.
These dogs undergo extensive training to acquire the necessary skills to perform specific tasks related to their handler's disability. The training process for assistance dogs is rigorous and typically begins when they are puppies. The training typically includes obedience training, socialisation, and task-specific training. Assistance dogs are protected by the law and are granted public access rights, allowing them to accompany their handlers in public spaces, including restaurants, stores, and public transportation.
Most assistance dogs in Singapore are guide dogs. A guide dog, also known as a seeing-eye dog, is a type of assistance dog specifically trained to assist individuals with visual impairments. These highly skilled dogs provide vital support and enhance the independence and mobility of their handlers. For guide dogs, usually medium to large breeds are being used as they need to be of a suitable size to guide a person effectively. Guide dogs can be identified by their working harness, which comprises a body piece and a hard handle. The hard handle enables their users to feel the directions and movement.
Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are trained to provide comfort, support, and emotional assistance to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. Their main purpose is to improve the well-being and quality of life of the people they interact with, rather than providing direct assistance to a specific handler.
Therapy dogs are not trained to perform tasks to help mitigate their handler's disability. Therapy dogs undergo specialised training to be well-behaved, calm, and friendly. They are typically handled by volunteers or professionals who bring them into different environments to provide emotional support and promote positive interactions. These dogs are trained to remain calm in stressful situations and to respond positively to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Unlike assistance dogs, therapy dogs do not have public access rights by default. They require permission to enter certain facilities and are typically invited to visit specific locations for therapy sessions or other designated activities. Therapy dogs bring comfort and joy to individuals who may be going through challenging times, offering a sense of companionship and reducing stress.
If you’d like to find out more about animal-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted programmes in Singapore, do contact one of these organisations for details. Do take note that we (Good Dog People™) have no affiliation with these companies. Kindly reach out to them directly for detailed information about their range of programmes and services.
Emotional support dogs, sometimes referred to as comfort dogs or companion animals, provide emotional support and companionship to individuals with mental health conditions or emotional disorders. Emotional support dogs are not considered service dogs. These dogs do not require specialised training like assistance dogs or therapy dogs. Instead, they offer comfort through their presence, affection, and non-judgmental companionship.
Emotional support dogs are companion dogs that alleviate psychological disabilities but normal pet dogs are not considered emotional support dogs. In order to be considered an emotional support dog, it must be prescribed by a mental health professional for a patient with a diagnosed psychological or emotional disorder, such as anxiety disorder, major depression, or panic attacks. Their primary function is to alleviate symptoms and provide a sense of emotional stability and support to their owners.
In Singapore, emotional support dogs do not have the same public access rights as assistance dogs. According to the Animal and Veterinary Service’s (AVS) website, emotional support animals that do not have the required training by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) will not qualify as assistance dogs. Therefore, these emotional support animals do not have the same public access rights as assistance dogs.
International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) was created to recognize and honour the hardworking assistance dogs, raise awareness and educate the public about how these specially trained animals are aiding so many people in our communities, and honour the puppy raisers and trainers of assistance dogs. The celebration takes place each year, starting on the first Sunday of August. In 2023, International Assistance Dog Week will be August 6th to 12th. Here are some suggestions on how to appreciate the incredible work and contributions of these dogs.
Raise awareness
Spread the word about International Assistance Dog Week by sharing information on social media platforms. Educate your friends, family, and community about the importance of assistance dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs - their roles in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and other health challenges. Handlers can take a moment to publicly acknowledge and appreciate their assistance, therapy or emotional support dog's work and the impact they have on your life. Share their story on social media, write a heartfelt post, or create a video tribute to honour their contributions. Use this opportunity to educate others about the important role of these dogs.
Promote accessible communities
Advocate for inclusive and accessible communities by supporting initiatives that promote the rights of individuals with disabilities and their assistance dogs. Encourage local businesses, establishments, and public spaces to be welcoming and accommodating to assistance dogs and their handlers.
Special treats and toys
If you are a user or handler of these special dogs, spoil them with special treats or a new toy that they will enjoy. Look for treats that are safe and appropriate for their dietary needs. Choose a toy that suits their preferences and provides mental stimulation and enrichment. Here, we have selected 5 best toys for your dog.
To summarise, assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs each have unique roles and functions. Assistance dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities and have public access rights. Therapy dogs undergo specialised training to remain calm in stressful situations and to respond positively to people of all ages and backgrounds. They provide comfort and emotional support to people in various settings and require permission to enter certain facilities. Emotional support dogs offer emotional support and companionship to individuals with emotional challenges and must be prescribed by a mental health professional.
It is important to respect and understand the distinctions among these different types of dogs. Misrepresenting a dog as an assistance dog can have negative consequences, including undermining the rights and access of individuals with disabilities. Likewise, it is crucial to recognize the impact that therapy dogs and emotional support dogs have in promoting well-being and emotional stability for those in need.
Assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs all play vital roles in supporting individuals with disabilities, improving well-being, and providing companionship. By understanding the distinctions between these different types of dogs, we can foster a greater appreciation for their contributions and ensure that they receive the appropriate training, legal protections, and respect they deserve in society.
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