German Shepherd Service Dog Training
If the German Shepherd passes through the temperament test, they will need to pass through the service animal testing as well.
The exact training a service dog will receive depends on what sort of disability theyll be used for. Often, there is a specific disability in mind when the dog is being trained. Occasionally, the dogs may be trained for a particular person, who will have specific requirements for their dog.
Service dogs can perform many different tasks. For instance, they can be guide dogs for the blind, pull wheelchairs, or alert owners about seizures. People with diabetes use some dogs to warn them if their blood sugar drops too low.
Dogs likely also need familiarity with familiar public places. Many of those living in cities need to use public transportation. Shopping centers, elevators, and busy streets are all common areas that the dogs need contact with.
What Happens To Retired German Shepherd Service Dogs
When a service dog becomes too old or otherwise incapable of performing their duties, its time for them to retire. Depending on the dog and the family, service dog retirement can look very different.
Some people may not be able to live without a service dog, so they will need to find a new home for their old dog to get a new service pal. Fortunately, there are people that are eager to provide a great home for a retired service dog. These dogs are so well-behaved that they make incredible pets.
Other people may choose to allow their dog to live out their golden years with them. For most dogs and owners, this situation is ideal because they have spent a lifetime together. It can be extremely difficult for a dog to leave the family they loved.
Even in retirement, its a good idea to give service dogs a job to do. This will help them live longer as they stay active, and keep them from getting bored. Visiting nursing homes or being read to by children are both great options for older service dogs.
German Shepherds Have A Good Sense Of Smell
Many people have conditions that would require a dog that can put its nose to work for them. Those with medical conditions such as epilepsy or diabetes use their canine helpers to prevent a medical emergency. Canines have noses anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times as powerful as we humans.
German shepherds’ noses are one of the reasons they are used as drug-sniffing dogs and in search and rescue. They can learn to pick up on changes in chemical compounds through odor detection. When you combine their intelligence with their sense of smell, GSDs make excellent service dogs for those with certain medical conditions.
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Financial Support For Adoption
For many people, the cost of a service dog is out of reach, but one could make an immense difference in their lives. Luckily, there are a number of organizations that help people with disabilities to afford a service dog. Many of the agencies that train assistance dogs offer financial assistance contact these organizations directly to find out what support might be available.
The following organizations may be able to help you get a German Shepherd service dog for free or at a reduced cost:
- Paws with a Cause: for people with physical disabilities affecting their limbs
- Freedom Service Dogs: for active-duty military and veterans
- Guide Dogs for the Blind: for the blind and visually impaired
- 4 Paws for Ability: for children and veterans
Have you considered getting a service dog?
German Shepherd Therapy Dog Training
Usually, therapy dogs are trained by their owners. They may be sent to an obedient school, but this is often not done. There isnt much money to be made for therapy dogs. They dont cost any more than normal dogs and there isnt a niche market looking for therapy dogs.
There are usually plenty of therapy dogs in town to manage the visits to hospitals and other areas.
Obedience training is often the basis for therapy animals. Your dog should complete basic therapy training before you move on to specific therapy training.
Usually, therapy training involves getting the dogs used to the environment of hospitals, schools, and similar places. They are involved heavily in visiting public places during this time. Usually, they will be labeled as therapy dogs in training.
Many hospitals and schools allow dogs to enter the school and other public places at this stage for training purposes, but only during specific periods. They are not allowed to walk in and out of hospitals as they feel free, for instance. Appointments are often required.
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A Brief Description Of Schutzhund Training
Schutzhund is a German word meaning protection dog.
Schutzhund is the historical means by which genetic breed temperament has been tested and maintained, and is not simply a sport. The concept of these working tests started in Europe at the beginning of the 20th Century when early developers of the German Shepherd Dog, among them Captain Max von Stephanitz, realized that, with modernization of rural life, the working dogs could soon become unnecessary. Recognizing that the German Shepherd was extremely versatile and capable of adapting to all types of functions, a system of standards was adapted in order to identify those dogs considered to be suitable as breeding stock. While conformation shows established correct type and physical structure, these working tests identified the dogs who had the necessary drive, character and overall working ability. It is from these working tests that the sport of Schutzhund evolved.
Schutzhund training concentrates on three areas: Tracking, Obedience, and Protection work. Schutzhund measures the dogs mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage and trainability. One of the most important qualities of a Schutzhund trained dog is his complete obedience under distraction.
Arden vom Canisphere SchH1
Do German Shepherds Make Good Service And Therapy Dogs
German Shepherds are very devoted and intelligent, which can theoretically make them good therapy dogs. They can learn many of the advanced commands that are necessary for therapy and service work with little effort.
There is a reason these dogs are commonly used for protection work, however. They have powerful territorial instincts and arent trusting of other people. Therefore, they do require extensive socialization to be service dogs.
They arent helpful as therapy dogs, though. They arent as trusting and affectionate towards strangers as therapy dogs need to be. They tend to be more aloof than anything.
However, not all German Shepherds can be used as therapy dogs. They dont all have the temperament for this sort of work. Service animals have an exceptional temperament.
No breed produces dogs that will always be suitable service animals. Many service animals fail the course.
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Whats The Difference Between Service Dogs And Therapy Dogs
There is a significant difference between therapy dogs and service dogs.
Service dogs are trained to perform a particular task for a particular person. They are required for their owners wellbeing. They have access to public places, as their owners require them.
However, therapy dogs are very different. They are not designed to perform a particular task for a particular person. Instead, they provide affection for people in hospitals, retirement homes, schools, and similar areas. Theyre stress-relief pure and simple.
Some therapy dogs are utilized by libraries for reading, for instance.
They dont have access to public spaces, though. Therapy dogs need permission before they are allowed into any public space, whereas service dogs do not. Typically, therapy dogs have to be working in order to be let in places where animals are otherwise not allowed. They cant just go into a school because they want to, for example.
Therapy dogs are not required to access any public space. They arent allowed in places where other dogs arent allowed. They dont have any special privileges, whereas service dogs do.
Are German Shepherds Good Psychiatric Service Dogs
Yes, German Shepherds can be good psychiatric service dogs. In fact, many people rely on this breed for a variety of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
However, not all GSDs are equally suitable. Every dog must be evaluated, selected, and trained to ensure they can meet the specific needs of their handler.
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German Shepherds Are Adaptable
When you think about what service animals do, you can see why they need to be adaptable. Service animals often accompany their owners everywhere they go. They are frequently faced with new environments and novel situations and must be able to do their dog work in any situation.
GSDs are highly adaptable, making German shepherds one of the most popular service dogs. They can transfer their learning from one situation to another, and trained dogs aren’t typically confused when routines vary. Their ability to focus on their jobs is why they are so adaptable.
Are All German Shepherds Well
As you may be aware, there are several German Shepherd bloodlines. These bloodlines are either bred for domestic, working, or show purposes.
Many German Shepherds have had a long history of service in the military, police, and Search and Rescue.
Therefore, each of them has particular temperaments and capabilities. Due to this, not all of the bloodlines will be equally good in the position of a service dog.
Cindy Kelly is an AKC licensed breeder and has been training dogs for over three decades at Regis Regal German Shepherds in Illinois. As she explains it,
The East German working line dogs, which are also used for the canine and police force, are very trainable if they come from healthy bloodlines.
But unfortunately, they are also bred to have a tremendous drive, which makes it difficult for a person requiring a service dog because they generally have no off switch.
This is why you are better off picking a German Shepherd with an ideal temperament and drive to work as a service dog.
Such a dog will respond well to training and have a calmer nature. This will ensure that they are better suited to being around people in various environments.
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Limitations On This Breed For The Job
German Shepherds can make excellent service dogs, but they may not be the right choice for everyone. These dogs are extremely athletic and intelligent, which means that they need to exercise and be challenged.
Anyone who plans to have a German Shepherd as a service dog must also be prepared to spend time giving them this exercise and stimulation. And while German Shepherds make ideal guide dogs and physical assistance dogs, they are not always well-suited to life as psychiatric service dogs.
This breed is highly loyal and defensive. When they sense anxiety, they will be on alert for potential dangers and looking to protect their human. This can lead, on rare occasions, to a German Shepherd who is anxious or even aggressive.
How Well Do German Shepherds Respond To Service Dog Training
There is one thing that most experts can agree on, all dogs regardless of breed can be trained.
However, as established, service dogs need to learn specific and complex skills. And this isnt something that every pooch can do.
Thus, this begs the question, are German Shepherds a little better at learning these skills than many other breeds? Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, who serves on the advisory board for Pup Life Today has some insight into this.
German Shepherds who come for working lines of dogs may have an advantage over dogs who have simply been bred for their looks. Working dogs of all sorts need to combine obedience with independent thought, a concept known as intelligent disobedience in the guide dog community.
For example, a service dog who is told to perform an action should refuse if that action would be too dangerous. Service dogs have to be clever to balance these competing demands.
Essentially, there is no guarantee that all German Shepherds are equally well-equipped to learn tasks specific to service dogs.
Simultaneously, as long as your pup is from the right bloodline, they may just be able to master complex tasks a little better than other breeds.
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Our Favorite German Shepherd Dog Names
Weve browsed through hundreds of shelter German shepherds and here are some of the most popular names. If you get to rename the dog you adopt, consider these options.
- Teddy, Joey, Ollie, Nala great puppy names! For those sweet, furry German shepherd pups, these cute names are perfect.
- Max, Boomer, Katya, Tanner, Ella popular names for adult German shepherds at the moment. Pick a name that shows their energetic and loyal nature.
- Bruno, Josie, Archie, Ralphie, Mason even the most mature German shepherd shelter dogs need a loving and adorable name! We love these choices.
There are also many different German shepherd cross breeds. Weve seen huskie, corgi, terrier, and great pyrenees mixes, just to name a few! This gives you a wide range of doggie personalities to choose from, so many more names will be suitable.
Just dont forget that some shelter dogs may already be attached to a name, especially if theyre senior.
What name would you pick for an excited German shepherd pup? Let us know in the comments below!
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Are German Shepherds Suitable For Psychiatric Assistance
As mentioned, doctors and psychiatrists are focusing on how service dogs can help individuals suffering from mental health issues.
It is still a relatively new field, and dogs have been found to help with specific disorders.
Since research is still being conducted in this area, such service dogs arent all that common.
In some circumstances, people may have to face a few more barriers before they can be approved for a service dog for their mental health.
Despite this hesitance, the dogs have been found to help. They can reduce symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and panic attacks.
As with physical disabilities, psychiatric assistance pups are trained to perform tasks according to their owners diagnosis.
So, what exactly is it that these service dogs are supposed to do? And are German Shepherds suitable for such tasks?
Well, one of their main tasks is to provide their owners with tactile stimulation and reduce anxiety.
The dogs can also be trained to nudge or paw their human when they have disassociated.
Or when they need to be brought back to the present. They can also help to reduce undesirable or harmful behaviors.
And for individuals suffering from PTSD or anxiety, their service dogs can act as a barrier they will prevent other individuals from making unwanted contact.
As this is still a somewhat new area for service dogs, there are some mixed opinions about how German Shepherds will fare with psychiatric assistance.
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Andrew’s Storyptsd Service Dog
PALM CITY, Fla. – Around a home in Palm City, there is much more than a game of catch on the line. For Andrew Snow peace of mind has been hard to find. Two tours in Iraq left their mark. Over the past seven years Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder took over until something happened last December.”He’s my best buddy, we play together, sit and watch TV together,” says Snow.
“It’s joyful for me. I look at Andrew and Humphrey together and it just brings a smile to my face. It makes our efforts as a family here all worth it,” says DeVito. Nothing can take away the bond that’s created when the training time of the dogs is up and they go to work.”I have responsibility to take care of him which in turn helps me take care of myself better,” says Snow.Canines 4 Hope says a majority of the service dogs they train are for those on the autism spectrum.
‘He’ is Humphrey who came running into his life. The service dog, complete with a vest and credentials, offers more than companionship. “Haven’t been as depressed, more likely to go out,” Snow adds.
In fact, each one of the dogs has a mission. Anna the German Shepherd is headed for Michigan to help tackle another case of PTSD. Charlie the golden retriever will help a child live with autism. Sugar will alert its future owner when their blood sugar gets low. However, the biggest treat of all isn’t training them but rather watching what happens after they go to a new home.
Do Emotional Support Dogs Require Special Training For Qualification
Unlike psychiatric service dogs, emotional support dogs do not require specialized training to be qualified as such. Its important, however, that your emotional support dog is well-trained to know basic commands, so that youre equipped to handle her well especially in public settings. In the end, an emotional support dog is there to help you cope with lifes problems, not create them.
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What Is A Service Dog
Service dogs have been specifically trained to assist people with disabilities, and the time necessary for training depends on the task or tasks that they need to perform. If a person is wheelchair-bound, they may have a service dog to help them pick up items that are dropped. If a child has difficulty walking, they might use a service dog to lean on while they walk. Someone who is blind may have a service dog to help them walk down the street and avoid obstacles while someone is deaf can use a service dog to alert them when someone is coming up behind them. Service dogs are also used to detect low blood sugar in diabetic patients and can even predict seizures in epileptic people moments before they occur.
In order to utilize a service dog, a person must be considered disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act, meaning that the person has significant limitations in a major capacity. Service dogs are considered working animals, not pets, and they must be trained to be well-behaved and focused at all times. If you see a service dog at work, he might be wearing a vest that says, do not a pet, service animal at work. This is because any petting or other forms of interaction might distract the service dog from doing his job.