Doggy Dogma provides Training for Therapy & Assistance Dogs
What is the difference between a therapy and an assistance dog?
A Therapy dog and a Service dog are dogs that are trained for different purposes. A casual observer, may not see a difference between dogs being out in public settings, but the requirements between therapy and service dogs differ in a number of ways.
Their Roles
Therapy dogs provide comfort and affection to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. They do not have specific tasks to perform like service dogs, but they are trained to interact with people in a gentle and calm manner, bringing joy and happiness to those they visit. Therapy dogs must be well-behaved, friendly, and calm in various environments, and their temperament is just as important as their training. They are not covered under the law, but some facilities welcome them to visit and interact with patients or clients.
A service dog is trained to assist a person with a disability in performing specific tasks related to their disability. Service dogs are trained to perform tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening doors, turning light switches on and off, and alerting their handler to specific sounds such as a fire alarm. Service dogs are legally protected under the law and are allowed to accompany their handlers to all public places, including restaurants, stores, and airports.
Public Access
Another key difference between service dogs and therapy dogs is their level of access. Service dogs are granted access to public places, including restaurants, airports, and other places where pets are prohibited. On the other hand, therapy dogs usually visit designated places, such as hospitals or nursing homes, and their access to public places is limited.
In summary, while both service dogs and therapy dogs are highly trained and provide important support, their primary roles and tasks differ. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities, while therapy dogs provide comfort and affection to people in various settings.
