Dear Laurie,
Highly specialized dog trainers
teach dogs to become service dogs who work with the blind,
deaf, and physically disabled. Trainers also teach the
dogs’ new owners how to take
care of and work with their service dogs. Dogs can be trained
to help people in wheelchairs with an incredible amount
of daily tasks. Dogs help with the weekly shopping by taking
items, dropping them into a cart, and putting them on a
counter. Dogs can be trained to open the washing machine
and pull out all the wet clothes. They can stop their owners’ wheelchairs
from rolling out into the road and can learn how to deal
with any number of buttons, switches, and knobs.
Dogs working for the blind and deaf become their owners’ eyes
and ears. Dogs guide their owners safely when walking,
avoiding traffic, holes in sidewalks, and other hazards.
Service dogs alert their people when the doorbell rings,
an alarm goes off, and many other things.
You can start preparing right now for a career in dog training
by learning to train your own dog. Get in touch with a
local dog
club
and enroll in an obedience class. With patience, practice
and experienced mentors, you’ll be on your way to
participating in competitive AKC obedience trials and mastering
more advanced dog training skills.
Good luck!
Bailey the Beagle
