Every Dog at Your Service

You need to know that there is a multitude of benefits for someone who needs a service dog. These types of dogs do not only make great companions but are excellent helpers due to their personality type, temperament, and specialized training. Personally, every time I see a dog, in general, I can't help but smile beautiful because their sweet disposition always cheers me up when I am sad. Furthermore, dogs can get training for emotional support assistance; thus, becoming service dogs. 

So What Kinds of Service Dogs are There? 

Before we delve into all of the benefits of having a service dog, it is important to know the different types of service dogs that exist. Therefore, the following are service dogs that are available:

• Guide Dogs - Guide Dogs are service dogs that receive training to direct the blind and visually impaired people around obstacles they can't see.
• Diabetes Assistance Dogs - Diabetes Assistance Dogs are service dogs that receive training to notify diabetics owners in the event of a low or high blood sugar episode.
• Mobility Assistance Dogs - Mobility Assistance Dogs are service dogs that receive training to assist physically disabled people who are wheelchair users or even have poor balance. 
• Autism Assistance Dogs - Autism Assistance Dogs are service dogs that receive training recognize and gently interrupt self-harming behaviors or emotional meltdowns through calming tactics such as leaning against the person or laying across their lap.
• Seizure Alert Dogs - Seizure Alert Dogs are service dogs that receive training to assist people during or after a seizure episode, as well as people who have epilepsy.  
• Hearing Dogs - Hearing Dogs are service dogs that receive training to assist people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing by alerting them when they hear familiar sounds, such as smoke alarms and a baby's cry.
• School Therapy Dogs - School Therapy Dogs are service dogs that receive training to assist teachers and students at school by reducing stress, teaching kids how to read, boosting test scores and increasing attendance. They are also often there to assist children who are disabled. 
• Mental Health Service Dogs - Mental Health Service Dogs are service dogs that receive training to help people with mental health disorders such as OCD, PTSD, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
• Allergen Detection Dogs - Allergen Detection Dogs are service dogs that are trained to detect the presence of allergens.

Most importantly, service dogs will enhance the lives of their owners. They contribute their services by providing aid in physical health, mental health and emotional health. These trained dogs help people maneuver through obstacles in their everyday lives. 

Physical Benefits

Service dogs can make a difference in their owner's lives physically too. Service dogs lend a helping hand to owners who have a hard and painful time getting around on their own or retrieving items. Some service dogs get training to assist with mobility and helping around the house. Not to mention, an additional physical health benefit of having a service dog is getting exercise and speech therapy. 

• Exercise - If you want to drop some extra pounds then getting a service dog is the way to go. These dogs can help their owners get exercise. It is also important to keep in mind that service dogs must maintain their health like any other dog. Moreover, these dogs must stay healthy and active to assist their owners. The owners of service dogs have no choice but to partake in exercising with their dogs. As a result, exercise will positively impact the health of the owner and the dog equally.
• Speech Therapy - Speech therapy is another physical benefit that service dogs can assist their owners with. These therapy service dogs specifically assist people who have a speech disorder. Speech disorders can cause people to lack muscle coordination in speech movement. Service dogs help by increasing attention spans and coordination.

Emotional Benefits

As mentioned previously, there are various ways a service dog that can emotionally benefit people. Due to service dogs being calm in nature, they help their owners deal with anxiety and stress. Another advantage of having a service dog is the ability to increase socialization. Further explanation is in the following:

• Anxiety & Stress Relief - If you are stressed and depressed, it is a known fact that petting dogs can release dopamine and beta-endorphins that relax the body from tension. This fact also can help those who are struggling with anxiety because dogs naturally give love and happiness. Moreover, service dogs can help block out the negative thoughts that anxiety tends to create.
• Socialization - For those who experience anxiety in crowds and talking to people, there are service dogs that will help that individual to open up and be more comfortable around others. What happens to be helpful is the fact that dogs tend to attract attention easily. As a result, the focus on the cute dog will help start conversations that lead to potential friendships. Dogs are adorable, furry animals that most people find hard to resist. For people dealing with social anxiety or any other social issues, having a service dog will make socializing with others possible.

Get a Real Service Dog

Ultimately, service dogs can help anyone in all aspects of life. Having a service dog also means you will never be alone. Your days of depression will hopefully come to an end. Let's face it, dogs provide you with comfort and a magical gift of helping keep people's spirits lift up high. As far as I am concerned, dogs are called a man's best friend for this reason. Not to mention, I have seen these dogs bring balance to people's lives. For future reference, it is crucial to beware of owning a fake service animal. Service animals must have professional training. If they do not receive proper training, it could pose a potential threat to other humans and dogs.