To Be or Not To Be an Assistance Dog?
There are many studies on how dogs help people mentally and physically as though it is a one-way street – that only people benefit. Both benefit if certain ingredients are in the relationship - respect of the dogs needs which includes understanding of dog behavior, health, play and good leadership.
Dogs have assisted mankind for centuries, herding, guarding, and hunting. Without their reliable assist mankind would have found survival even more difficult. The close relationship between man and dog grew over time into a beneficial symbiotic relationship where they are sensitive to our needs and we theirs. But in the modern world we have taken most of their jobs away. Very few people hunt, herd or use them to guard. We ask very little of them, afraid we are being cruel. Just the opposite, with few exceptions, dogs need to have purpose, whether leaping over and through barriers in agility, chasing a tennis ball and dropping it at your feet, or competing in fly-ball – I could go on. In each case they take their job “seriously” and thrive on being needed. It is how they are built, how they find happiness - good mental and physical health.
Some people are wowed by the work the Assistance Dog does. Others think it is cruel, all work and no play. No matter what work is defined for a dog, daily balance is essential just like for people. People crash when overworked with no play or time to refresh, same for dogs. TLCAD prides itself in teaching our clients the benefit of balance for their Assistance Dogs. A happy dog is a happy working dog. Our key ingredients are:
- Know your dog
- Respect your dog
- The dog’s failures are our failures
- The dog’s happiness and well-being is our responsibility
Denny Russell and Sage were a splendid example of the TLCAD philosophy.
Sally Montrucchio
TLCAD Training Director
