A Service Dog is a Working Dog that is trained to assist you if you are a person who is physically disabled.
A Service Dog is trained to meet your unique needs and assist you with tasks.
We will pair you with your Service Dog according to your lifestyle, the dog’s ability, your needs and the environment that the dog will be working in.
A Service Dog is both a Working Dog and a faithful companion.
Our instructors teach Service Dogs the main tasks of retrieve, push and pull. Initially, our instructors teach these tasks in their most basic form and, as the dog progresses, the tasks become more complex.
If you use a wheelchair, objects dropped on the floor or objects placed on a high table can be impossible to reach. Service Dogs can retrieve these objects with ease.
Door handles need to be adapted to make it possible for the Service Dog to assist with pulling down the lever. Our instructor will advise on all specific adaptations that will be required.
In the final stages of the Service Dog’s training, our instructor will practice tasks that are very similar to the tasks that the dog will perform when it is working with you.
A Service Dog is able to:
- Retrieve a variety of objects from a variety of locations.
- Assist with the opening and closing of doors, draws, cupboards etc.
- Assist with the switching on of light switches.
- Locate your family member on your property and indicate that you need assistance.
- Take objects to or fetch objects from another person on your property.
- Bark on command.
- Walk next to your wheelchair in a controlled manner.
This service is for persons 18 years or older but we can consider applicants who are in their late teens
We will interview you, the potential Service Dog owner, in your home. In the interview, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions about:
- The Service Dog’s role;
- The advantages and disadvantages of owning a Service Dog;
- Service Dog ownership responsibilities;
- The training process of you and your Service Dog.
We may not recommend a Service Dog as a suitable solution for you if you don’t enjoy being near dogs.
The Cost of Your Service Dog
If your Service Dog application is accepted, you are eligible to receive a Service Dog and training.
You will be trained with your Service Dog and can expect to pay a fee of R205 for your trained Service Dog. If you can afford to care for a dog on a monthly basis and pay this nominal fee, a Service Dog is within your reach.
Once your Service Dog is in your care, you agree to care for your Service Dog humanely and follow South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind’s guidelines about the ongoing training of your Service Dog.
Service Dog Partnerships
You will receive training so that you are able to care for your Service Dog and work your Service Dog in a safe and efficient manner.
You will be taught to understand your Service Dog’s needs and how to continue the training of your Service Dog utilising the principles of positive reinforcement.
You will receive training at one of South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind’s training centres in Sandton or Cape Town, and in your home environment.
How South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind Can Assist You as a Service Dog Owner
You are eligible to receive ongoing support and advice for the working life of your Service Dog.
Our instructors are available to give telephonic advice and follow up visits as needed.
You and your Service Dog are visited on an annual basis.
You are responsible for the care of your Service Dog but South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind can be approached for assistance if your Service Dog requires any extended or expensive veterinary treatment.
Matching You and Your Service Dog
You and your Service Dog’s compatibility will determine the success of your partnership.
Your partnership’s compatibility will depend on many different factors, for example, a Service Dog that suits a young active university student will presumably not be a suitable match for a retired person.
Our instructor will consider everything that they know about the temperament and working ability of a Service Dog, and compare this to your needs, lifestyle, preferences and environment.
Service Dog Retirement
Most Service Dogs will retire when they are about 10 years old.
You will keep the Service Dog as a pet as you will have a strong bond with the Service Dog.
If you can’t keep your Service Dog, you will be allowed to rehome your Service Dog with a trusted family member or friend. If you don’t know someone suitable, South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind will rehome your Service Dog at an approved home. Retired Service Dogs are accustomed to a great deal of companionship. Usually, we rehome them with someone who does not work or who works from home.
A retired Service Dog will cost more to maintain as they may have additional health conditions due to age.
