Dogs at Work

Dogs at Work

Introduction You probably know that some dogs aren't just pets-they hold jobs! What makes dogs good workers? They learn fast, and they also hear and smell better than we do. This means that dogs can do jobs that people can't. Some of their jobs may surprise you.

Service and Therapy Dogs Many dogs work with people to help them feel better. These dogs are called therapy dogs. They comfort people and keep them calm. These dogs need to be very friendly. They are also trained to be calm around new places and people.

Other dogs help people with disabilities. These dogs are called service dogs. Service dogs can do many different jobs. For example, guide dogs help people who cannot see well. These dogs are trained to keep people from stepping into traffic. Guide dogs also lead their owner around things. That way, their owner won't trip or fall.

Some service dogs help people who can't hear well. These dogs listen for noises, touch their owner, and move toward the noise. Other service dogs help their owner move around. They pull wheelchairs, pick up dropped items, press buttons, and open doors.

Some service dogs can smell when their owner is about to be sick. For example, dogs can be trained to smell low blood sugar. These dogs can smell changes in blood and warn their owner to eat food or take medicine. Other dogs can smell when a person is about to have a seizure. These sudden attacks cause body spasms and other problems. Service dogs can warn the person before it happens.