106 Service Tasks The Puppies Learn Part 3

The future service dogs must master 106 service tasks. These duties range from removing shoes and socks, to retrieving a soda from the refrigerator, to dialing 911 in the event of an emergencyPAWING-BASED TASKS (some dogs prefer it to nose nudge)

73. Cupboard door - shut it with one paw

74. Dryer door - shut it with one paw

75. Refrigerator and freezer door - one forepaw or both

76. Call 9-1-1 on K-9 rescue phone - hit button with one paw

77. Operate light switch on wall - jump up, paw the switch

78. Depress floor pedal device to turn on appliance(s) or lamp

79. Jump up to paw elevator button [steady dog if he tries it on slippery tile floor]

80. Operate push plate on electric commercial doors

81. Close heavy front door, other doors - jump up, use both forepaws.

BRACING-BASED TASKS (no harness)

82. Transfer assistance from wheelchair to bed, toilet, bathtub or van seat - hold Stand Stay position, then brace on command, enabling partner to keep their balance during transfer

83. Assist to walk step-by-step, brace between each step, from wheelchair to nearby seat

84. Position self and brace to help partner catch balance after partner rises from a couch or other seats in a home or public setting

85. Prevent fall by bracing on command if the partner needs help recovering balance.

86. Steady partner getting in or out of the bathtub

87. Assist partner to turn over in bed; have appropriate backup plan

88. Pull up partner with a strap [tug of war style] from floor to feet on command, then brace till partner catches balance.

HARNESS-BASED TASKS (Mobility Assistance) (Only appropriate for large sturdy adult dogs with sound joints, proper training)

89. Assist moving wheelchair on flat [partner holds onto harness pull strap] avoiding obstacles

90. Work cooperatively with partner to get the wheelchair up a curb cut or mild incline; handler does as much of the work as possible, never asking the dog to attempt an incline unaided

91. Haul open heavy door, holding it ajar using six foot lead attached to back of harness, other end of lead attached to door handle or to a suction cup device on a glass door

92. Tow ambulatory partner up inclines [harness with rigid handle or pull strap may be used]

93. Brace on command to prevent ambulatory partner from stumbling [rigid handle]

94. Help ambulatory partner to climb stairs, pulling then bracing on each step [rigid handle or harness with pull strap may be used to assist partner to mount a step or catch balance]

95. Pull partner out of aisle seat on plane, then brace until partner catches balance [harness with a rigid handle and a pull strap, or pull strap only]

96. Brace, counter balance work too, assisting ambulatory partner to walk; the partner pushes down on the rigid handle as if it were a cane, after giving warning command, when needed

97. Help ambulatory partner to walk short distance, brace between each step [rigid handle]

98. Transport textbooks, business supplies or other items up to 50 pounds in a wagon or collapsible cart, weight limit depends on dog's size, physical fitness, type of cart, kind of terrain

99. Backpacking - customary weight limit is 15 percent of the dog's total body weight;10 percent if a dog performing another task, such as wheelchair pulling in addition to backpacking; total weight includes harness (average three to four pounds). Load must be evenly distributed to prevent chafing.

OTHER KINDS OF ASSISTANCE IN CRISIS

100. Bark for help on command

101. Find the care-giver on command, lead back to location of disabled partner

102. Put forepaws in lap of wheelchair user, hold that upright position so wheelchair user can access medication or cell phone or other items in the backpack

103. Wake up partner if smoke alarm goes off, assist to nearest exit

104. Operate push button device to call 9-1-1, an ambulance service or another person to help in a crisis; let emergency personnel into home and lead to partner's location

105. Fetch insulin kit, respiratory assist device or medication from customary place during crisis

106. Lie down on partner's chest to produce a cough, enabling patient to breath, when suction machine and/or care-giver unavailable.

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