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What are UDS Mobility Dogs trained for?
A mobility dog assists an individual who has a disability that interfers with their ability to walk or be mobile. This may mean that they are in a wheelchair, use a cane or use other assistive devices. Mobility dogs can do endless number of tasks, with the main ones involving retrieval, tug and push. Some of these tasks may include the following:
- Picking up a dropped item
- Retrieving medication
- Retrieving something from the refrigerator
- Finding a phone
- Tugging open a door
- Tugging a laundry basket from one point to another
- Tugging off a jacket or socks
- Pushing a door closed
- Pushing an accessible door button
- Turning a light on or off
- Carrying a grocery bag
If you are in need of a mobility dog for retrieval, tug or push type activities, we encourage you to submit an application.
CLICK HERE to start this process.
What is "Balance" and "Counterbalance" and why is UDS not able to accept applications for dogs who provide this service?
Service dogs that provide balance and counterbalance are highly specialized. These dogs often do some of the tasks listed above, but they also provide additional support to the handler. For their safety and health, these dogs must meet a certain weight ratio with their handler in order to perform these tasks.
- Balance – A balance dog wears a harness with a hard handle. These dogs can provide support by bracing while moving up or down stairs or while walking.
- Counterbalance – A counterbalance dog wears a harness with a soft handle. This allows the dog to act as a grounding point. These dogs typically assist with forward momentum, stability when wobbling, and grounding.
Due to the specialized nature of these dogs and the high demand for providing this service, we are currently not accepting applications for dogs that provide balance or counterbalance. We apologize for this inconvenience. Please visit our accrediting agency CLICK HERE, to view other member organizations who might be able to provide assistance.