What tasks can a Helping Paws Service Dog do?
Each dog is trained to meet the needs of an individual with a physical disability other than visual or hearing impaired. The dogs are trained to pick up dropped objects, open and close doors, assist in getting up from a chair or the floor, turn light switches on and off, get the phone, find help, and provide assistance as needed. Of great importance is the unconditional love and companionship that dogs also provide. What breeds of dogs are used? In order to have great service dogs, we start with great puppies. Helping Paws began its breeding program in 2002 to have potential service dogs available in a timely and efficient manner. Through our breeding program we are able to produce the traits we are looking for in potential Service Dog trainees. Because of their temperament, trainability and willingness to work, Helping Paws works with purebred Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. We use purebreds to optimize the health history of the dog so it can have a long life as a service d
