Cerebral Palsy – Service Dog Training:
The Importance of Service Dogs for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy is unmeasurable. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects movement and muscle coordination due to brain damage that occurs during fetal development, birth, or shortly after. For those living with CP, everyday tasks can present significant challenges, and this is where service dogs can play a transformative role. These specially trained canines not only provide physical assistance but also provide specific tasks aimed at assisting an individual in their every day lives, making them invaluable companions for many individuals with this condition.
How do service dogs assist individuals with Cerebral Palsy?
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that help mitigate the challenges associated with disabilities. For individuals with cerebral palsy, these tasks can include, but are not limited to:
Mobility Assistance:
Many individuals with CP experience difficulty in walking and maintaining balance. Service dogs can provide stability by helping their handlers regain their footing, assist them in navigating uneven terrain, or even pull wheelchairs when needed.
Retrieving Items:
Service dogs are trained to fetch dropped items or other objects, making everyday activities easier and less frustrating. Whether it’s picking up a phone or retrieving a favorite toy, these dogs help promote independence.
Alerting for Help:
In cases of emergencies or when their handler requires assistance, service dogs can be trained to alert others by barking or fetching a nearby individual, ensuring that help is on the way.
Support for Daily Living:
Simple tasks like opening and closing doors, turning on lights, or helping with dressing can be managed by service dogs, providing a sense of autonomy for those who may struggle with these tasks.
Cost of Service Dog Training:
The cost involved of training a service dog can range GREATLY depending on what tasks your dog must complete. First and foremost, your dog must be obedient and listen to commands given 99.9% of the time. That process alone usually takes the majority of the dogs first year. Once maturity is established and obedience / commands are reliable, then you can graduate to the second step. Through our service dog program, you will exceed ADA requirements to ensure a greater standard for service dog work and accountability.
For an updated cost list for training service dogs, please visit our primary Service Dog Training Page.
