{"id":2166,"date":"2019-09-27T16:31:26","date_gmt":"2019-09-27T21:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/new-blog\/?p=2166"},"modified":"2026-06-04T13:35:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T18:35:47","slug":"service-dog-for-mobility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/service-dog-for-mobility\/","title":{"rendered":"Service Dog for Mobility"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dogs are man\u2019s best friend, as the adage goes. While most people appreciate that a dog can be a great company and good for security, some need a dog to help them with everyday tasks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, a dog can be all three\u2014a loveable canine pet that will shower you with affection, a watcher who is always alert and ready to protect its master, and a loyal friend to aid you with mobility issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a mobility service dog can be a lifesaver and provide independence often lost with mobility impairing conditions. A dog can be a reliable companion with you every step of the way, making life easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Mobility Assistance Dog?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A mobility assistance dog is specially trained to perform various tasks that their human owners may be unable or struggle with as a result of a condition affecting mobility.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tasks Mobility Assistance Dogs Are Trained to Help With\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are many tasks that mobility assistance dogs are trained to help with. Learn more about some of them below.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get Help in an Emergency<\/span><\/h4>\n

Service dogs of all types are often trained to find help in emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Push Buttons and Flip Switches<\/span><\/h4>\n

Automatic door and elevator buttons are a common task left to mobility dogs, especially for individuals in wheelchairs. They also can turn lights off and on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Open Doors and Drawers<\/span><\/h4>\n

In the home, doors, cabinets, drawers, and other openings can be set up with pull ropes so that service dogs can open and close them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Retrieve Items<\/span><\/h4>\n

Mobility dogs can be taught to pick up any dropped item on command, as well as retrieve items they have been taught about. For example, everyday objects such as a cellphone or a remote control.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carry Items<\/span><\/h4>\n

A dog can be taught to carry objects. This task is often done with the help of a special backpack.<\/span><\/p>\n

Provide Stability<\/span><\/h4>\n

Mobility dogs can be trained to act as a crutch to help those who might be in danger of falling over in the case of strength or balance issues. In this case, the dog usually wears a vest with a handle similar to a cane.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wheelchair Assistance<\/span><\/h4>\n

Finally, when properly outfitted, a service dog can help pull a wheelchair up a ramp, quickly across a crosswalk, or through a threshold. As wheelchair pulling is one of the more controversial mobility dog tasks, it\u2019s important to note that the dog is not forced to pull the wheelchair all the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t an all-inclusive list. Mobility assistance dogs can be trained to do many tasks depending on your needs. Though, it\u2019s important to keep in mind that many tasks require some form of tools, such as the pull ropes used for cabinets and interior doors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can Any Dog Provide Mobility Assistance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While any breed can be trained to become a mobility assistance dog, the suitability of the breed must match the owner\u2019s needs. For example, a small breed dog is not suitable for someone who needs a dog to provide stability while they walk with a walker vest. It may also not be able to reach things like automatic door buttons.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, most mobility dogs are medium to large breeds with a height of a minimum of 23 inches and a weight of at least 50 pounds. This requirement will vary by the owner\u2019s size and mobility assistance needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of the breed, before beginning training, the dog should undergo a veterinarian\u2019s examination to ensure good health. For mobility dogs, joint health, in particular, is essential. The duties of a mobility assistance dog of this type require them to regularly bear the weight of a human being, which can place extreme strain on joints.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intelligence, common breed traits, health issues, and ease of training should also be considered. Some breeds are far easier to work with than others. Some also have traits that tend to be detrimental to the training process, such as high prey drive (these dogs tend to chase anything that moves quickly).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Most Common Breeds Seen in Mobility Service<\/span><\/h3>\n