Approximately, 20 percent of the dog’s population in the United States is comprised of Pitbull type dogs. However, can Pitbull be a Service Dog? If yes, how does a Pitbull makes a good Service Dog?
Here, we will find out the answer to these questions. It may somehow be confusing since Pitbull already has a bad name and reflects a bad reputation. But, we will try to explore this breed on how it can qualify as a Service Dog.
Definition of a Service Dog
Service Animals means dog that undergo proper individual training to do work for people with compromised physical or mental state. Examples of such work or tasks include aiding visually impaired individual and giving signals to people who have hearing impairment as well. It also includes giving warning to individual with seizure and giving reminders to mentally ill person in taking their medicines. Meanwhile, relaxing an individual during an attack with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or doing other jobs are also some tasks of a service dog. They are generally animals at work and not as sedentary household pets.
A service dog went on to training in the work that he must offer and it may be suitable to the disabled individual’s needs. However, based on ADA policies, a service animal or dog with primary task of giving support and comfort emotionally does not qualify in service. Moreover, various laws circulating locally and interstates gives service animal definition more widely compared to that of ADA.
Areas where Service Dogs are permitted
The ADA permits the Service Dog in areas such as government places, establishments, and nonprofit institutions. Generally, these are places that work for the public and let service animals to be with individuals with medical conditions everywhere the people is usually permitted to go. A hospital is a good example. They allowed the entrance of this animal from areas such as rooms of the patients, doctor’s clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms. However, service animal are generally not allowed from operating rooms or units where the presence of those animals may cause harm to a sterile environment.
Service Dogs must be under control
One of the general rules imposed by ADA is to equip service animals with protective gears. In case these hinders with the work of the service animals or the individual’s condition, stop using these gears. Because of this, via voice, signal, or other effective controls, the individual maintain control over the animal.
How to Choose a Service Dog
Aside from lots of hard work and a big commitment, the most important step in training a Service Dog is choosing an appropriate dog. It is very crucial to be patient.
Temperament
In training a Service Dog, a dog’s temperament is needed most of the time. To help you to have control over that temperament there are the important temperament traits to need look after all.
Appropriate Size
Small built dogs and breeds that are usually for playing generally fit for this kind of work. This excludes dog for hearing and diabetic alert services. They may suit if the dog shows the applicable behavior of temperament and confidence. Commonly, the smaller the size, the more their ability to do task limits more.
There are breeds that cannot tolerate hot weather like pugs, bulldogs, & other short-nosed breeds. Through this, they are not appropriate for retrieving. Sometimes, small dogs can be trip hazards, especially if you have mobility issues.
Compare to huge sized breeds, they can also be easily overwhelmed when taken out in public. The hulling, husking, negative attitude of small dogs is a symbol of their fear and not protectiveness. The smaller the size of the dog, the more they are prone to get injury at work in public.
Age
Puppies
Along with their parent’s behavior or temperament, the puppy’s early socialization is extremely important. Usually, this socialization starts at birth up to 6 weeks of the puppies’ age. It is not advisable to get a puppy if you don’t know its background, including its parents.
Adolescents
Temperaments in a grown-up Pits come up between 1-1.5 years. Take note that like humans, dogs experience adolescence the same as humans. Generally, for most owners, this is the bothersome period. It is because the dog can do work better and becomes worse the next day. They become more more confident to themselves that’s why they are very reactive and marks territories.
Adult Dogs
In training a Service dog you need to invest a significant time, energy, and money. The earlier you start training your dog, the more time you spent to let him become a good service pair. Beginning 6 years of age and 10 years, a dog begins to enter his seniority period. Remember that this period in the dog’s life cycle is the remaining 25% of his lifespan. Thus, this is depending on the strain and body built of the dog.
Like in humans, dogs already start to encounter degenerative issues with joints, teeth, eyesight, hearing, and cognition. Dogs are very good at hiding their ageing issues. So, it is better to make decisions about whether it is appropriate to expect a dog to begin a new career as a service dog when he is approaching his senior years.
Breed Characteristics
Not all dog strains are capable of being a Service Dog. If you want your Pitbull to be a Service Dog but don’t have an idea does pitbull makes a good service dog, then better stay on track. Can Pitbull be a Service Dog? Here is a list of breeds that are not suitable to be a service dog.
Breeds not applicable for Service Dog
There are some dogs that show very strong traits. This traits can be very hard or very hopeless to alter.
The most suitable strains for this kind of service:
• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
Some other kinds of dog can be also suitable. However, it is better to consult with professional advise first. It is not good to select a dog type because it is well-known today. Also, do not choose a type that was bred for guarding or protecting task. Their traits are for the active and determined.
Breeds not applicable for a service dog:
• Most Pit Bull types
♦ American Staffordshire Terrier
♦ Staffordshire Bull Terrier
♦ Pit mixes
Several reasons why they are not applicable for service dog program
- Hard to educate for working in service due to being independent and impatient.
- Inherently reactive
- Mostly this dog type have lots of strain restrictions, housing bans, and problems in public exposures and entry.
Strain Restriction and the Pitbull types
There are states that implement a prohibition on having Pitbulls because of misbelief to this strain. However, it is not a legal manner to differentiate an individual having a Pitbull as a Service Dog. This is based with the Fair Housing Act.
Moreover, the following institutions have mission to alter the brand of the Pit Bull types.
1. Animal Farm Foundation
This institution in New York educates Pitbulls in drawing a wheelchairs and helping individual to win back their strength and balance. The only educating school in America that educates Pits to be dogs in service in an exclusive manner. If you are a Pitbull owner and still ask if “Can Pitbull be a Service Dog?”, then this foundation retorts to that.
2. Pits for Patriots
The organization Pits for Patriots is another institution in Chicago that educates Pit Bulls that are rescued as dogs providing comfort and therapy for policemen, veterans, even firefighters. Moreover, its co-founder, Kelly Yearwood, says:
Veterans and first line defenders are usually correlate with Pitbulls because of the traumas linked with them.
General Traits of the Pitbull
Because of their appearance and looks, people give Pitbull a bad name. However, a well-bred Pitbull is such an approachable, passionate, and a loyal buddy. They usually don’t think of their size, but mostly think that every individual can be a friend in deed.
Although Pitbulls are very observant on the environment around him, it does not mean that he can be an excellent watchdog. Further, Pitbull is a sturdy, energetic dog which makes it very tolerant of children. American Pitbull Terriers have powerful jaws that can make quick work of cheap or flimsy toys. This type of Pits is best suited to dog owners who can offer firm, fair training, and gentle, consistent discipline.
Quick Info About the American Pit
Height: Usually 19 inches shoulder level
Weight: minimum of 30 and maximum of 85 pounds
Lifespan: at least 12 up to 16 years
Characteristics: Pit Bulls are popular for being loyal and eager to please. Because of this, they are a great prospect as a service animal. These dog types are people-focused, easy to educate, sociable, and patient. They are widely recognized and accepted as service dogs.
The American Pitbull as a Service Dog
Does Pitbull make a good Service Dog? The American Pitbull answers this question. They have huge body build and strong enough to draw a wheelchair, as well as cater physical assistance for individuals with posture or strength concerns.
The American Pitbull’s traits include loyalty, dedication, and innate appreciation. This is a natural behavior that is good for catering relaxation in terms of emotions or physical aspects. People who needs these support are those with psychological or psychiatric conditions.
Moreover, the American Pit Bull can also undergo proper training to be a Medical Alert Service Dog. They usually retorts to lots of health issues such as blood sugar in low level, seizure attacks, or decreased oxygen levels. They can also undergo proper training to alert individual to drink their meds.
Can a Pitbull be Service Dog
The American Pitbull and all the other Pitbull breeds do make a good Service Dog. However, what’s important to create a well-rounded canine is to expose your dog in early socialization, proper training, and positive reinforcement all work together.
Top 10 Factors Why Pit Rocks
1. Fairly fit.
A fact that all dog types with the inclusion of mixed strains mostly encounter genetic concerns. Health concerns faced by these Pits are commonly hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. But no need to worry as these are not fatal. And these are rarely noticeable eve in most Pitbulls.
2. Don’t require much grooming.
Having a short coat calls for a low self-care maintenance. Bathing just take for a short while. Brushing or having haircuts is not a must for them, and their fur is not actually smelly.
3. Desire to persuade people.
A Pit Bull is willing to make an action to get people’s praises. They usually long to get a recognition from us and are very sociable with humans. This trait of being loyal to people has put a negative name to Pitbulls because a heartless individual can make Pit’s eagerness to use the dog in criminal works.
4. Sporty type.
A Pitbull are very eager to have an exercise everyday, whether just a simple walking at the park or running like a race. Pit Bulls also tend to be on top at sports that uses dog’s strength. However, Pit Bulls are not that impulsive about exercise, like other dogs.
5. Super loyal.
They just very compassionate to people to the point that they may intervene if someone causes harm to their companions.
6. Compassionate with the little one.
Pitbulls are a devoted, people-oriented dog type that prevails to be part of the family. They are loving with both grown-ups and the kids.
7. Hilarious.
They are usually jam-packed with character and they fond to hear us giggle by horsing around. They are jolly and always delightful, even as they get older.
8. Love people.
They typically fond of humans and very delightful when they are around us. They make us recall us of this by moving their tails joyfully and licking us most of the time!
9. Needs crouches.
Even the very sporty Pitbull will also have a household ideas and long for being hugged and cared. For this reason and add their trait as trainable dogs, Pitbulls can be a Service Dog!
10. Always grin.
Pit Bulls gives therapy to one’s mental health. They are very affectionate dogs and always grins at you. Truly, being happy is to see a Pitbull grins!
