Play Canine Partners’ Tail or Tale

To celebrate International Assistance Dog Week (May 2-8) the charity Canine Partners has pulled together some of the most hotly contested statements connected to assistance dogs and the vital support they provide.

So, paws at the ready, do you think the following statements are TAIL (true) or TALE (lie).

· All Assistance Dogs are Labradors. 

· Assistance dogs are only working when wearing a branded jacket. 

· You should always approach the owner before going to stroke an assistance dog.  

· Only Guide Dogs are allowed in shops and restaurants. 

· Assistance dogs are never allowed off lead and don’t get to play or be a ‘dog’. 

· Assistance dogs are trained using positive reinforcement methods and rewarded with treats and fusses. 

· Emotional support dogs and assistance dogs are the same thing.  

· UK law currently doesn't have an official registration or certification for assistance dogs. 

· Assistance dogs can be trained to support disabilities far beyond sight and hearing loss. 

Now see if you were barking up the wrong tree.

All assistance dogs are Labradors? ….TALE

Although Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and their crosses are commonly used as assistance dogs, any breed of dog can be an assistance dog as long as they are healthy, have a suitable temperament, and can be trained to do the tasks required.

Assistance dogs are only working when wearing a branded jacket ….TALE

Many assistance dogs can work, both at home and when out and about, without a jacket. In fact, it isn’t a legal requirement for an assistance dog to wear a harness, branded jacket or lead slip at all, even in public.

You should always approach the owner before going to stroke an assistance dog? ….TAIL

Just because an assistance dog doesn’t look like it’s working doesn’t mean they aren’t, or that it’s ok to stroke them. As with all dogs, you should always check with the owner before approaching or stroking them.

Only Guide Dogs are allowed in shops and restaurants ….TALE

Under the Equality Act 2010, trained assistance dogs are allowed to accompany their partner wherever they go, and businesses must make reasonable adjustments. It is unlawful to deny access to a disabled person with their assistance dog and would be classed as discrimination.

Assistance dogs are never allowed off lead and don’t get to play or be a ‘dog’ ….TALE

Assistance dogs aren’t always working, they get to have down time, go to the park and play.

Assistance dogs are trained using positive reinforcement methods and rewarded with treats and fusses? ….TAIL

Assistance dogs are highly trained using positive reinforcement methods. Each task is just a game to the dog, where they are rewarded with treats and fuss for completing.

Emotional support dogs and assistance dogs are the same thing? ….TALE

Emotional support dogs are not recognised under UK law currently and so do not get the same access rights as assistance dogs.

UK law currently has no official registration or certification for assistance dogs ….TAIL

Assistance dogs are highly trained dogs that provide essential support to their disabled owners, but in the UK, there is no official registration or certification process for them.

Assistance dogs be trained to support disabilities far beyond sight and hearing loss?  ….TAIL

Assistance dogs can be trained to assist anyone to mitigate a disability or illness.

To find out more or support the charity, visit www.caninepartners.org.uk