Stronger together – Assistance dogs for a more independent daily life
Assistance dogs offer much more than just practical help – they are dependable partners that support people in wheelchairs as they manage their everyday lives autonomously and independently. While overcoming challenges together naturally promotes independence, it also fosters trust and creates a true team of equals.
As four-legged friends and helpers, assistance dogs keep people in touch with the outside world, literally and metaphorically opening doors. And when dogs are around, social interactions become more relaxed, making it easier to talk to other people.
What assistance dogs can do
As part of their intensive training, assistance dogs learn how to perform a wide range of tasks that are tailored to the needs of their future owners, such as:
- Opening and closing doors, drawers, and cupboards
- Helping their owners to undress by taking off shoes, coats, and socks
- Lifting up objects and placing them in their owners’ hands or lap
- Fetching the phone or other important objects
- Turning on lights and operating switches and emergency buttons
- Filling and emptying the washing machine
- Attracting attention by barking in emergency situations
The training that assistance dogs receive is as individual as the person that will be partnered with them. They are specifically trained in tasks that will make people’s everyday lives noticeably easier, giving them more space and to create new opportunities.
Videos with impressive examples of the many ways in which assistance dogs might be used
Publications (in German)
