The Australian Service Dog
Originally, the Australian Labradoodle was named the Australian Service Dog. Many still refer to the breed by this name, as the primary reason for developing this breed was to designate it for service or therapeutic usage. In days past, most dogs were bred for specific purposes and jobs. From herding sheep or cattle, to turning the spicket of a rotisserie, jobs for these wonderful creatures existed and still do today. Dogs are intelligent, warm, and loving creatures, and this breed is specifically bred for being a sweet and helpful companion to one who may be sick, disabled or with special needs.
According to Aussie Angels, (n/d) these Service Dogs are trained to help a disabled person in a number of different ways. They learn to turn light switches on or off, to open and close doors, to retrieve articles which have been dropped, and they learn to identify dozens of objects by name and retrieve them or move them from one place to another when asked to do so. Another service that larger Assistance Dogs provide for human beings is to withstand pressure on their backs so as to be a 'bracing dog' for people who have issues with balance, and these dogs will support a person's weight when they become unsteady or think they may be about to fall. (http://www.aussie-angels-assistancedogs.org/serviceassistdogs.html)
Sequoia Haven Labradoodles has every intention of playing an integral role in the service/therapy dog world. Currently, our Lil Miss Piper is being trained to enter the S.P.O.T. program at Valley Children’s Hospital where she will be paying special attention to children with special needs and/or terminal illnesses. This is a very important job our girl is filling and we couldn’t be more proud of her.
