WE DISCUSS THE HUGE TOPIC OF TASKS IN THE ASSISTANCE DOG WORLD, INCLUDING A LIST OF EXAMPLES UNDER EACH BRANCH OF WORK
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Tasks are what we call the actions a dog does to assist a persons disability.
Knowing what tasks may be of use to you is not based on your diagnosis, disability or illness. Instead you find tasks based on your symptoms.
Although the way these tasks are achieved may vary on a case by case basis, the outcome is generally the same.
For example; a dog retrieving an item. One may pick the item up directly, another will pick up a object that is attached to the desired item.
Mental Health
Blocking (between the handler and a stressful stimulus)
DPT/Deep Pressure Therapy (for grounding, pain relief etc.)
Grounding (to reduce the intensity of emotions)
Behavioural Interruption (disrupting the cycles of repetitive, anxiety behaviours
Tactile Stimulation (
Nightmare Interruption
Dissociation Response
Wake up Assist
Medication Reminder (an alert to the handler to take medication)
Anxiety Alert
Sleep Reminder
Find Help/Person
Guiding to a Safe Location
Search House/Room
Retrieval of Self Care Kit
Lead to Empty Seat
Follow a Specific Person
Lead Handler to Exit
Open and close doors
Turn on and off lights
Retrieve Phone
Autism Spectrum Disorder/Condition
Blocking
DPT
Grounding
Behavioural Interruption
Tactile Stimulation
Nightmare Interruption
Wake up Assist
Anxiety Alert
Sleep Reminder
Find Help/Person
Guiding to a Safe Location
Lead Handler to Exit
Retrieval of Self Care Kit
Lead to Empty Seat
Follow a Specific Person
Retrieve Phone
Mobility
Bracing
Counter Balance
Assist with Position Change
Assist with Making Bed
Assist with Laundry
Assist with Post
Momentum Assist
Assist Handler back into sitting position if they’ve started to lean.
Item Retrieval
Retrieve Mobility assistance item
Alert caretaker
Find Person
Medication Retrieval
Medication Reminder
Button Push
Lead to Empty Seat
Open and close door
Turn on and off lights
Assist with clothing
Retrieve Phone
Visual
Lead Handler on familiar/regular route
Take Handler to specific location/marker
Alert Handler to low hanging objects
Alert Handler to elevation changes
Alert Handler to crossings
Alert Handler of items in path
Guide Handler around known hazards
Indicate Stairs, Steps or Ramp
Lead to Empty Seat
Lead Handler to Exit
Find the Elevators
Push Buttons
Follow a Person
Assist Handler with finding specific items
Retrieve Phone
Hearing
Alert Handler to specific environmental noise
Alert Handler to their name being called
Alert Handler to unnoticed dropped item
Alert Handler to people waiting to be noticed/approaching people
Alert Handler to emergency alarm/Sirens
Alert Handler to approaching Car
Alert Handler to arrival of bus
Third party sends dog to find and return with handler
Retrieve phone
Medical Alert and Response
Blood pressure alert
Blood sugar alert
Blood sugar response
Seizure alert
Seizure response
Syncope alert
Syncope response
Heart rate/BPM alert
Heart rate/BPM response
Allergen alert
Allergen response
Recovery position
Retrieve medication
Retrieve water
Retrieve food
Retrieve other specific item
Retrieve Phone