We were shocked by the bones when we first saw Chihuahua wearing a working dog vest. The first thing that came to our mind was, Can Chihuahuas be Service Dogs?
Like you, we also thought that only German shepherd, Labrador retriever, or golden retriever could reach the status of a therapy dog.
In the name of an assistance dog or an emotional support animal, people have been using various dog breeds. And in most cases, you also find it used when someone wants to get hold of their pet dog in places where dogs are not allowed.
Can Chihuahua Be Service Dogs?
Legally there is no breed-specific restriction for the dogs to be therapy animals. This leverage allows all the dogs of different sizes, from Chihuahua to Great Dane, to become one for different reasons and situations of the owners. When you have one that qualifies, you can take your companion dog to places where dogs are not allowed at all.
You can take your certified therapy dog to the restaurant, movie theater, shopping mall, or in the markets. A working dog is allowed everywhere you go. But when you think about the Chihuahua, the first thing that comes to your mind is the temperament of the small pet.
A Chihuahua is a perfect pet for families because of its small size and loving nature to the family members. And when you give it proper training, you can make it a dog to prevent seizures, provide emotional support and help people suffering from disabilities of different kinds.
4 Reasons How Chihuahuas Are Ideal To Help
In a nutshell, the following are the basic characteristics of chihuahuas that will make them prefect candidates:
- Intelligence
- Agility
- Sharp senses
- Shy towards strangers
- Longer life span
- Easy to train
- Strong sense of smell
- Unconditional love for the owner
1. Chihuahuas Can Live Up To 18 Years Old
These small dogs can live for more than 18 years; that’s why people love to keep them as their pet and train it as dogs to keep them company when they need it.
2. Chihuahuas Are Highly Intelligent
This dog breed is highly intelligent, and they come in the category of easy-to-train dogs. When you have a Chihuahua, you will understand that these dogs are born fighters, and they are not afraid of fighting and warding bigger breeds.
When you train them to fix their focus on the owner suffering from mental or special conditions, they will fix their eyes and nose on the person and alert the person right away in case of a seizure or some other unwarranted change.
3. Chihuahuas Are Great Companions
They are a great companion, and their smaller size allows the older people and young children to carry them in their lap as an emotional support animal. In PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, the use of Chihuahua has shown a remarkable recovery rate.
Also Read: Are Chihuahuas Good With Kids
4. Chihuahuas Are Highly Sensitive
Like other dogs, chihuahuas also has a sharp nose that can sense the change in the person’s hormonal balance and intimate their owner to make them sit or go to a safe place right away.
The diabetic people and persons suffering from various psychological diseases had shared their remarkable stories when their Chihuahua saved their lives.
These intelligent dogs are extremely sensitive and vigilant; you can train them to be watchdogs and provide you surveillance and intimate you with the coming danger in the most wonderful way.
5 Areas Where Chihuahuas Are Suitable To Help
Chihuahua cannot be trained as a rescue dog or therapy dog. Still, the small toy Chihuahua breed has proven effective and useful as a support and alert dog. Following is the list of some categories where this small toy breed has shown wonders:
1. Epilepsy Alert Dog
People mostly prefer bigger dogs as Epilepsy alert dogs because they can make them stay in a particular position with their paw and weight.
But Chihuahuas show remarkable results in predicting seizures and making people alert to sit and stay in a comfortable position.
2. Diabetic Alert Dog
The diabetic alert dog is a must for older people and when they get the ease and comfort of carrying a small toy dog as a diabetic alert animal.
Chihuahua can alert the owner regarding bad blood sugar levels, and they can take medicine timely to prevent a severe medical emergency.
3. Chihuahuas Can Help You Hear
Chihuahuas are great as a hearing dog for people suffering from hearing difficulties.
4. Psychiatric Service Dog
When someone has a mental illness or an anxiety attack, a seizure response dog is a perfect companion in an oncoming seizure.
Chihuahua is a perfect companion as a seizure alert dog in PTSD for people who have any mental condition.
5. Chihuahuas as Emotional Support Dog
A dog is an animal that provides you comfort when you need affection and emotional support. And Chihuahuas are just the best thing that can happen to a person suffering from emotional issues.
How To Get A Service Dog Certification For Chihuahua?
You have decided to train your toy pet as a service dog, you need the following things.
- The task According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Professional training sessions
- Able to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability
- Socializing exercise
- Appropriate competence
- Visit the Department for attaining the certificate
Products You Need To Prepare Your Chihuahua
Despite the training from a professional, your dog will need the following products to perform its duty.
Special Vest
When your pet is wearing a service dog vest, people don’t usually pat them or try to show their affection because of their on-duty status. This vest like Kurgo MOLLE Dog Harness allows you to carry your pet to places where dogs are not allowed.
Extended leash
An extended and strong leash like Halti Training Lead for Dogs allows your dog to maneuver you safely in different places and situations. You will keep connected with your dog or emotional support animal esa in the rush of people if you visit the market, mall, or walk on a busy street.
Dog Bell For Visually Challenged Owners
A jingling bell like Pete Rickard Dog Bell allows the people suffering from visual difficulty to know the whereabouts of their dog. This bell also helps them understand that their dog is trying to communicate with them.
