Assistance dog - an animal helper with a special mission

What is an assistance dog?

An assistance dog is much more than a companion dog - it is a specially trained helper that supports people with physical, mental or neurological disabilities in their everyday lives. These dogs work closely with their owners and take on tasks that are crucial for many people in terms of their independence, safety or quality of life.

We - Lui & Paulina - treat assistance dogs with deep respect. Because behind each of these dogs is not only intensive training, but also a close bond with a person for whom this dog is often the bridge to the world.

What types of assistance dogs are there?

The tasks of an assistance dog are varied - and so are its specialisations. The most common categories are

• Guide dog for the blind: Navigates visually impaired people safely through everyday life.

• Signalling dog (hearing dog): Reacts to noises such as doorbells, alarm clocks or alarms for deaf people.

• Mobility assistance dog: Supports people with physical disabilities, opens doors, brings objects, helps with dressing.

• Epilepsy alert dog: Recognises seizures early and can call for help.

• PTSD assistance dog: Supports people with post-traumatic stress disorder, e.g. by securing rooms, waking people from nightmares or blocking strangers.

• Autism assistance dog: Gives children or adults with autism structure and security in everyday life.

The training is individualised and precisely tailored to the needs of the person - it often takes several years.

How can you recognise an assistance dog?

As a rule, an assistance dog wears an identification blanket or waistcoat that identifies it as such. Many countries also offer official ID cards or certifications. Important: An assistance dog is not a therapy dog or an emotional support dog - these terms are often confused. Due to their training, assistance dogs have certain special rights, e.g. access to public buildings or transport.

Challenges and responsibility

An assistance dog is not a "functional tool", but a living being with its own needs. Therefore, it is also the human's responsibility to take good care of their dog: time out, grooming, medical care, exercise and play are just as important as with any other dog.

Not every dog is suitable for this role - many fail in training because they are too sensitive, too independent or too easily distracted. This is not a weakness, but simply character.

Our conclusion

An assistance dog changes lives. It gives freedom, trust and security. But it is also a dog - with feelings, needs and the right to a species-appropriate life.

At Vitomalia, we want to raise awareness of how valuable these dogs are - and that behind every blanket there is a real team: humans and dogs who trust each other unconditionally.

Because assistance doesn't just mean helping - it means being strong together.