An assistance dog is a dog that helps people that are handicapped.  Assistance dogs do tasks such as opening and closing doors, picking up objects, turning on and off light switches, and other tasks like that. 

            The two main breeds for assistance dogs are Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.  Assistance dogs can be from a dog shelter or bred. 

            The history of assistance dogs is quite interesting.  For example, the concept of a dog for an aid was from Stuart Nordensson.  He trains his own dogs to help him with his own disability. His organization is called ‘Top Dog’ in the U.S.A.  Then he introduced his idea to the United Kingdom.

            Any breeds of any age can become assistance dogs.  The dogs must be dependent upon their owners.

            If you apply for an assistance dog you will be matched up with an aid that lives close to you. The aid will be with you all day long training the dog with you.  They will also be training you.