The History of Service Dogs: From Guide Dogs to Modern Day
Explore the evolution of service dogs from their origins as guide dogs for the blind to the diverse roles they play in society today. Learn about the rich history and development of these loyal and life-changing companions.
LITTLE LESSONS
8/19/20247 min read
The History of Service Dogs
Service dogs have a rich and varied history, evolving from simple companions to vital partners for those with disabilities. The journey of service dogs begins with their use as guide dogs, which dates back centuries, but it is in the 20th century that the modern concept of service dogs truly took shape.
The Origins of Guide Dogs
The earliest known application of service dogs is tied to the use of guide dogs for the blind, a practice that stretches back quite into history. The modern concept of guide dogs, though, emerged after World War I when many soldiers returned home from the front lines blinded by mustard gas. These veterans needed assistance to navigate the world around them, and dogs became an essential part of their recovery and reintegration into daily life.
In 1916, Dr. Gerhard Stalling, a German physician, recognized the potential of dogs in assisting the blind and opened the first guide dog school in Oldenburg, Germany. His efforts in creating the first professional training facility were groundbreaking and laid the foundation for what would become a global movement. Following this, a second guide dog school opened int 1923, further cementing the role of dogs as guides for the visually impaired.
The Spread of Guide Dogs
The use of guide dogs gained international attention when American journalist Harrison Eustis visited the second guide dog school in Germany. Eustis, inspired by what he saw, wrote an article detailing the program and sent it back to the United States. This article captured the attention of Morris Frank, a blind man eager to gain more independence.
Frank traveled to Germany to learn more about the guide dog training program and returned with a dog of his own, Buddy. With Buddy by his side, Frank demonstrated the newfound confidence and independence that a service dog could provide on American streets. The impact was profound, and after some correspondence, Eustis and Frank collaborated to establish The Seeing Eye in 1929, the first American guide dog school, and currently the oldest school still running. This school helped pave the way for the broader acceptance and training of guide dogs in the United States.
The Evolution to Modern Service Dogs
While guide dogs had become well-established by the mid-20th century, the concept of service dogs for other disabilities did not expand until around the 1970s. Dr. Bonita Bergin is widely credited with developing the concept of the modern service dog. Her innovative ideas were sparked by her travels, where she observed people with various disabilities using donkeys and burros to assist with daily tasks. She thought that dogs, being more adaptable to American life, could be trained to provide similar assistance.
Bergin approached established guide dog organizations with her idea but faced skepticism. Many believed dogs could not be taught to perform the diverse, complex tasks needed for other types of disabilities. Undeterred, Bergin decided to prove them wrong. Her first venture into training service dogs beyond guiding the blind was with Kerry Knaus, a quadriplegic woman, and her new dog, Abdul. Together, Bergin and Knaus explored what specific tasks a service dog could perform to improve Knaus's daily life. Despite initial challenges, Abdul proved to be an extraordinary success, learning tasks such as retrieval, and demonstrating that dogs could indeed be trained to perform a wide range of tasks beyond guiding.
The Birth of Service Dogs for Diverse Disabilities
In 1975, Bergin founded Canine Companions for Independence, the first school dedicated to training service dogs for those with disabilities other than blindness. This organization marked a significant milestone in the service dog movement, as it opened the door for dogs to assist those with various physical and mental challenges. Bergin's vision and persistence helped establish service dogs as valuable partners with a wide range of disabilities.
By 1989, Bergin's efforts had gained enough momentum that service dogs were formally included in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, solidifying their role and rights in assisting people with disabilities. This inclusion was a landmark achievement, ensuring that service dogs would be recognized and protected under federal law.
The Continued Growth of Service Dog Education
In 1991, Bergin continued her work by founding the Assistance Dog Institute, an educational institution dedicated to advancing the understanding and training of service dogs. In 2001, the institute was renamed the Bergin College of Canine Studies, where students could learn about running training facilities, working with dogs, and other essential skills related to service dogs. This institution has been pivotal in promoting the education and training of service dogs and their handlers, ensuring that future generations understand the importance of these remarkable animals.
Conclusion
The history of service dogs is one of innovation, determination, and compassion. From the early days of guide dogs for the blind to the modern, multi-functional service dogs we see today, these animals have continuously proven their value as indispensable partners to those with disabilities. Thanks to pioneers like Dr. Gerhard Stalling, Harrison Eustis, Morris Frank, and Dr. Bonita Bergin, service dogs have become an integral part of our society, providing independence, support, and companionship to those who need it most.
photo credit: suzy hazelwood on pexels
The History of Service Dogs
Service dogs have a rich and varied history, evolving from simple companions to vital partners for those with disabilities. The journey of service dogs begins with their use as guide dogs, which dates back centuries, but it is in the 20th century that the modern concept of service dogs truly took shape.
The Origins of Guide Dogs
The earliest known application of service dogs is tied to the use of guide dogs for the blind, a practice that stretches back quite into history. The modern concept of guide dogs, though, emerged after World War I when many soldiers returned home from the front lines blinded by mustard gas. These veterans needed assistance to navigate the world around them, and dogs became an essential part of their recovery and reintegration into daily life.
In 1916, Dr. Gerhard Stalling, a German physician, recognized the potential of dogs in assisting the blind and opened the first guide dog school in Oldenburg, Germany. His efforts in creating the first professional training facility were groundbreaking and laid the foundation for what would become a global movement. Following this, a second guide dog school opened int 1923, further cementing the role of dogs as guides for the visually impaired.
The Spread of Guide Dogs
The use of guide dogs gained international attention when American journalist Harrison Eustis visited the second guide dog school in Germany. Eustis, inspired by what he saw, wrote an article detailing the program and sent it back to the United States. This article captured the attention of Morris Frank, a blind man eager to gain more independence.
Frank traveled to Germany to learn more about the guide dog training program and returned with a dog of his own, Buddy. With Buddy by his side, Frank demonstrated the newfound confidence and independence that a service dog could provide on American streets. The impact was profound, and after some correspondence, Eustis and Frank collaborated to establish The Seeing Eye in 1929, the first American guide dog school, and currently the oldest school still running. This school helped pave the way for the broader acceptance and training of guide dogs in the United States.
The Evolution to Modern Service Dogs
While guide dogs had become well-established by the mid-20th century, the concept of service dogs for other disabilities did not expand until around the 1970s. Dr. Bonita Bergin is widely credited with developing the concept of the modern service dog. Her innovative ideas were sparked by her travels, where she observed people with various disabilities using donkeys and burros to assist with daily tasks. She though that dogs, being more adaptable to American life, could be trained to provide similar assistance.
Bergin approached established guide dog organizations with her idea but faced skepticism. Many believed dogs could not be taught to perform the diverse, complex tasks needed for other types of disabilities. Undeterred, Bergin decided to prove them wrong. Her first venture into training service dogs beyond guiding the blind was with Kerry Knaus, a quadriplegic woman, and her new dog, Abdul. Together, Bergin and Knaus explored what specific tasks a service dog could perform to improve Knaus's daily life. Despite initial challenges, Abdul proved to be an extraordinary success, learning tasks such as retrieval, and demonstrating that dogs could indeed be trained to perform a wide range of tasks beyond guiding.
The Birth of Service Dogs for Diverse Disabilities
In 1975, Bergin founded Canine Companions for Independence, the first school dedicated to training service dogs for those with disabilities other than blindness. This organization marked a significant milestone in the service dog movement, as it opened the door for dogs to assist those with various physical and mental challenges. Bergin's vision and persistence helped establish service dogs as valuable partners with a wide range of disabilities.
By 1989, Bergin's efforts had gained enough momentum that service dogs were formally included in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, solidifying their role and rights in assisting people with disabilities. This inclusion was a landmark achievement, ensuring that service dogs would be recognized and protected under federal law.
The Continued Growth of Service Dog Education
In 1991, Bergin continued her work by founding the Assistance Dog Institute, an educational institution dedicated to advancing the understanding and training of service dogs. In 2001, the institute was renamed the Bergin College of Canine Studies, where students could learn about running training facilities, working with dogs, and other essential skills related to service dogs. This institution has been pivotal in promoting the education and training of service dogs and their handlers, ensuring that future generations understand the importance of these remarkable animals.
Conclusion
The history of service dogs is one of innovation, determination, and compassion. From the early days of guide dogs for the blind to the modern, multi-functional service dogs we see today, these animals have continuously proven their value as indispensable partners to those with disabilities. Thanks to pioneers like Dr. Gerhard Stalling, Harrison Eustis, Morris Frank, and Dr. Bonita Bergin, service dogs have become an integral part of our society, providing independence, support, and companionship to those who need it most.
photo credit: suzy hazelwood on pexels
