Welcome to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

Special Skills Dogs of Canada

Special Skills Dogs work with clients who are physically or medically disabled with mobility concerns.

Basic Skills:

Operate light switches
Open and close doors (interior, exterior)
Open fridge door, dryer door, drawers
Retrieve items on floor
Assist with client transfers from chair to bed
Assist with roll over in bed
Go for, or bark for help and/or activate an alert system (Life Line).

These dogs can assist seizure clients by getting help by barking, or activating an alert system. A Special Skills Dog provides independence, dignity, and confidence to the handler.

Typical Breeds
Special Skills Dogs are usually Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Standard Poodles, however, small dogs may be trained depending on the type of work to be done.

Training Program
When the pup reaches approximately one year of age they are returned to the school for medical testing and assessment. Dogs who pass the program assessment and medical examination, are selected to begin an intensive 6 to 8 month training program. The Special Skills Dog trainer, the dog and client work together for a three week period to master techniques and permit bonding.

Entering the Community
These dogs become part of the client's family. Praise and rewards are given by the client to establish the loving and working relationship. These Dog Guides can be recognized by the blue SSD harness.


How to Obtain a Special Skills Dog Guide from Lions Foundation of Canada