The bernedoodle — a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle — has plenty of qualities that make them adept at service work. Today, we’ll delve further into this lovable mix and highlight why they’re so well-suited to the role. We’ll also cover everything you need to know about service dogs, from what tasks they can perform to their legal rights.
What Are Service Dogs?
Service dogs are animals trained to perform specific tasks that aid people with disabilities.
Some of the tasks a service dog may perform include deep pressure therapy, tactile stimulation, room search, medication retrieval, balance support, and wheelchair pulling. The options are limitless and can vary depending on their owner’s individual needs and disability.
Are Service Dogs the Same as Emotional Support Animals?
Many people assume that service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) are the same. However, this is a common misconception. An ESA only offers relief through their presence and companionship. They do not perform disability-related tasks.
Service dogs are also required to undergo stringent service dog training, while this isn’t the case for ESAs. What’s more, any species can become legally recognized as an ESA, including cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and tarantulas.
Service Dogs Rights
If you’re interested in getting a service dog, it’s important to familiarize yourself with their legal rights. Service dogs are protected under several federal laws in the US, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). These laws grant them the following privileges:
- Housing rights, such as exemption from a landlord’s no-pet policy
- Reasonable accommodation within the workplace
- Public transport rights, such as the right to travel on planes, buses, and trains
- Public access rights, including the right to enter places that usually don’t allow animals
Can a Bernedoodle Become a Service Dog?
Yes, a bernedoodle can become legally recognized as a service dog if they undergo training and have the right temperament for the role. This is because there are no size, age, or breed restrictions in place for dogs to qualify for service work.
Why Bernedoodles Make Great Service Dogs
When you think of a service dog, the image of a Lab or golden retriever is probably the first thing that enters your mind. While these breeds are commonly used in service work, that doesn’t mean other breeds aren’t well-suited to the job.
Bernedoodles, in particular, excel at this line of work thanks to characteristics such as:
Strong Work Drive
As a hybrid of two working breeds, the bernedoodle naturally has a strong work ethic. This allows them to learn service tasks quickly and stay focused for long periods of time. They also enjoy being challenged, meaning no command will be too difficult for them to master.
Gentle Temperament
The bernedoodle is exceptionally affectionate, gentle, and even-tempered. These qualities can provide its handler with a sense of comfort and security, which in turn can help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, establishing them as excellent service dogs and best companion animals.
Athleticism
Most Bernedoodles are athletic and have high energy levels. This makes them ideal service dogs for people who lead active lifestyles or require more vigorous, physically demanding service tasks, like balance support and obstacle guidance.
Calm Demeanor
The Bernedoodle is generally calm and peaceful, and they have a particular knack for staying composed in high-pressure situations. This quality allows them to support their handler effectively during times of crisis. Their calm demeanor can also help keep their handler grounded, as it acts as a constant source of stability.
Hypoallergenic Coats
Bernedoodles often inherit the poodle’s hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat, making them ideal options for people with fur allergies. Their coats are also thick, dense, and warm, allowing them to perform tasks like deep pressure therapy effortlessly.
Just be aware that a dog’s coat can never truly be 100% hypoallergenic. This term simply means their coat is less likely to cause an adverse reaction than other dog coat types.
Is a Bernedoodle Service Dog Right for Me?
This will ultimately depend on whether the bernedoodle’s traits align with your lifestyle, personality, needs, and home environment.
A bernedoodle service dog is usually great for people who:
- Lead active lifestyles
- Require physically demanding service tasks, such as wheelchair pulling or balance assistance.
- Can comfortably accommodate a sturdy, well-built dog in their home
- Are willing to train, play, and groom a dog regularly
- Appreciate a calm, even temperament
In comparison, a bernedoodle service dog may not be right for people who:
- Lead inactive lifestyles
- Don’t have the means to groom a dog regularly
- Want a small, lap-sized companion
- Live in apartments
With the right handler, a bernedoodle makes a phenomenal service dog who is sure to alleviate disability-related symptoms and be a best friend like no other.