
4 Paws for Ability service dogs are task-trained to provide life-changing care for children and veterans with disabilities. Service dogs are all specifically trained to serve the complex and unique needs of their partner and can be trained in any of the tasks below.

“Nova can be in a sound sleep, but when she hears her girl’s ‘seizure sounds,’ she jumps into action. Megan always has a friend to listen to her. I don’t think that I even know all of the ways Nova has impacted our family because it happened so naturally.”
-Megan & Nova, 4 Paws Service Dog Team
4 Paws for Ability Service Dog Tasks
Click a task to learn more…
Behavior Disruption
4 Paws service dogs are trained in behavior disruption techniques and possess a remarkable ability to recognize emotional and behavioral changes in a child or veteran. They respond through techniques such as deep pressure therapy and redirection, aimed to provide comfort and security for the child or veteran. This task is crucial in mitigating meltdowns, oftentimes related to a child’s autism.
This task is beneficial for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, FASD, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder, etc.
High & Low Blood Sugar Detection
4 Paws service dogs can be trained in high and low blood sugar detection for children with diabetes, by responding to the smell of the chemical body changes that occur as blood sugar levels increase or drop. Uniquely trained to the scent of the individual they are placed with, service dogs can detect and alert to the changes, oftentimes long before adverse medical reactions occur.
This task is beneficial for children with Type 1 Diabetes
Mobility
4 Paws service dogs can be trained to work alongside children and veterans to mitigate mobility challenges including supporting someone with challenges walking, or by pulling a wheelchair. They can also be trained to turn light switches on and off, item retrieval, and other crucial mobility-related tasks. These skills can support the independence of the individual allowing them to better access the world around them.
This task is beneficial for veterans with mobility impairments and children with Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Spina Bifida, etc.
Scent & Behavioral Seizure Response
4 Paws service dogs can be trained to recognize scent changes related to epilepsy and smell the chemical body changes that occur during, and at times even before, an individual may have a seizure and will bark to alert for help. This allows a parent or other trained adult to respond to the seizure and provide life-saving interventions such as clearing airways, going to the hospital, administering medication, etc.
This task is beneficial for children with Epilepsy, or seizures relating to Cerebral Palsy. This task is most effective in children who are having 3-4 seizures a month.
Tethering
4 Paws service dogs can be trained to work with children whose disabilities result in wandering or eloping behavior. These dogs are handled by a parent and are trained to wear a harness that is connected to the child, which acts as an anchor, preventing the child from wandering off or getting into potentially dangerous situations.
This task is beneficial for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, FASD, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, etc.
Tracking
4 Paws service dogs can be trained to use their exceptional sense of smell to find and follow a specific scent trail and locate a child who may have wandered away or gotten lost, such as a child with autism who has eloped. These dogs will lead parents to the child, to support their swift and safe recovery.
This task is beneficial for children with Autism Sepctrum Disorder, FASD, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, etc.
“4 Paws for Ability truly gave me the gift of freedom, independence, and unconditional love with Monkey and I can’t thank them enough for matching me with the perfect service dog. So thank you to 4 Paws and thank you to Monkey for being my best friend and choosing me to be your person!”
-Megan, 4 Paws Service Dog Recipient

Quick Links:


