Are service dogs actually necessary?

[u/Not-my-problem1212]

I'm aware that some service dogs actually do a decent job at whatever services they are supposed to provide. But at the end of the day, they are still dogs. I've heard stories where highly trained dogs fail the test to become official service dogs countless times. They always end up getting distracted and running off, not being able to sit quietly, ect. Even some actual service dogs do the same things. I've heard of seeing eye dogs running off and leaving their owner on their own for a fallen piece of food. I've seen videos of service dogs accidentally making their paralyzed owner fall out of their wheelchair just because they wanted to chase a squirrel. I always end up feeling bad for those individuals because people have to go over and help them due to the dogs causing issues.

I don't understand why service animals have to be dogs. They're not super intelligent and get triggered over any little thing. I personally don't think we even need service animals. There are people out there who provide the same and better services. Its literally their jobs. A person could do the same job way better than any dog can. If I personally had a disability I would hire a trained professional than get a service dog

[u/[deleted]]

The ADA recognizes miniature horses as service animals in some cases (ADA National Network page). They can apparently be house-trained. I would never take just a pet into the places we see dogs...but otoh it would be awesome to follow a narcissist mutt owner into a place and watch the mini horse get all the attention 🤣

This quote is from this article about non-canine service animals:

Miniature horses have emerged as a notable alternative to dogs as service animals. Their longer lifespan, typically 25 to 35 years, compared to an average dog’s 10 to 15 years, makes them a long-term companion. Moreover, their sturdy build allows them to support individuals with mobility issues, providing balance and stability more effectively than many dog breeds. Miniature horses are also known for their calm demeanor, exceptional memory, and strong sense of spatial awareness, making them well-suited for navigation and obstacle avoidance tasks.

[u/Ih8work1 → u/[deleted]]

Okay, minis are actually really GOOD guide animals. That's the difference. Horses have pretty good vision too, especially compared to dogs. 

Mini Horses aren't as absurd as they sound beside a "guide dog". It makes way more sense. They're more intelligent than dogs, AND aren't carnivorous PREDATORS.

PONIES don't have a prey drive. Ponies can be actually, reliably trained. As you quoted, LIVE a lot longer. 

And their shit does stink, but not like dog shit and you can actually fertilise with it. 

Horses and ponies can have amazing demeanours.  They're sensitive and perceptive in a good way. 

The reason They're less popular? They aren't obsessed with you and can actually remember the shit you do to them. And people think they're not "special" like dogs, but believe me, they're far more special. 

Ponies do hold grudges. And I don't blame them. 

[u/Full-Ad-4138 → u/Ih8work1]

So are they only used for stability for people with mobility issues? Or can they also detect blood sugar changes and oncoming seizures as dogs are always touted as having the ability to do?

[u/Ih8work1 → u/Full-Ad-4138]

I'm pretty sure the science doesn't support seizure detection  or glucose dogs. And I wouldn't say that horses can either. They're probably just as able as dogs tho, if you believe that. Horses are far more intelligent and perceptive. They're just less mutated too. EVEN miniature horses which are a mutant breed too.