Benefits of a Good Dog!
A service dog enhances the life of a child with a disability through trained tasks and the inherent benefits of canine companionship.
Good Dog! Service Canines are trained to perform a variety of specific tasks that can benefit individuals with disabilities.
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Explore how these tasks work and the benefits they offer to help you decide if a Good Dog! Service Canine is the right fit for your child’s needs.
COMMUNITY ACCESS + ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ACCESS + ENGAGEMENT
Many individuals with autism and related disabilities face challenges when it comes to accessing the community. Sensory sensitivities, communication differences, anxiety, and social stigma can make everyday outings feel overwhelming or inaccessible.
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Here’s how a service dog enhances access:
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Reduces Social Attention and Anxiety
When a service dog is present, the initial attention often shifts to the dog—not the individual—making outings feel less intimidating. This “social buffer” helps reduce anxiety and encourages more confidence in public. -
Promotes Positive Interactions
Research shows that people accompanied by service dogs are more likely to receive smiles, conversations, and welcoming responses—supporting broader inclusion and fostering social opportunities. -
Facilitates Independence and Participation
Service dog handlers report being able to attend school, community events, and recreational outings more easily, enhancing independence and quality of life calm.
PRESSURE
DEEP PRESSURE
The use of deep pressure can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and support regulation in stressful situations. Our dogs are trained to give and receive varying levels of deep pressure through several different tasks. These tasks are commonly used to help prevent or manage dysregulation and heightened states of stress.
INTERRUPT
INTERRUPTING OR REDIRECTING
Our dogs are trained to gently interrupt or redirect an individual when cued by the primary handler. These tasks can help interrupt potentially harmful actions, provide a subtle shift in focus, and serve as a prompt for engagement or communication.
GROUNDING
FOCUS AND GROUNDING
​Grounding techniques can help to focus an individual on the present moment, manage overwhelming feelings of anxiety, and regain focus from an intensely emotional state. Our dogs are trained tasks that help to ground an individual through their presence and/or proprioceptive input. Grounding tasks are often used in bed at night and have been found to help with sleep patterns, benefitting both the child and caregiver.
COMMUNICATION
SOCIAL AND COMMUNICATIVE BRIDGE
Many individuals with autism and related disabilites experience challenges with communication, which can impact their ability to engage socially. Research shows that the presence of a dog can increase positive social behaviors in children with communication-related disabilities. Our dogs are trained in specific tasks designed to promote connection, encourage interaction, and support communication.
​INHERENT BENEFITS
INDEPENDENCE & QUALITY OF LIFE
A service dog inherently promotes independence and a better quality of life by:
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Acting as an unconditional and non-judgmental friend
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Teaching concepts such as empathy, compassion, and patience
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Promoting independence and empowerment
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Increasing a sense of responsibility
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Improving motor skills and increasing physical activity
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Improving the quality of sleep for the child and parents
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Providing a social bridge to connect with the community and decrease isolation
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Encouraging communication and new vocabulary
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Reducing stress hormones
REFERENCES
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Kerri E Rodriguez 1, Jessica Bibbo 1, Marguerite E O’Haire 1. The effects of service dogs on psychosocial health and wellbeing for individuals with physical disabilities or chronic conditions
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Joanne K Singleton. Benefits of Being Teamed with a Service Dog for Individuals Living with Visible and Invisible Disabilities
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Burrows, K. E., & Adams, C. L. (2005). Evaluating the benefits of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorders.
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Burrows, K. E., Adams, C. L., & Spiers, J. (2008b). Sentinels of safety: Service dogs ensure safety and enhance freedom and well-being for families with autistic children.
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O'Haire et. al (2013). Social Behaviors Increase in Children with Autism in the Presence of Animals Compared to Toys.
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Viau R et al. (2010). Effect of Service Dogs on Salivary Cortisol Secretion in Autistic Children.
SEE OUR SERVICE DOGS IN ACTION
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Program Update
Our service dog application period is currently closed, and we don’t have a set reopening date.
Stay in the loop!
Join our interest list, and we’ll email you as soon as new opportunities open up.
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New to service dogs?
Join our free online Service Dog Infurmation Hour with Executive Director Laura Sylvester. You’ll learn how to decide if a service dog is right for your family, what to expect, and important considerations to guide your journey.