What is your overall research topic?
This study’s topic is the use and training of mobility service dogs in the USA.
Background Source
This website is dedicated to promoting the use of mobility assistance dogs in the USA. Some website pages are devoted to participation and volunteering; others describe the interaction of mobility service dogs and a human partner. It also describes dog breeds, which have a calm temperament and are smart and trainable enough to help people with disabilities. It is noted that any person who has physical or mental illnesses from the list can contact the site’s service and get a mobility assistance dog. In this case, the volunteers will select a puppy and start preparing him, teaching him special commands and practices, depending on a particular person’s needs. Therefore, a person will have to wait until the dog undergoes training, which can take up to 1-2 years. Next, a dog that already has special skills gets to know its human partner.
The most popular breeds are Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Poodle, and Labradoodle. It is noteworthy that poodles are less commonly used as mobility service dogs. Still, they are the only dog breed suitable for allergy sufferers, since they practically do not shed. Besides, special attention in the article is paid to a guide dog’s functions and relationship with a human partner. It is noted that dogs help open doors, pick up objects, ensure stability when walking, help wheelchair users to handle a stroller. Mobility service dogs also have excellent potential for human socialization, improve humans’ moods and mental state. Therefore, the article notes that a person should be attentive, responsive, and kind to the dog, take time to play with it, communicate with the dog, express gratitude and say praises, and reward the dog with tasty treats.
The source is highly credible, as the information provided was obtained first-hand by volunteers. The site contains a service dog volunteer program, in which anyone can participate, and there is also a button for donations. Located in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, Canine Partners for Life has a dog training center and media hub.
The site has a lot of information on the topic, and it gives a comprehensive overview of the practice of teaching and using mobility service dogs in the USA. Various articles on the site illuminate the research question from different angles. The topics presented provide direction for research in such areas as relations of mobility service dogs and human partners, the benefits and difficulties associated with service mobility dogs.
How have you narrowed your research topic?
Due to the study of the presented source, the research topic was narrowed down. The new topic is Benefits and difficulties in the interaction of mobility service dogs and human partners.
Write at least one open-ended research question based on your narrowed topic
Besides, one interesting question to make more detailed research might be the accessibility issue. Pets are usually not allowed in many shops and other public places. According to the law, this rule does not apply to mobility service dogs. However, people may encounter problems, for example, when trying to shop with a dog. Not all security guards or shopkeepers realize that a ban on the presence of a mobility service dog is illegal. Therefore, the research question will be: What are the ways to raise awareness of employees in shops and public institutions about free admission for mobility service dogs?
What are some specific kinds of information that you will need to find to answer your research question?
It will be necessary to find a study on the topic, a law indicating the rights of people with disabilities who use mobility service dogs, a website dedicated to protecting people with disabilities. Information from an encyclopedia, which describes the characteristics of Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Labradoodles, will also be of great help.
What keywords have you identified for further searching?
Keywords: mobility service dogs, accessibility, legislation, disabled people, rights, free admission, human partner, mobility assistance dogs, guide dogs.
Work Cited
“Mobility Assistance Dogs.” Canine Partners for Life, n.d., Web.