In a rapidly advancing world, smart technology can offer solutions for various challenges faced by people with disabilities. This raises some interesting questions: Could technology replace some tasks traditionally done by service dogs? How could service dogs and modern technology work together to offer better assistance?
Making Daily Tasks Easier:
One of the biggest advantages of smart technology is its ability to simplify daily activities. Take light control, for instance: Turning lights on and off can be physically demanding for service dogs. Using a device like Alexa to manage lighting is not only convenient for the individual but also eases the strain on the service dog. From apps that alert a caregiver when help is needed to smart canes that alert blind people to above-ground obstacles, smart devices can perform tasks that were once solely the domain of service dogs.
Furthermore, there are tasks where technology has clear advantages over service dogs. For example, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are medically approved devices that alert users to blood sugar changes. While research on diabetic alert dogs is mixed, the consensus suggests that dogs might not always be reliable in this regard. Similarly, there isn’t substantial research supporting dogs’ ability to reliably detect heart rate changes, but smartwatches can handle this task efficiently. In the realm of nightmare interruption, a device called Nightware is clinically supported and FDA-approved to disrupt nightmares without waking the individual. Additionally, technologies like AngelSense—a GPS device—allow parents and caregivers to track and communicate with someone who might have wandered off.
Smart Backup:
Despite the rapid growth of technology, there are moments it could be insufficient. In these instances, the reliability of service dogs proves invaluable. Service dogs can be trained to perform alerts complementing tech devices like CGMs and smartwatches. For example, the Embrace watch notifies caregivers of a seizure in the wearer. A service dog can be trained to respond to such alerts by nudging caregivers, barking or retrieving medication, ensuring timely assistance.
Complementing Smart Tech Tasks:
Service dogs can also learn tasks that work in tandem with technology. They can be trained to respond to alerts from smart devices. If a smartwatch alarm signals an individual to take their medication, a service dog can nudge the person or fetch the medication in reaction to the alarm. Service dogs can be trained to respond to a range of smart technology alarms, tailoring their reactions to the individual’s requirements.
Tech Supporting Service Dog Training:
Smart technology can also augment the training of service dogs. Devices that monitor heart rate, detect blood sugar changes or alert to allergens can give crucial feedback on the precision of a dog’s alert. This insight can streamline the training process and enhance the accuracy of the trained alerts.
As technology progresses, it becomes increasingly important for service dog trainers to stay updated on the latest developments. While they don’t need to transform into tech gurus, a foundational knowledge of emerging smart devices and their synergy with service dog training is essential. It can be beneficial for service dog trainers to develop relationships with assistive technology specialists, who often have the most up-to-date knowledge regarding the ways technology can benefit people with disabilities. The trainer, the client and the technology specialist can work in collaboration with healthcare and rehabilitation professionals to determine the best ways to meet their disability needs.
