Schorndorf welcomes assistant dogs: One step to inclusion!

Schorndorf welcomes assistant dogs: One step to inclusion!

In Schorndorf, an important sign of more inclusion has recently been set: Mayor Bernd Hornikel has stated that assistant dogs are welcome in the city's administrative buildings. This decision is very well received by those affected, who rely on the support of their four -legged helpers. A particularly touching example here is the 38-year-old Jennifer Schweder, who is very visually impaired and is familiar with her assistance dog Sammy, a nine-year-old large poodle. Sammy plays a crucial role in her everyday life because it enables her mobility in the city. Schweder himself emphasizes the indispensability of Sammy for her daily activities and the importance that such assistance dogs have for people with disabilities.

But how exactly does the recognition and training of such assistance dogs work? On March 1, 2023, the nationwide assistance dog Ordinance (Ahundv) came into force, which regulates clear requirements for the suitability, training and examination of assistance dogs. This regulation not only ensures a uniform labeling of all assistance dogs, but also provides for a photo ID for people with disabilities to prove the accompaniment by an assistance dog. This recognition is valid up to the age of ten of the dog.

The training of assistance dogs

The training of assistance dogs is no coincidence and requires clear guidelines. Training centers must be approved by technical bodies, which should ensure the quality of the training. People or organizations who want to train assistance dogs must first demonstrate the corresponding requirements in accordance with § 28 Ahundv. These include knowledge of animal protection law, experiences as a dog trainer and first aid knowledge for humans and dogs. The requirements also include regular training courses that are adapted depending on the type of assistance dog.

It is particularly important that the professional suitability in the context of an external admission procedure must be demonstrated. The Deutsche Akreditungsstelle GmbH (DAKKS) plays a central role here because it has the competence to accredit these technical bodies. In addition, individual trainers can also act as training facilities, which increases flexibility in training.

variety of assistance dogs

assistance dogs support people with various disabilities or chronic illnesses in everyday life. A distinction is made between different types of assistant dogs, including guidelines for blind dogs, warning and display dogs or mobility ads. In Germany, estimated around 3,000 assistance dogs are actively deployed, which underlines the importance of these animals. The recognition and promotion of these dogs is a valuable step towards better integration of people with disabilities into society.

In Schorndorf, one shows up and opens the gates for assistance dogs in the administrative buildings. A great step that not only makes the lives of people like Jennifer easier, but also sets a sign that inclusion is very important in the city. As you can see, assistance dogs not only have a place in the hearts of their owners, but also in the public institutions that should be accessible to everyone.

For further information on the training and recognition of assistant dogs, the websites of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs as well as the Ministry for work, health and social affairs nrw Visit.