Smart Service Dog

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Smart Service Dog

We a NPO Charity helping handlers get service dogs. Smart Service Dog trains and places fully prepared service dogs with approved disabled recipients.
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Smart Service Dogs was established in 2019. We train and place fully trained service dogs with approved recipients who are disabled. Both children and adults. As an Association of Assistance Dogs Southern Africa accredited organization, our training practices are held to a high standard. Our dogs go through several training training courses before they are ready to service someone with a disabilit

y and help regain their independence. It is with this dedication to our recipients and their dogs that we are able to change lives, one dog at a time. We Have Training Facilities around South Africa:
Durban Head Office
Pretoria
Midrand
Sedgefield
Mosselbay
Cape Town

21/08/2025

Guide for the corret protocol when seeing a Guide or Assistance Dog.

Guide dogs and assitance animals are more commonly recognized today and are often seen with their handlers in a variety of public spaces and daily life activities.
These highly trained animals are essential to their handler’s safety, independence, and quality of life. They have undergone specialized training and certification to support their human, and it is important that we interact with them in ways that respect the critical role they play.

For more reading pop over to our blog page and read further on this article or several others.

https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/b3f76fc29ef

18/08/2025

Please stand behind us with this Bill to change laws for Guide and .Assistance Dogs.

🐾 EVERY HERO DESERVES ACCESS

Assistance animals are more than companions, they are lifelines that restore independence and dignity to people with disabilities. Yet too many are still denied access to public spaces, restaurants, and transport.
The DA is taking action. Our Private Member’s Bill will protect the fundamental right of people with disabilities to access public spaces with their assistance animals.
Your voice matters. 💬

Have you or someone you know been turned away because of an assistance animal? We want to hear from you. Share your experiences, both positive and challenging, to help us build the strongest possible case for this legislation.
Together, we can break down barriers and build an inclusive South Africa. 🌍

📧 Share your story: [email protected]

14/08/2025

"The emotional toll on assistance dog handlers is also considerable, leading to feelings of exclusion, anxiety, and frustration. This is exacerbated by the need to continually advocate for their rights before receiving equal treatment" visit our website for more information https://smartservicedog.co.za

11/08/2025

This Month is International Guide and Assistance Dog Month 🐾

My name is Buddy, I'm a Golden Retriever puppy born 2 months ago.

All month, we're celebrating the extraordinary work of guide and assistance dogs and especially the unique role that autism assistance dogs play in supporting autistic individuals and their families.

At Smart Service Dog, we train dogs to perform life-enhancing tasks like:
🔹 Deep pressure therapy
🔹 Medication reminders
🔹 Retrieving dropped or essential items
🔹 Interrupting self-harm
🔹 Responding to meltdowns with calm, trained support

Every dog is trained with care, compassion, and a deep respect for the needs of each handler.

💙 Join us throughout the month as we share real stories, community voices, and insights into what makes these partnerships so vital.

Want to support our work or learn more?
Visit https://smartservicedog.co.za/ or mobile 0812704672

08/08/2025

The Paws for Access report published by International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International has highlighted the ongoing challenges Assistance Dog handlers face globally when it comes to exercising their legal right to access public spaces. Despite laws in place across Australia and many other countries protecting these rights, discrimination is still occurring at an alarming rate.

Here’s what the report found:
🚫 43% of Guide and Assistance Dog handlers globally were refused access to a public place in the last 12 months.
📊 In Australia, the figure is even higher—58% of handlers experienced public access refusal within the past year.
😟 40% of survey participants said they had considered avoiding public areas due to previous negative experiences.
🚕 56% reported access issues when using transport options such as taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and even public transport.
🐾 65% of respondents had experienced interference from untrained or fake Guide or Assistance Dogs including biting, lunging, or snapping, which can create anxiety, danger, and further barriers for legitimate Guide and Assistance Dog teams.

These numbers highlight just how much more awareness and education is needed in the community—especially among business owners and frontline staff. Access refusal not only breaks the law but also limits independence, safety, and quality of life for people living with disability. 🧡

Please feel free to contact us regarding assisting you.

07/08/2025

It’s International Assistance Dog Week 🐾❤️⁠
⁠
A time to celebrate the dogs that change lives, and to raise awareness about the importance of public access for assistance dog teams ⁠
⁠
At Smart Service Dogs our guide and assistance dogs support our clients every day — helping them regain independence, confidence, and connection.⁠
⁠
But access matters. Denying entry to a trained assistance dog doesn’t just break the law — it breaks trust, dignity, and progress.⁠
⁠
Read more about why access is vital 👉 https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/ec85bf466f7

06/08/2025

This year’s , we aim to also provide awareness of HOW to support in your community .
Remember to follow these simple rules to make sure that Assistance Dogs can continue working hard with their family:

✅ Don’t pet them if they are wearing a jacket.
✅ Don’t feed them, even if they are giving you puppy dog eyes
✅ Talk directly to the handler/family if you are interested in knowing more about service dogs

Find out more about Smart Service Dog Heroes and how you can support drop us a message on whatsapp 0681528266 or an email: [email protected]

04/08/2025

Happy International Service Dog Day! Today, we recognize the exceptional service dogs who make an extraordinary impact in the lives of people with disabilities. Whether they’re offering guidance, alerting to medical needs, or assisting with daily tasks, these four-legged heroes inspire independence and confidence every day.

If you’re a handler, advocate, or simply an admirer of these amazing animals, help us spread the word! Post a picture of your service dog or share a memorable service dog story in the comments—or tag us using . Let’s work together toward a world that’s accessible and inclusive for everyone.

A heartfelt thank you to every service dog and their dedicated handler for their invaluable contributions! 🐾

29/07/2025

DID YOU KNOW ?

Transportation poses significant challenges for assistance dog handlers. 56% of respondents globally experienced refusals in taxis or rideshares such as Uber and Lyft. Guide dog handlers reported even higher refusal rates at 63%. And very worryingly, 40% of assistance dog users said they avoided going out at all due to past refusals.

Please help us educate people and businesses regarding the rights of assistance dogs and their guardians.

Feel free to contact us at Smart Service Dog to assist you or to give a talk at your school or business.

Mobile 0812704672 Office 0878221144

28/07/2025

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How much training does a guide dog have?

From birth, guide dog puppies go through early development and puppy raising programs full of play, relationship-building skills, and exposure to environments that Guide Dogs should be comfortable in.

At around 16 months old, they then undertake approximately 4-6 months of formal guide dog training, which includes assessments to meet public access criteria as well as the IGDF standards.

Even with all this training and socialisation a number of dogs are withdrawn or career-changed before qualifying as a guide dog.

If you want to find out more, visit our website: .https://smartservicedog.co.za/

21/07/2025

Applications are now Open To All Programs!

For the first time ever, we’re opening applications for all disciplines of Dog Guide programs at once — including Guide Hearing, Service, Autism Assistance, Seizure Response and Diabetes Alert.

We’re accepting only 20 applications total for the rest of the year 2025.

Thinking of applying? Check out the link in our bio to learn more about each program and review the Discovery Packages.

Start your Dog Guide journey today.

21/07/2025

A massive shout out to for helping Huckleberry Finn and Leane on their journey to OR Tambo Airport from Durban.

We so glad that our handlers and their dogs are always in such safe hands when travelling with

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https://smartservicedog.co.za/

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