Let’s hear it for the dogs!

International Dog Day is a great excuse (not that we need one!) to celebrate our four-legged friends. From pooches to pedigrees, from tiny lapdogs to giant wolfhounds, at Assistance Dogs International (ADI) we’re just crazy for canines. What makes dogs so special? We hounded our very own Top Dog, ADI Board Chair Richard Lord, to unpick his life-long relationship with man’s (and woman’s) best friend.

Have you always had a dog?

I just can’t imagine life without a dog! I got my first one when I was six years old - he was a black mixed breed pup and I had him until I was 18. I’ve had pet dogs most of my life and I currently have a Golden Retriever.

What difference does your dog make in your life?

There’s the old saying: “I wish I could be the man my dog thinks I am!” It’s always good to get home from work or to wake up to a dog that’s so happy to see you. I get out every day for a long walk with my hound - which is great for both of us! And it’s great for meeting new people - when you’re out for a walk people stop for a chat while the dogs sniff each other out. I’ve met many new people thanks to chance encounters when we’re out.

What's the best thing about dogs?

Dogs have so many positive aspects. Their unconditional love, their constancy in the family, their ability to read situations - you name it. They need lots of exercise so they’re great for improving both physical and mental health. And they’re good ice breakers, so you have the opportunity to meet more people. Dogs live to love and please us and they seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to compassion and understanding - and they’re incredibly loyal.

Why is International Dog Day important?

It aims to raise awareness about the millions of dogs around the world which are in a shelter or rescue center. There are a lot of misconceptions about why dogs end up in a rescue centre - most of the time it’s not because they have behavior issues, it’s because their owners either can’t or won’t look after them. At ADI, many of our members take dogs from shelters and train them to be brilliant assistance dogs - they just need to be given a chance.

Why do dogs make the best assistance animals?  

The bond between humans and canines can be traced back 15,000 years and has developed into a mutually beneficial relationship. Dogs are capable of discriminating between positive and negative human facial expressions and will react accordingly. Studies show that both dogs and humans release oxytocin while spending time together. Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone” - it has been shown to have an important role in the formation of a strong social bond.

Which breeds make the best assistance dogs?

Assistance dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but the most popular companion dog breeds also make the best assistance dogs. They tend to be well regarded by the community and people have confidence in them. Often, breeds that are food motivated are easy to train, and you’re looking for those which are just as happy to go for a long walk or to lie down with you to watch TV. A lot of ADI members are members of special breeding programmes, but cross-breeds and rescues can also make fantastic assistance dogs with the right training.

Is it true there is an assistance dog called Lord?

Yes, it is true! Lord is a chocolate Labrador who has been trained as a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) service dog. It’s a great honour to have an assistance dog named after me!

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Richard Lord has been working in the Assistance Dog Industry in Australia for over 18 years. He has been on the Assistance Dogs International board for 14? Years, 9 of those as chairperson.


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