Service Dogs Worksheet for 10-Year-Olds | Science, Social Studies & English

Instructions

1. Read each section carefully.
2. Complete the questions in order. The activities begin with facts and become more challenging.
3. Use complete sentences when asked. If you need help, use the hints.
4. Remember: Service dogs are working animals. Always ask the handler before interacting with one.

Mission: Learn About Service Dogs

You are part of the Service Dog Support Team. Your mission is to learn how service dogs help people, how they are trained, and how everyone can respect their important work.

1. What Is a Service Dog?

A service dog is specially trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. The dog may help with movement, balance, hearing, medical needs, or other daily activities.

Circle the best answer.

1. A service dog is trained mainly to:

   a. Perform helpful tasks for a person with a disability
   b. Entertain people at a park
   c. Find lost toys
   d. Win dog shows

2. Which activity is most likely a service-dog task?

   a. Bringing a dropped object to its handler
   b. Chasing squirrels
   c. Barking at every visitor
   d. Playing fetch all day

3. Why should people avoid distracting a service dog while it is working?

   a. The dog might forget its training and miss an important task.
   b. The dog does not like walking.
   c. The dog is always asleep.
   d. The handler wants everyone to be silent.

2. Match the Dog to the Task

Write the correct letter on each line. Some tasks may fit more than one type of service dog.

A. Guide dog
B. Hearing dog
C. Mobility-assistance dog
D. Medical-alert dog

1. _____ Helps a person notice a doorbell, alarm, or someone calling.

2. _____ Helps a person avoid obstacles while walking.

3. _____ May alert a person to a change in their body, such as a medical emergency.

4. _____ May retrieve objects, open a door, or help with balance.

3. True or False?

Write True or False. If the statement is false, rewrite it correctly.

1. _____ A service dog is a pet that has learned a few fun tricks.

Correction: ____

2. _____ A service dog may wear a vest, but its training and tasks are more important than its clothing.

Correction: ____

3. _____ It is polite to pet a service dog without asking.

Correction: ____

4. _____ Service dogs can help people participate more independently in everyday life.

Correction: ____

4. Observe, Think, and Record

Read the example row. Then complete the chart with ways a service dog might help.

Hint: Think about hearing sounds, finding objects, opening doors, crossing safely, getting help, or noticing medical changes.

5. Respectful Choices

For each situation, circle the best choice.

1. You see a dog wearing a working vest in a store.

   a. Call the dog loudly.
   b. Ask the handler before interacting with the dog.
   c. Offer the dog food.
   d. Touch the dog's tail.

2. A service dog is lying quietly beside its handler.

   a. Leave the dog alone unless the handler gives permission.
   b. Take a picture with a flash.
   c. Try to make the dog play.
   d. Stand in front of the dog.

3. A friend says, “That dog is so cute! Let’s pet it.” You should say:

   a. “Yes, working dogs should always be petted.”
   b. “Let’s ask the handler first and accept the answer.”
   c. “Let’s give it a snack.”
   d. “Let’s call its name until it looks at us.”

6. Put the Training Steps in Order

Number the steps from 1 to 5. Think about how a trainer teaches a new skill.

_____ The dog practices the skill in many safe places.

_____ The trainer rewards the dog for the correct behavior.

_____ The dog learns basic behaviors such as sit, stay, and come.

_____ The trainer identifies a task that could help the person.

_____ The dog and handler practice working together.

7. Scenario Challenge

Maya is visiting a library. She sees a service dog wearing a vest. The dog is standing beside its handler. Maya wants to say hello, but she notices that the handler is using a ramp and carrying several books.

Answer in complete sentences.

1. What should Maya do first?

2. Why might distracting the dog be unsafe or unhelpful?

3. Write one respectful sentence Maya could say to the handler.

8. Separate Fact from Opinion

Write F for fact or O for opinion.

1. _____ Service dogs receive special training.

2. _____ Every dog would enjoy working as a service dog.

3. _____ Service dogs can perform different tasks for different people.

4. _____ Service dogs are the most amazing dogs in the world.

5. _____ People should not distract a service dog while it is working.

9. Write Like a Service-Dog Expert

Write a short paragraph explaining why service dogs are important. Include:

• One task a service dog may perform
• One way the task helps a person
• One respectful behavior people should use

Optional Challenge: Design a Helpful Task

Imagine that a person needs help with one everyday activity. Do not name or describe a real person's private medical information.

1. What everyday activity could be difficult?

2. What task could a service dog be trained to perform?

3. How would this task help the person be safer or more independent?

Reflection

One new fact I learned is:

One respectful action I can take around a working dog is:

Answer Key

1. What Is a Service Dog?

1. a. Perform helpful tasks for a person with a disability
2. a. Bringing a dropped object to its handler
3. a. The dog might forget its training and miss an important task.

2. Match the Dog to the Task

1. B. Hearing dog
2. A. Guide dog
3. D. Medical-alert dog
4. C. Mobility-assistance dog

3. True or False?

1. False. A service dog is specially trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.
2. True.
3. False. People should ask the handler before interacting with a service dog, and they should respect the handler's answer.
4. True.

4. Observe, Think, and Record

Answers will vary. Accept reasonable examples, such as:

• A person hears an alarm: The dog alerts the person to the sound. This helps the person know what is happening.
• A person cannot easily reach a light switch: The dog turns the switch on or off. This helps the person control the light.
• A person drops a phone: The dog retrieves it. This helps the person avoid bending or asking for help.
• A person needs help opening a door: The dog opens the door. This helps the person enter or leave safely.
• A person has a medical condition: The dog alerts the person to a possible medical change. This may help the person respond quickly.

5. Respectful Choices

1. b. Ask the handler before interacting with the dog.
2. a. Leave the dog alone unless the handler gives permission.
3. b. “Let’s ask the handler first and accept the answer.”

6. Put the Training Steps in Order

1. The dog learns basic behaviors such as sit, stay, and come.
2. The trainer identifies a task that could help the person.
3. The trainer rewards the dog for the correct behavior.
4. The dog practices the skill in many safe places.
5. The dog and handler practice working together.

7. Scenario Challenge

1. Maya should give the handler and dog space and ask the handler politely before interacting.
2. Distracting the dog could cause it to miss an important task or make it harder for the handler to move safely.
3. Answers will vary. Example: “Would you like any help with the books or ramp?”

8. Separate Fact from Opinion

1. F
2. O
3. F
4. O
5. F

9. Write Like a Service-Dog Expert

Answers will vary. A strong response explains a real service-dog task, how it helps a person, and a respectful behavior such as not petting or feeding the dog without permission.

Optional Challenge: Design a Helpful Task

Answers will vary. The proposed task should be realistic, safe, and connected to helping a person with an everyday activity.

Reflection

Answers will vary.