Mobility assistance dog

Roles include "providing balance and stability"[1] picking up and carrying objects, pulling wheelchairs, opening and closing doors, and operating light switches.

[2] Mobility assistance dogs can have significant positive impacts on the lives of their handlers.

Many US programs limit "wheelchair pulling" to short straight distances, most commonly for assistance getting in and out of a crosswalk.

One study has found that using the traction provided by the service dog has physical benefits because manual wheelchair users can operate their chairs with less effort.

[5] It can also be helpful for those with symptoms of proprioceptive sensory loss, such as an inability to walk in a straight line.