{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Leading the Way: Guiding Eyes, Ears, Noses, and Beyond (Part 2)","description":"In this second installment of guide dog history, we introduce you to a new generation of service dogs and the growing, often unexpected, range of breeds being deployed. Today, in every part of the world service dogs are being trained and certified to guide the visually and hearing impaired. As scientists explore new frontiers in canine capabilities, evidence suggests that dogs can modify their behavior when a human\u2019s biochemistry changes. This incredible olfactory sense offers humans yet another reason to appreciate, admire, and adore the canine counterparts who stay by their side in service.   Bonafide Bits: Sorry, triviaphiles but Timmy never fell down a well on Lassie\u2019s watch. In 1938, an engineer who was hard of hearing relied on his canine pal, Rags, to know when the city water station pumps started and stopped. In 1976, college students in Massachusetts began training dogs as four-legged prosthetic \u201cears\u201d for human handlers. On July 26, 1990, President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which gave widespread accessibility to service dogs. In 2018, the non-profit, Medical Mutts, trained five dogs to identify and respond to the scent of someone who is having, or just experienced, a seizure.   Featured Breeds: Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever, an exuberant Scottish gundog of great beauty, stands among America\u2019s most popular dog breeds. They are serious workers at hunting and fieldwork, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work. Discover more about Golden Retrievers at AKC\u2019s Golden Retriever Breed Biography.   Labrador Retriever The sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever is America\u2019s most popular dog breed. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog. Labs are famously friendly. They are companionable housemates who bond with the whole family, and they socialize well with neighbor dogs and humans alike. But don\u2019t mistake his easy-going personality for low energy: The Lab is an enthusiastic athlete that requires lots of exercise like swimming and marathon games of fetch, to keep physically and mentally fit. Discover more about Labrador Retrievers at AKC\u2019s Labrador Retriever Breed Biography.   German Shepherd Dog There are many reasons why German Shepherd Dogs stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherd Dogs will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there\u2019s a \u201ccertain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.\u201d Discover more about German Shepherd Dogs at AKC\u2019s German Shepherd Dog Breed Biography.   Doberman Pinscher Sleek and powerful, possessing both a magnificent physique and keen intelligence, the Doberman Pinscher is one of dogkind\u2019s noblemen. This incomparably fearless and vigilant breed stands proudly among the world\u2019s finest protection dogs. Discover more about Doberman Pinschers at AKC\u2019s Doberman Pinscher Breed Biography.   Collie The majestic Collie, thanks to a hundred years as a pop-culture star, is among the world\u2019s most recognizable and beloved dog breeds. The full-coated \u201crough\u201d Collie is the more familiar variety, but there is also a sleek \u201csmooth\u201d Collie. Discover more about Collies at AKC\u2019s Collie Breed Biography.   Shetland Sheepdog (aka Sheltie) Shelties bear a strong family resemblance to their bigger cousin, the Collie. The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, active, and agile herding dog standing between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder. The long coat is harsh and straight, with a dense undercoat, and comes in black, blue merle, and sable, with white markings. Discover more about Shelties at AKC\u2019s Sheltie Breed Biography.   Boston Terrier The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion recognized by his tight tuxedo jacket, sporty but compact body, and the friendly glow in his big, round eyes. His impeccable manners have earned him the nickname \u201cThe American Gentleman.\u201d Discover more about Boston Terriers at AKC\u2019s Boston Terrier Breed Biography.   Chihuahua The Chihuahua is a balanced, graceful dog of terrier-like demeanor, weighing no more than six pounds. The rounded \u201capple\u201d head is a breed hallmark. The erect ears and full, luminous eyes are acutely expressive. Coats come in many colors and patterns and can be long or short. The varieties are identical except for the coat. Chihuahuas possess loyalty, charm, and a big-dog attitude. Even tiny dogs require training, and without it, this clever scamp will rule your household like a little Napoleon. Compact and confident, Chihuahuas are ideal city pets. They are too small for roughhousing with kids, and special care must be taken in cold weather, but Chihuahuas are adaptable as long as they get lots of quality time in their preferred lap. Discover more about Chihuahuas at AKC\u2019s Chihuahua Breed Biography.   Akita Akitas are burly, heavy-boned spitz-type dogs of imposing stature. Standing 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder, Akitas have a dense coat that comes in several colors, including white. The head is broad and massive and is balanced in the rear by a full, curled-over tail. The erect ears and dark, shining eyes contribute to an expression of alertness, a hallmark of the breed. Akitas are quiet, fastidious dogs. Wary of strangers and often intolerant of other animals, Akitas will gladly share their silly, affectionate side with family and friends. They thrive on human companionship. The large, independent-thinking Akita is hardwired for protecting those they love. They must be well-socialized from birth with people and other dogs. Discover more about Akitas at AKC\u2019s Akita Breed Biography.   Pembroke Welsh Corgi Among the most agreeable of all small house dogs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a strong, athletic, and lively little herder who is affectionate and companionable without being needy. They are one of the world's most popular herding breeds. Discover more about Pembroke Welsh Corgis at AKC\u2019s Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Biography.   For more information about a specific breed visit the breed\u2019s parent club or AKC.org.   Shareables: Dogs can be trained to sense a growing list of health conditions including the onset of seizures, heart attacks, and strokes. It is a myth that humans discovered the potential of hearing dogs in the 1970s. Hearing dogs have been in service for generations. No technology exists that can replicate the vast range of the canine sense of smell. Because dogs are just that awesome. ","author_name":"Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/about\/down-and-back-akc-podcast\/","html":"