Morgan (3:15)

Those are great questions. Maybe Hattie and I could help answer them. My name's Morgan, by the way.

Trusty Narrator (3:22)

Hi, Morgan. I'm the trusty narrator, and these are the Smartypants. You can't see them, but they're out there. And now it's time to answer these questions and more as we take a big whiff of science and history on who smarted.

Smarty Pants (3:40)

Who's smart? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun, but who's smart and.

Trusty Narrator (3:58)

Okay, smarty pants. I'm here with my new friend Morgan and her service dog, Hattie. My first question is, how long have service dogs been helping people? Is it A, hundreds of years, B, thousands of years, or C, millions of years? Well, I know it's not millions of years, but is it hundreds or thousands?

Morgan (4:20)

You might be surprised to learn that service dogs have been helping people for thousands of years.

Trusty Narrator (4:26)

Whoa.

Morgan (4:27)

The first service dogs were guides for people who were blind.

Trusty Narrator (4:31)

Question. And I'm not sure how I know this, but I thought the first attempt to train guide dogs happened in a hospital in Paris in 1780.

Morgan (4:41)

Wow. That is a great fact, trusty.

Trusty Narrator (4:43)

So wouldn't that make the answer hundreds of years?

Morgan (4:46)

Yes, but that's only the first known attempt to train them. Found within the ruins of ancient Rome was a mural showing a person with a guide dog.

Trusty Narrator (4:57)

Whoa.

Morgan (4:59)

So it's safe to say service dogs have been around for thousands of years.

Trusty Narrator (5:04)

Wow, that's amazing. Way to go, service dogs. Speaking of going, smarty pants, true or false. A service animal can go anywhere its person goes. The answer is true.

Morgan (5:17)

While some places may have signs that say no pets allowed, a service animal has had special training and performs an important job. And Is much more than just a typical pet. So, according to the law, service animals are allowed to go anywhere its person goes, including hospitals, restaurants, airplanes, schools, or any other place their adult or child person might need to go.

Trusty Narrator (5:45)

And why is that, smarty pants? Well, it's because service dogs assist their person.

Morgan (5:51)

Exactly.

Trusty Narrator (5:52)

But what exactly do service dogs assist with, smartypants? Any ideas? Call some out. Mm.

Morgan (6:00)

Mm.

Trusty Narrator (6:00)

I'm hearing lots of good answers. What do you think, Morgan?

Morgan (6:04)

I think the smarty pants get it. But for anyone who isn't sure, a service animal can do many different things for its person, including hearing assistance, picking up items, help walking or moving, health alerts, and help with emotional and mental health.

Trusty Narrator (6:20)

Ah, the last one reminds me. I've also heard the term therapy dogs or therapy animals used. Are they the same as service animals?

Morgan (6:29)

Not quite. Therapy dogs, just like service dogs, work with a human partner. They may visit people in hospitals, schools, assisted living, or residential facilities to provide support and comfort and cheer people up. They sometimes visit libraries to help children practice reading out loud. But therapy animals are generally pets with only very basic training. Service dogs are highly trained to perform a single function to assist someone with a specific disability.

Trusty Narrator (6:59)

Gotcha. So while therapy dogs may may be invited into certain places for periods of time, they don't have full legal access to go anywhere like a service dog can.

Morgan (7:10)

Exactly.

Trusty Narrator (7:11)

Now wait. Sometimes I've said service dogs, and sometimes I've said service animals. Smarty pants, True or false? Only dogs can be service animals. The answer, of course, is false.

Morgan (7:26)

While dogs may be what most people picture when they think of a service animal, other animals can be trained to help people. Besides dogs, other animals that can be service animals include cats, meow. And horses.

Trusty Narrator (7:44)

Horses. Not that I don't love horses, but don't service animals go anywhere its person goes? I can't imagine many buildings that a horse would fit in.

Morgan (7:52)

True. But you might be forgetting about miniature horses. Some miniature horses work as guide horses. They do the same job as a guide dog, helping people who cannot see. And their small size allows them to go anywhere their person goes.

Trusty Narrator (8:10)

That's amazing. Go service horses.

Morgan (8:14)

Because guide horses may need to walk on gravel sidewalks or streets, they often wear hard rubber shoes to keep them from slipping. But there is a way that large horses can help people, too. Some organizations allow people to ride horses for therapy. This type of program trains the people who will be working with the horses, sets up lesson plans for riding therapy sessions, and visits the stables where people will be riding to make sure the conditions are safe for everyone. Both Human and animal.

Trusty Narrator (8:52)

Sounds like service animals do all kinds of work. But what needs to happen before a service animal can start working? Smarty pants? Do you know? Yeah, me neither. Morgan, what can you tell us?

Morgan (9:04)

Well, one of the first things that needs to happen before an animal can even start training to be a service animal is a visit to the vet. The vet will make sure the animal is healthy enough to work. Whether that means visiting people in hospitals or staying with a person to help them every day makes sense.

Trusty Narrator (9:23)

Just like people, animals will definitely do their job better when they are feeling their best.

Morgan (9:28)

They will need to keep seeing the vet throughout their lives to make sure they are healthy. They must also be kept clean, which means regular grooming and baths. And of course, they need to only eat good, healthy food.

Trusty Narrator (9:44)

Same goes for trusty narrators. Smartypants, how soon do you think a service animal starts working? Is it A, as soon as it is born, B, as soon as it is adopted by its person, or C, after having lots of specialized training? Why, of course it's C. Service animals need lots of specialized training before they can start working. But how does that work?

Morgan (10:09)

Well, sometimes people can tell shortly after an animal is born that they might make a good service animal. Some dog breeders offer puppies that show potential to a school for service dogs.

Trusty Narrator (10:22)

Right. So would you say all service animals start training when they are babies?

Morgan (10:27)

Most do, but some start when they are a little older. Texas Hearing and Service Dogs in Dripping Springs, Texas, adopts TR dogs from rescue groups and shelters and trains them. But for things like guide dogs, that training starts early and is very intense and focused. And then even when they are working, many service animals still need to practice their skills to make sure they are doing a good job.

Trusty Narrator (10:53)

That just goes to show that everyone needs to practice. Smarty pants. So do service animals work for their entire lives? What do you think, smarty pants? Yes or no?

Morgan (11:04)

The answer is no. Just like humans, when they get older, service animals retire.

Trusty Narrator (11:11)

Aw, Smartypants. What does a service animal do when it retires? Does it A, enjoy life as a pet, B, help train another service animal, or C, enjoy some new hobbies?

Morgan (11:24)

If you said A or B, you're right. When a service animal retires, it may enjoy life as a pet, free from work but still getting a lot of love. But if its person needs a new service animal, it may help train the new animal to work with that person.

Trusty Narrator (11:41)

Wow, that's so cool. As for enjoying new hobbies, that sounds like something humans are more likely to do when they retire. After all, you don't see too many animals playing pickleball. But on a more serious note, what happens when a retired service dog can't stay with its person anymore?

Morgan (11:58)

In that case, it will have a career change and get placed as a pet. There's a great organization called Canine Companions for Independence. They train dogs to help people who need physical assistance. They also have something called career change dogs.

Trusty Narrator (12:14)

Smarty pants. In case you didn't know, career is just another word for job.

Morgan (12:19)

These dogs need a change of job either because they retired from being service dogs or because they didn't pass the health screening or training program. When this happens, they can go back to the people who raised them, or they can be offered up for adoption so they can enjoy life as a pet without having to work.

Trusty Narrator (12:38)

That also probably means they don't have to get dressed. Smartypants, if you were paying attention earlier, you'll know the answer to this question. What does a service animal wear to let people know that it's working? Is it a hat, a vest, or special shoes? The answer, of course, is a vest. If you ever see any animal wearing a vest, that means it's working and you shouldn't distract it from its job.

Morgan (13:02)

When Hattie has his vest on, he's doing his job. But when it's off, he likes the same things other dogs do. He loves to play in the dog park with his friends and he loves treats. He also likes cuddles when he's not working. And after a long day of work, Hattie does what anyone would do. Just like you might be tired after a long day of school, sports or activities, service animals need their sleep after a long day of work.

Trusty Narrator (13:36)

I know I need my sleep after a long day of narrating. And let's just say not everyone can be a narrator. Which reminds me of two more questions I have. One, can only certain dog breeds train to be guide dogs? And two, are there any jobs that any breed of dog or any other animal train to do to help people?

Morgan (13:56)

Ooh, great questions, Trusty.

Trusty Narrator (13:59)

Great. And we'll find out the answers right after this quick break and a word from our sponsors. Hey there homeschool parents. Trusty here and wow.

Morgan (14:11)

February.

Trusty Narrator (14:13)

Am I right? The days are short, the calendar is packed, and you want to keep learning, consistent and moving towards spring goals without more stress for you or your kids. That is where IXL comes in. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling. It offers interactive personalized practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. Whether your kids need to reinforce a tricky concept or they're ready to zoom ahead, IXL handles the heavy lifting at your kid's pace, including immediate and simple explanations of anything they get wrong so you don't have to be an expert on, well, everything. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and who SmartEd listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when you sign up today at www.ixl.com smarted. Visit www.ixl.com smartEd to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Hey smarty friends trusty here. Are you looking for another kids and family podcast that's combines humor with learning in a way that captivates? Then check out welcome to Hope Springs. It is the newest audio drama from the Augustan Institute, the award winning team behind the adventures of Nick and Sam and the Trials of St Patrick. Set in the fictional mountain town of Hope Springs, the story follows a close group of friends who spend their days at the old depot, a newly restored train station, until an innocent prank sparks a mystery that stretches across the entire town. Created by award winning writer Paul McCusker, it's packed with humor, adventure and really thoughtful moments of friendship, courage and faith. It's the kind of show that sparks imagination without screens and it's perfect for listening together in the car or at home. Don't miss out. Follow welcome to Hope Springs on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you're listening.

Will Harris (16:21)

Now let's do this.

Stephen Curry (16:23)

From the artist that made K Pop, Demon Hunters and Spider Verse.

Will Harris (16:27)

I'm Will Harris and I'm the first small to play professional professional roar ball with the fiercest animals in the most dangerous stadiums.

Stephen Curry (16:33)

And producer Stephen Curry.

Morgan (16:34)

You don't belong here.

Smarty Pants (16:35)

You're too small.

Will Harris (16:37)

Wanna bet?

Stephen Curry (16:38)

You're never too small. Let me show you what I got to dream big.

Will Harris (16:41)

Well, just go night night goat.

Smarty Pants (16:44)

I need to hear it.

Will Harris (16:46)

You goats are real.

Smarty Pants (16:48)

I like it.

Stephen Curry (16:49)

Ready PG Parental guidance suggested only in theaters Thursday.

Trusty Narrator (16:53)

Now back to who Smarted? Okay, let's take the questions one at a time. First, can only certain dog breeds train to be guide dogs for blind people? What do you think, Smartypants? Yes or no?

Morgan (17:07)

The answer is yes. Guide dogs are usually Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, or a mix of these breeds.

Trusty Narrator (17:18)

I see. And why were those breeds chosen?

Morgan (17:21)

These breeds were chosen because they're breeds of a dog that are both a good size for guide dog work and are usually smart, hard working and easy to train.

Trusty Narrator (17:33)

Aw. Like Hattie, who's a yellow Labrador retriever. Good boy, Hattie. Good boy.

Morgan (17:38)

However, other breeds of dogs or even other animals can be service animals. For example, any breed of dog can be a hearing ear dog as long as the dog is good tempered and smart.

Trusty Narrator (17:50)

And for the record, a hearing ear dog is a dog that helps a deaf person. And that makes sense about needing a smart animal who listens, follows directions and isn't mean.

Morgan (18:01)

Yep. Even though service animals need to be taught how to do their jobs before they can start working, it's important to start with an animal that is smart, nice, and easy to train.

Trusty Narrator (18:13)

Besides getting a clean bill of health from the vet, what else happens before the training starts?

Morgan (18:17)

The animal will need to pass a test.

Trusty Narrator (18:20)

Smarty pants, what kind of test do you think the animal needs to pass? Is it A multiple choice, B, true or false, or C, obedience? If you said C obedience, you're right. Obedience means that the animal understands directions from its person and can follow them. Those of you who have pets at home know this is sometimes easier for some animals than others. I'm pretty sure my cat would not do too well on an obedience test. What are some of the directions a service animal needs to be able to follow?

Morgan (18:55)

Obviously, commands like come and heal, which means walking calmly next to its person. A service animal also might need to be trained to wake its person up in the morning. How does that happen exactly the way you're thinking.

Trusty Narrator (19:13)

Oh, what a great way to wake up.

Morgan (19:16)

Service animals can also be trained to pick up things from the floor, open doors, alert other people if their person is having a health emergency, and respond to sounds like a smoke alarm or a doorbell. Wow.

Trusty Narrator (19:28)

I didn't know that animals could be trained to do so many awesome things for people. Thank you, Morgan and Hattie, for helping me learn about service animals. Say, as a way to say thanks, can I buy you a slice of pizza?

Morgan (19:39)

I would, but Hattie has to get back to work.

Trusty Narrator (19:44)

Next time. Good boy, Hattie. Good boy. A super duper double shout out to smarty fans. Emily and Maxwell in Chula Vista, California. Thanks so much for smarting with whosmarted and letting us know how much you love learning fun facts that you didn't know before. Especially about using poop as hockey pucks. Yep, I guess we did do that. Thanks. U2 this episode Service animals was written by Sarah Sweetiek and voiced by Melissa Del Toro Schaffner and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Hahn. Our associate producer is Max Kamaski. The theme song is by Brian Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis. Who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production.