[quote=@Tsar Gatto]
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever come across a service animal out and about. I don’t personally know anyone who has one. I suppose they’re not as common in England? 

That being said my household has two Labradors and they’re little terrors. Adorable little abyslings. Hard to imagine training them to the standard that would be required to perform such a service, though I’m sure it could be achieved with lots of time and work. 

Are service dogs the same as or similar to guide dogs for the blind? 
[/quote]

As far as I know, service animals are much harder to acquire in the UK because there are stricter laws in place. The US is pretty lax with their laws on service animals, which is both good and bad.

Training really needs to start from the time the dog is puppy and be consistent. Even then, some dogs aren't cut out for service work. They have to have the perfect temperament and intelligence - they can't be little heathens running around, y'know?

Guide dogs are a type of service dog. Service dogs can be psychiatric, mobility assistance, guide dogs, alert dogs, etc.