There are some key characteristics that separate therapy and service dogs, and some people are learning the difference as more and more dogs who provide various types of support come to Moose Jaw.

Therapy dogs are different than service dogs because strangers are able to approach them and pet them, without distracting them from their specified duties.

Gary Overs, owner of Gary Overs Kenneling and Obedience, detailed one key thing not to do with service dogs.

"The dogs actually working and even when we as the public might not think the dog is working and by offering it food and petting we are distracting it from what the owner needs that dog to do for them."

Therapy dogs do lots for the community as they help not only individuals but larger groups as well.

"There is many many reasons for therapy dogs nervousness high anxiety etc," Overs said. "Therapy dogs go into schools and to old folks homes, and maybe children read to them in schools... they do a wonderful service and put a lot of smiles onto faces."

Therapy dogs also are focused more on the emotional side of humans.

Overs also added that it's important to know the difference between these two types of training and what behavior is appropriate with each. While both dogs are working, service dogs work in a vital capacity in the sense that their work could be in protecting and keeping a person safe.