Service dogs in the United States have long been trained to assist people with numerous different needs, such as PTSD, diabetes or visual impairment.

Now, one University of Missouri researcher is focusing on the bond between humans and animals and looking at the health of service dogs.

“This is a very intertwined relationship,” said Don Cherry, a canine behavior consultant who’s pursuing his PhD in pathobiology. “I think that's really what got me into this – is really wanting to be an advocate for the animals and making sure that we're looking out for them, and kind of making sure that working dogs still get to be dogs – making sure that they're in the right role, making sure that they're not stressed.

Cherry said he hopes to identify what makes a service dog successful – both behavio

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