Service Dogs: To pet or not to pet

Thursday March 31st, 2011

How many of us have ever been out and about and observed a working dog in action? As dog lovers, our first impulse is often to show our respect and admiration by reaching out and petting these wonderful, selfless heroes or to verbally praise them--which is precisely what we should not do!

Remember, a service dog in harness is on the job and needs to focus on his or her duties.

Here are some guidelines to help you when in this situation:

Do not pet, call to, feed, or otherwise distract the dog
If you are in a car, do not honk or call out to the dog
Speak to the person and not to the dog
Do not touch the dog without first asking for and receiving permission. Always respect the handler's wishes
Out of respect for the handler's privacy, do not ask personal questions about the handler's disability
Remember that guide dog teams have the right of way

The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act and State Laws permit guide dogs to go anywhere the public goes. That includes movie theaters, churches, hospitals, concerts, buses and grocery stores.

Service dogs perform an invaluable service for their owners/handlers and deserve our utmost respect!

Tags Beagle, Belgian Malinois, Bloodhound, Border Collie, Breeds General, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, Sporting Dogs, Working Dogs

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	I have a Labradoodle As my service dog and he ready to breed up! why I'm doing this is so other people can get a good breed if you would like to breed up with my service dog please email me at servicedogtaffy@live.com I live in Bremerton, Wa So many people are self-training their own service dog and I would love to make it possible for them. over 1 year ago by Anonymous
	What about educating the public that there are many SD other then a guide or mobility SD. They can be a 2lb. dog trained for whatever the handler needs are. It is about time that the public be made aware of the fact rather then continually hearing, "You are not blind, he can't be a service dog". Better yet, start fining restaurants that refuse to let a SD in because you are not blind or in a wheelchair, as well as being told that you need a state license for a SD. EDUCATE and LIBERATE those of us who suffer these confrontations on a daily basis. over 1 year ago by Anonymous
	We need stronger laws on people that bother a service dog when its on duty! There need to be a law where the person get 5 years in jail and pays you $900 for not leave SD alone. If you think we need a law like this please help by writing your U.S. Senate,Legislative,Representative And also your Governer. Get other to help as well! Let me know what you think? over 1 year ago by Anonymous
	Thank you for getting the Service Dog Etiquette correct!!! I always give my Service Dog, Cody, a release command so he can socialize. They are our best ambassadors, and need to interact with the public to teach about service dogs and disabilities. almost 2 years ago by Anonymous

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