Perhaps, you’ve seen a service dog in public and thought, “I wish my dog could go everywhere with me, too”. Well, I’ve spent many hours working with service dogs-in-training in all sorts of places, from restaurants to train stations to grocery stores. While it can be incredibly empowering, the truth is that many challenges face a working dog and handler in public spaces. Even though I still do an internal happy squeal when I see a well-functioning service dog team, I’m also more sensitive to the ways in which public interest (even well-meaning) can be challenging or disruptive.
For people with a variety of disabilities, working with a service dog can enable more freedom and confidence. A service dog might assist someone with a physical disability by retrieving items, opening doors and turning on lights. A seizure or diabetic alert dog may be trained to signal an imminent seizure or low blood sugar, and a psychiatric service dog might be used to interrupt a dissociative episode or soothe a panic attack. These are just a few examples of the incredible tasks that a service dog may do to empower and expand their person’s independence. So, it’ll come as no surprise that much effort goes in to selecting, shaping and training a service dog, followed by the intensive process of matching the service dog and person. Often less appreciated is the fact that service dog teams, like any good partnership, continue to practice and refine throughout their entire working relationship.
Tips to help respect the important work of service dogs
When you see a handler and dog in public, know that they truly are working. You already know how challenging it can be to prevent a pet dog from hoovering something gross off the street or clobbering people with an over-friendly greeting. Well, a service dog has to reign in those canine instincts and ignore loud sounds, desirable smells, fascinating people and animals…all while helping his/her person navigate public areas.
Following these essential tips will prevent you from blundering or interfering with a service dog team.
DON’T touch, speak to or stare at the working dog. As much as you may want to, it is distracting, disrespectful and potentially unsafe to interfere with a working dog team.
DO prevent young kids from doing any of the above. Not only is it good etiquette, it also teaches young children the safe and appropriate way to act around all unknown dogs.
DO respect personal space. Handlers try their best to make sure their service dogs are unobtrusive to others. Give a service dog team a reasonable distance to move around easily and be mindful not to step on tails, paws or leashes.
DON’T assume that the handler wishes to discuss their dog. Remember, this person is just trying to move through their day, too, and may not want to discuss all the amazing tasks their dog can perform. On the other hand, if the handler seems open to conversation, then politely direct your conversation to the person while continuing to give the dog appropriate distance.
DO be aware of the comments that you make in that person’s presence. Being open, curious and respectful, but don’t offer your unsolicited personal beliefs, opinions or commentary. This can make a someone feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.
DON’T ask or demand a diagnosis or description of a person’s disability. If you are in a business establishment and suspect a “fake” service dog- especially if that dog is behaving in a problematic manner- seek out staff or security. A member of staff may legally ask if a dog is a service dog (and what tasks they perform) if there is uncertainty about a dog’s role. Business owners and staff may also request that a service dog be removed if the dog is acting in an uncontrolled, inappropriate or aggressive way.
If your love of service dogs runs deep, why not consider learning more or volunteering with a service dog organization? A great place to start is the informative Assistance Dogs International website, which also has geographical listings for many service dog schools and organizations.