How To Act Around Service Dogs in Public (Even If You Have Heart Emoji Eyes)
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 can signal an imminent seizure or blood sugar change and a psychiatric service dog might be used to interrupt a panic attack or dissociative episode. These are just a few ways in which a service dog might empower their person and enable more independence.
Having worked as a service dog trainer, I can attest to the intensive effort poured into training, matching and facilitating the success of a working service dog team. I’ve spent a lot of time training in public places-from restaurants to train stations to grocery stores-so I have personal experience with the challenges that sometimes arise from public interest in service dogs.
As with any partnership, practice and refinement continues throughout the entire working relationship of a service dog and their person. Although the benefits of having a service dog are numerous, the extra attention can be unwanted and even disruptive. You’ve probably had the experience of being interrupted while trying to concentrate on a task, or you’ve faced unwanted personal questions, or you’ve simply had a time when you didn’t feel like socializing. Service dog teams face increased attention nearly every time they leave the house. While service dog owners may sometimes be happy to talk about their dogs, this should be a matter of choice… not public demand.
Tips to help respect the important work of service dogs
No matter how well-trained, service dogs still have normal canine inclinations and instincts. A service dog has to contend with loud sounds, desirable smells, fascinating people and animals all while completing service tasks. The service dog owner must manage and help direct the service dog, while also dealing with the personal needs associated with their disability.
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.
