Service Dogs
Originally service dogs were mainly seeing eye dogs for the blind. Over the years the dog has been known to be of much more service. Now we see dogs being used for drug interdiction, helping locate the lost, identifying the location of the dead, and are also used for military purposes such as locating the enemy and bombs. Today we used dogs to indicate when a person is diabetic, having a stroke, or even a seizure, as well as being used for emotional support for those with PTSD. The lists goes on for their usefulness.
Service dogs are considered working dogs and not mere pets.
Do’s
1. Always ask permission from the owner
2. Remember all disabilities are not seen with the eye
3. Always ask if owner needs assistance
4. If a service dog approaches you without their owner they may be asking you for help. Follow the
service dog and call 911 if needed. Seizure dogs are trained to go get help.
5. If you have a dog with you please keep it away from a service dog. They are working 24/7
6. Remember if you see a “sleeping” service dog sometimes they nap while the owner is sitting for
an extended amount of time. They are still on the job.
7. If a service dog approaches you, sniffs or paws at you notify the owner. It means it is in need of
more training. This is especially true if owner is blind or hearing impaired. If dog is without
owner he is alerting you that their owner needs help. Follow dog and call 911 if needed.
Don’ts
1. Do not pet the dog
2. Do not pat the dog
3. Do not offer the dogs food or snacks, many are on special diets
4. Avoid deliberate actions to get the dogs attention. They are on duty 24/7
5. Do not talk, sing, whistle, or make funny sounds to distract the service dog
6. Do not stare or make eye contact with the dog
7. Do not clap hands or make loud noises around the dog
8. Do not allow your children or your pet to approach a service dog
9. Do not give commands to a service dog
10. Do not ask for a demonstration of the dogs performance. They are not there to entertain you