Service dog etiquette
From Service Dog Training
A guide for the general public on interacting politely with service dog users.
-Don't pet a service dog. It is never appropriate to randomly pet a service dog. It is distracting to the dog and annoying to the handler. If you feel you must pet the dog, ask first, but don't be surprised when you are told no.
-Don't let your children pet a service dog. See above for why. In fact, to be on the safe side, teach your children not to pet any strange dog without asking first. This could save your child's life or face some day.
-Don't let your dog chase, jump on, bite or otherwise harass a service dog. In many states, if your dog causes damage to a service dog you may face criminal charges as well as be forced to pay for the service dog's medical care or replacement. It only takes one dog attack to render some service dogs unable to return to work for physical or behavioral reasons. One of the most common reasons for the early retirement of a service dog is traumatic stress caused by a dog attack. Don't let your dog be the one that destroys another person's link to independence and freedom.
-Don't whistle at, call to or attempt to distract a service dog from its work. Especially don't growl or bark at the dog. This can be terribly distracting to both the dog and owner, and there is no reason or situation in which this type of behavior would be acceptable. Needless to say, it's pretty common.
-Don't feed a service dog without permission regardless of whether it is on or off duty. Many service dog users prefer to feed their dog themselves to maintain the dog-handler bond. Some dogs also have allergies or sensitivities to specific foods and need a special diet. In addition, feeding a dog table food can contribute to obesity which is very dangerous in dogs.
-Speak to the dog user, not the dog. Not only will it do you no good to ask questions at a dog, it is very rude to the handler.
-Try to contain your staring. I understand the double-take, for many people it isn't an everyday occurrence to see a dog in a public building. But please, don't stand and stare or point. As dog users, we know we stand out. It doesn't need to be pointed out to us any more. In addition, please teach your children not to stare.
-In a like vein, the screams of "Oooh, doggie!" get old. Really old. It's understandable from really young kids (cause sometimes they say really funny things), but older kids should be taught not to scream at people, and adults really should know better. Chances are, we've heard your quips before, and we'd just like to be left alone.
-If don't appear to be busy, feel free to ask us questions, but be prepared to be told that we are busy/don't have time to talk/don't feel like talking. Please refrain from interrupting our meals, phone calls and conversations to tell us how cute our dog is. We know, and we are busy.
-Please do ask me about how to get a service dog if you or someone close to you needs one! Having a service dog has given me a great amount of freedom and I am happy to give information to others that may benefit from this. In addition, if you are with a person that is developmentally disabled, or with a child that is afraid of dogs and I am not busy, I may be able to introduce them to the dog if I have time to spare. I personally feel it is very important for everyone to learn not to be afraid of service dogs (including small children) and the proper way to approach a dog when given permission.
-If you run into me and my service dog in a public place and you have allergies please tell me! I don't wish harm on anyone and I will do my best to keep my distance in a reasonable fashion. With cooperation, we can usually work out a way to enjoy the same public accommodation at the same time that is comfortable to both of us. For instance, if I enter a restaurant and am seated near you, tell me you are allergic to dogs and I will do everything in my power to be seated somewhere else. Same holds true for airplanes. However, do not expect me or my dog to leave because you are present! I have just as much of a right to be in a public place with my service dog as anyone else. Courtesy and respect go a long way.
