Service Dog Team Etiquette

Vest on = Dog Working

 

 

 How to act around a Service dog:        

• Service Dogs ARE NOT PETS. They are considered Medical Equipment. Do you talk to a wheel chair or cane?

• DO NOT PET the Service Dog. Don’t touch the dog without asking permission first! This is a distraction and may prevent the dog from tending to the human partner.
• DO NOT DISTRACT the Service Dog in any way. Distractions are harmful to the team.
  • Do not call the dog.
  • Do not whistle or make sounds to the dog to get their attention
  • Never feed the dog.
  • Never touch the dog specifically without the handler’s permission
• IGNORE the Service Dog entirely. You’re not being rude if you don’t acknowledge the Service Dog’s presence. They don’t mind. They are used to this when they are working.
• TALK TO THE PERSON, not the service dog.
• DON’T ASSUME about the individual’s intelligence, feelings, or capabilities. Don’t ask about their health issues. They do not ask about yours. You do not need to know this information.
• DO NOT BE AFRAID of the dog. A true service dog has been professionally trained to do their job and have excellent manners.
  • If the dog barks and wants you to follow him/her, then the handler needs help.
  • IF the dog BARKS at you in a menacing way or MISBEHAVES (is not well mannered), these are most likely NOT REAL service dogs.

 

 

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