Service dogs help people with disabilities participate in daily life. They carry out various tasks depending on their owner’s (or handler’s) needs. For example, if their handler is blind, they act like their eyes and guide them. If their handler is deaf, a service dog might alert them when they hear certain sounds.
You can tell a dog is a service dog because it usually wears a harness instead of a leash. Service dogs do not need to wear a vest or an ID tag to identify them, but many do to avoid confusion.
Dogs get special training to work as service dogs. Their job is very important. That’s why you have to practice proper service dog etiquette around them.
The Super Important Job of Service Dogs
Different types of service dogs help out their handlers in different ways. Here are some examples.
- Guide Dogs: Guide dogs help handlers who are blind or have trouble seeing. They guide them around so they don’t get injured and know where they are going.
- Hearing Dogs: Hearing dogs are used for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They alert their handlers when they hear certain sounds, such as alarms, or when someone is approaching.
- Psychiatric Dogs: Sometimes, people have mental health issues that make it difficult for them to adjust to society. Service dogs calm these handlers down and can guide them away from things that make them anxious.
- Mobility Assistance Dogs: People with injuries or conditions that affect their mobility may use a service dog to help them get around. Handlers will use the dog’s harness to support them. Dogs can also help these people sit down and stand up.
- Diabetic Alert Dogs: Some dogs are so alert they can tell when their handler’s blood sugar is too high or too low. That’s a common problem for diabetics. When dogs detect something wrong, they can get their handlers to take a shot or eat something so their blood sugar returns to normal.
- Seizure Alert Dogs: People with epilepsy sometimes have seizures that can lead to injuries. Service dogs can call for help when their handler has a seizure. They can also keep them safe during a seizure or stop it early.
A service dog has a big job, and it needs to focus. If you pet it, it may lose its concentration, and the handler can get hurt.
Why Petting Seems Fun (But Isn’t Okay)
You may wonder if it’s illegal to pet a service dog. It’s not, but it’s not advisable either.
Like most dogs, service dogs are very cute. You may want to pet them, but you should know this isn’t okay.
It’s not that the dog or handler doesn’t like you. The dog may like you too much, and it can become distracted if you pet it and stop paying attention to its handler.
So what happens if they don’t pay attention to their handler? Their handler could get hurt. They could fall, become anxious, have a seizure, or have to be treated for low blood sugar.
How to Be a Service Dog Superhero
Knowing how to act around a service animal isn’t easy. But if you follow the rules, you’ll be a service dog superhero. You will ensure handlers stay safe; the dog will be thankful for that.
So, what should you do if you see a service dog? Here are some rules to follow:
- Don’t Pet the Dog: If you really want to pet the dog, ask the handler first. But don’t be offended if they say no.
- Don’t Distract the Dog: Don’t make noises or gestures that cause a dog to lose focus on its job, and don’t try to feed the dog, either.
- Give Dogs and Handlers the Right of Way: If you see a service dog and their handler coming, make way for them to pass. Allow them to move without obstacles.
- Treat Everyone with Respect: Never ask a handler about their disabilities. A handler may not look disabled, but if they are with a service dog, there’s probably a reason for it.
- Don’t Stare or Point: Staring and pointing are considered rude.
If a service dog approaches you without their owner, it may need help. Stop what you’re doing, follow the dog, find out what’s happening, and call 911 if necessary.
Once you know how to be a service dog superhero, you can teach your friends about service dogs. Tell them how to act around service dogs. Let them know about service dog etiquette.
Fun Ways to Help Without Petting
If you love service dogs, there are plenty of fun ways to help them without petting. For example, you can:
- Educate Others About Service Dogs: Teach your friends and family about service dog etiquette. You can even post about treating service dogs and handlers respectfully using social media.
- Fundraise for Service Dog Organizations: Several organizations support service dogs and their handlers. They may connect handlers with service dogs or raise awareness of service dog rights. Consider fundraising for them by offering a DIY carwash, selling lemonade, or asking friends and neighbors to donate.
- Volunteer Opportunities for Kids and Families: Organizations that help service dogs and handlers may even let you volunteer. Find out how you and your friends and family can lend a hand.
Conclusion
Working service dogs should not be pet or distracted. It’s important not to make them lose focus. Let them do their jobs and keep their handlers safe.
Now that you know service dog etiquette, spread the word. Teach others how to behave around service dogs. If you want to volunteer, Justice Speaks is always looking for help.
With the right information, you can be a service dog ally. How will you get started?
