3 Important Reasons to Ignore My Service Dog!
Mobility Dog Service Dog Team, Roxy and Natalie
When meeting a Service Dog Team, it’s critical to understand WHY it’s better to focus on the person (AKA handler), not the dog.
Keep reading to learn more.
Service dogs play a crucial role in the lives of many individuals with disabilities, providing irreplaceable support and enabling greater independence. However, despite the increasing visibility of service dog teams, there remains a lack of public understanding regarding how to interact appropriately with these teams. One of the most important guidelines is that people should focus on the handler and not the dog.
This principle is a matter of respect and essential for the service dog to perform its duties effectively without distractions.
Mobility Service Dog Team and MobilityDog Founder, Janie Heinrich
The Role of Service Dogs
Service dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are working animals, not pets! These incredible working dogs are trained to perform specific tasks related to the handler’s disability. These tasks can range from guiding individuals who are blind to alerting those who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, fetching items, alerting to an impending seizure, or providing support during an anxiety attack.
Service dogs undergo rigorous training to learn how to perform their tasks reliably in various environments. This training often takes several months or even years and involves teaching the dog to remain focused and calm in all situations. Any distractions can hinder the dog’s ability to do its job, compromising the handler's safety.
Please Ignore My Service Dog: Here’s Why
One of the most common mistakes people make when encountering a service dog team is paying attention to the dog rather than the handler. While it’s natural to be drawn to a dog, especially one that is well-behaved and working, it’s crucial to remember the dog is on duty! Interacting with the dog can divert its attention away from its tasks, which can be dangerous for the handler.
When a service dog is distracted, even momentarily, it might miss a critical signal or fail to perform a task essential to the handler's well-being. For example, if a dog is trained to alert its handler to changes in blood sugar levels, a distraction could delay the alert, putting the handler’s health at risk. Similarly, distractions could lead to an unwanted accident.
A Mobility Service Dog in Training with Handler
Focus on the Handler
So, what is the best way to support a working service dog team? Use the three tips below.
Acknowledge the handler and respect their space and autonomy. This is vital.
If you need to interact with the handler, ask a question, or offer assistance, direct your communication to them, not the dog.
The service dog is an extension of the handler, and treating the handler as the primary point of contact acknowledges and respects their independence and the importance of their working relationship with the dog.
Also remember:
Service dog handlers are not obligated to explain their disability or their dogs' specific tasks. Asking personal questions or requesting to pet the dog is intrusive and can be uncomfortable for the handler. If you must interact, keep your questions or comments brief, relevant, and directed at the handler.
Young Woman Petting a Service Dog
Foster an Inclusive and Supportive Environment!
Understanding and respecting the dynamics of service dog teams is essential for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
By focusing on the handler and avoiding distractions to the dog, you can help ensure every service dog can perform their crucial roles effectively.
Remember, service dogs are not pets; they are working animals whose primary responsibility is to their handler and their safety.
Your awareness and respect can make a significant difference in the lives of those who rely on these incredible animals.
All images Courtesy: MobilityDog.org
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