Correct ettiquete with service animals?

[vhoffman]

I few days ago I was in an office where a man was using a service dog. I think the man was partially sighted, not sure. The dog looked at me while passing by, like he would have liked a head-pet. I deliberately ignored the dog so as not to distract the dog from his job. I've always taught my kids never to pet or play witt a service dog, they're on-duty. However, I felt bad about it later. I didn't want the dog owner to think I was being rude to him. Just what is the proper way to handle a friendly service dog?

 

[Schmeck]

You could ask the owner of the service dog if you could pat the dog - I've seen some people let their dogs be approached by kids and petted, while 'on duty'. Most of the time the dog has to lie down first - maybe that's a signal that the dog is actually 'off duty' then?

 

[LindsayDunn228]

What Schmeck said. I think it's tacky to just approach a service dog and pet it. It's not there for your enjoyment (you in general, not you vhoffman). I think you handled the situation fine.

 

[dclfun]

Actually, it's exhausting and stressful to be asked if your SD can be petted. If I am at Disney, I might be asked this question around 50 times per day. When I say "no" then people are disappointed or appear offended, and when I say "yes" then we have to stop what we're doing, I have to request a "sit" from Skye, and then she must be petted. Once someone petted her who had perfume on their hands, so we had to wash her head since the smell was choking me, let alone bothering her sensitive nose. IMO it's best to ignore a service dog- and this means no talking, no eye contact, and also no putting your hand out to give a dog an invitation to sniff. This is not the same as ignoring the handler. Thanks for asking!---Kathy ( and Skye)

 

[ducklite]

Kathy,

I ignore service dogs when they are working, but if the dog is sitting next to the owner who is also relaxing--perhaps on a bench or just in the shade, in that case is it OK to ask if you can pet the dog? That is the only time that I have done so, because I understand that any other time the dog is working.

(And I don't wear perfume on my hands!)

Anne

 

[Lewisc]

Just what is the proper way to handle a friendly service dog?

In general ignore the dog. Ask the owner if for some reason you need to pet it. Some owners don't want anyone to pet the service animal unless they remove the harness first. That allows the dog to differentiate between "working" and "leisure".

You have it right, it's rude to pet a service animal without asking and even owners get tired of being continually asked if they can pet the dog.

 

[pezter]

Often a service dog, like a wheelchair or other assistance device, is considered part of the owners body. So when you go up and just start petting a SD it is the same as someone coming up to a stranger and running their hands through their hair. Not something most people do.

 

[elwise1966]

Kathy,

I ignore service dogs when they are working, but if the dog is sitting next to the owner who is also relaxing--perhaps on a bench or just in the shade, in that case is it OK to ask if you can pet the dog? That is the only time that I have done so, because I understand that any other time the dog is working.

(And I don't wear perfume on my hands!)

Anne

Good advice here!

Never ever just walk up to a service dog and try to pet it. Especially if the person and the dog are walking. Remember that the dog is actually working and not just out for a walk. This is for his safety and yours (as well as being rude). While most dogs would not do anything, it's possible the dog might feel threatened by you and react accordingly.
If the owner and dog are both sitting and are obviously relaxing, then politely and quietly ask if it's alright to pet the dog, but only once. You might try actually having a conversation with the person as well (people need attention too). Or even ask if dog might need some water (especially in the summer) and most owners carry a collapsible water bowl.
If they say no, then go on about your business. Don't take it personally (they might actually be training the dog to do something new).
Also remember that they get asked this a lot and it is tiresome to repeatedly answer this question. That's why most of them say no.

 

[KPeveler]

i used to help with training seeing eye dogs, and i suggest simply ignoring the dog. you can never tell which dogs are in training and which ones are trained to do specific things.

i think it especially rude to pet a seeing eye dog, rather than another type of service animal, since the blind person does not even know you are there. most bind people consider their dogs an extension of themselves, or their own children. just as a mother would not want you to pet their infant (especially if they cannot see you doing it), i was taught that it would be similarly rude to pet a blind person's animal.

 

[vhoffman]

If I were using a SD I would consider it an invasion of my personal space if people came up and started petting it. Also, asking is rude, because it puts the owner in an awkward position--what if he really doesn't want to say yes but feels bad saying no? The dog is doing a job, not out for a stroll!

I didn't want to pet the friendly SD because I was afraid I would distract it. What if the owner tripped or fell because he depended on the cues from the dog, then it takes a detour to get a head pet? Actually, I thought SD's were trained not to go to people for pets, etc.

I always teach my kids never to appraoch or ask about a SD, nor to make comments -"look at the pretty dog!" It must make the owner self-conscious. I think I handled it ok. Disabled people with their service animals aren't on some sort of parade--let them go about their business like anyone else! Of course, talk to them like anyone else, too!

 

[flying_babyb]

My uncle was blind (he died last year) and used to think it was great when he would go to the park and people would ask if his SD needed a drink. Pesonally I think its respectful to do that

 

[dclfun]

I actually don't like to be asked if my SD can be petted even when we are relaxing. The person asking may not realize how many times I've been asked during the day, and once I allow one person to pet her, other people see that and then also approach for the same thing. Just imagine if you were trying to relax and rest and people kept approaching you wanting to touch you or interact with you...how much relaxation would you actually get? For some dogs who really like people ( mine included) if I allow people to pet her she gets the idea, and rightfully so, that I'm allowing that... and thus she can solicit a pet from people by gazing at them, touching them with her nose, etc. which is unwanted behavior. Dogs are like small children and rely on their handler to set the rules which should be consistent or they won't be followed. It is my fault if Skye misbehaves by approaching people or even paying attention to people vs. her job and even though it might seem "mean" or unfriendly of me not to allow people to pet her, I'm doing it for her own good and ultimately so she can do the work she was trained for. Again, thanks to those who asked. ---Kathy ( and Skye)

 

[lovespoohbear]

the correct thing to do is to ask the handler but i really think its up to the handler what the right ettiquette is. i see that many have differing opinions about ettiquete. for me and my experience i have had many people just come up to shocker and just pet her. after they pet her then they see her sign and say sorry and im like to late boso(sp). i would just liked to be asked if they can pet and depending on how she has been behaving that day i say yes or no. i usually explain that it will destract her if i tell them no if i say yes usually they have questions and i educate them a little.

 

[Hollymom1229]

I typically ignore SD while they are walking or obviously working with their owner. On those occaisions that I see them at rest I will usually comment to the owner what a beautiful dog they have. This has resulted in everything from a simple thank you to a full blown hour long conversation with the owner while getting to pet and play with the SD. This way instead of forcing the person into a yes or no with the "Can I pet" question, I compliment and they set the tone for further interaction.

 

[hvivona]

My mother has been totally blind for 14 years. She has had a guide dog for about 4 years. Her biggest complaint is that people always say "I know I'm not supposed to pet him but I just have to." It drives her crazy. You absolutley did the right thing! Whenever the dog is in harness they are working and are trained to know this. When the harness comes off, they are just like any other dog. I love that you're teaching your children not to pet these animals when they are working. I wish more parents would discuss these things with their children! Great Job!!!

 

[dclfun]

I agree with your Mom! That's my biggest pet peeve...people saying " I know I shouldn't pet her but I just had to". Well, if you know you're not supposed to do something, then why do it! Am I then supposed to laugh and brush off the fact that someone has interrupted our teamwork? I had a grandmother and her grandson follow me all through the buffet line on the Disney Magic one time, with the child whining all the way that he wanted to pet my dog. I just ignored him, however I think the grandmother was putting him behind me so that I could respond vs. her having to educate him about not petting SD's. Finally she told me that her grandson HAD to pet my dog. This was one time when I firmly said, " no, he does not get to pet my dog". I have a thing for not reinforcing children's whining to start with, but the woman could clearly see my dog was concentrating very hard to get us to the doorway so she could open it for me in all the crowds of people carrying trays. I guessed that satisfying this child was more important to her than teaching him some restraint and good manners. Someone once told me that if their dog kept getting unsolicited petting, they were going to respond by petting the person who was doing that to their dog. I dont know what it takes to get people to understand. ---Kathy (and Skye)

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Slightly Off Topic....

I have a progressive muscular disease and now use a whhelchair full time. The following encounter happened about fifteen years ago when I was still walking, though with some difficulty.

I was having breakfast with my wife, who was attending a conference in Washington. When the first session was about to start, the entire restaurant emptied. I said goodby to my wife and I set out to spend the day sightseeing. I set out alone across the restaurant in the isle between the tables. I see, coming towards me, a man with one hand on the hostess' arm and a guide dor on the other side.

I am walking with some difficulty, barely keeping my balance with my cane. There is no way I am getting past the trio approaching me. As they get up to me, I sidestep between two tables to let them pass. The hostess (who looked terrified by her responsibilities) then sat this man (who I assume was blind) at the very table I had stepped behind and then scurried away before I could say anything.

I am now trapped by a table and chairs on three sides and a dog laying on the floor on my fourth side. I also have a total stranger sat right next to me, who appears to be totally unaware of my presence. I decide it would be impolite and unwise given my disabilaty to attempt to step over the dog. I didn't feel able to summarise what had just happened to the gentleman sitting next to me. I had to get out by lifting chairs out of the way and pushing tables aside.

To this day he probably still wonders what all the noise was about!!

Andrew

 

[dclfun]

Andrew- although you were greatly inconvenienced, SD's are trained to be still while people step over them. My Skye can have someone step over her and nearly step on her and do absolutely nothing. I know it would've been impossible for you to do this with balance issues, but for people who can, it's okay to step over a SD. Usually I will ask Skye to move, but there are situations that might arise where someone will have to step over her. ---Kathy

 

[Talking Hands]

I saw what was probably the worst trained service dog today at Lion King. They placed the person who was in a wheelchair right by the area that the sign language interpreters work. The dog was up and down during the entire show and it was really a distraction. My friend has a service dog and she (the dog) remains quiet no matter what is being done around her when she is working. And Skye is very well behaved but not this one.

 

[flying_babyb]

Andrew- although you were greatly inconvenienced, SD's are trained to be still while people step over them. My Skye can have someone step over her and nearly step on her and do absolutely nothing. I know it would've been impossible for you to do this with balance issues, but for people who can, it's okay to step over a SD. Usually I will ask Skye to move, but there are situations that might arise where someone will have to step over her. ---Kathy

Very good to know. Ive been wary of this since I was little and was nearly bit by a SD i was steping over.