Dog in the park

[Boski]

I wonder if the dog was being trained. I don't know much about service dogs, but I bet they have to have the ability to be friendly and not get upset if a stranger tries to touch them. Perhaps one way they teach the dog to be used to a lot of strangers is through having a lot of people pet them?

You're right in that they do train this but it's done during the class period and done at pet friendly places, not at WDW.

I'm sure, just like the GAC, there is going to be a small number of people who will abuse the system to get their dog in the park.

 

[fallen_angel727]

We saw it dressed as Leia...If its a therapy dog thats cool...i was just confused i guess because in our area it IS law that ANY service or therapy animal must have clear identification.

 

[jpolak]

Service while being trained or working must wear a vest or some other identifying mark. Just like anything else people will work the system to their advantage. Just do a google search for service animal vests and you could buy any one you want.

 

[writersblock42]

Therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs and you do want people to pet those because the idea is to get them used to strangers having their hands all over the them. I think the best thing to do would be to have children ask before they pet any dog.

 

[Cyrano]

Moving to Resorts

 

[Texas Barbie]

I would think bringing a dog into the parks would tend to limit the theme park experience of the owner. Obviously it could not go on rides, at least the best ones. As long as they are not in restaurants (except service dogs) they would not bother me.

 

[tsme]

I've seen some airports do have dogs go around for people to pet. They are used to help people relax while traveling, since it can be so stressful to fly sometimes. Maybe the dog with the pet me sign was used for that purpose too.
As for a comfort dog, I have anxiety & at times it can be severe. (totally panicked during the morning cattle run to Soarin & had to jump in a quiet spot away from the run to calm myself) I've oftened wished I could bring my little crestie with me everywhere because she makes me feel better. But I don't think a Disney park would be good or fun for her, too many people, too much noise, etc.
Side note: I've been on hold with Disney for 45 min! and still no human, but I am enjoying the music.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Moving to Resorts

Why? What has "dogs in the parks" got to do with Resorts?

 

[Missytara]

Why? What has "dogs in the parks" got to do with Resorts?

I have to agree; it seems like lately this particular moderator has been a bit over the top.

Feel free to "ding" me.

 

[asta]

This is just crazy. One of my daughters was attacked by a dog and is extremely afraid to be around them. If she encounters one she would need more emotional assistance than any dog could help. It would totally upset her if a dog came close or really anywhere near her.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I just wonder how anxious people handled life before dogs became welcome everywhere. I don't doubt that some need them but many seem to self-diagnose or just want their pup with them. It's annoying but I don't see what can be done.

This.

What about ppl who have severe allergies to dogs? How is their stress addressed?

If I see a dog in a pool, I'll be speaking to a manager.

There are other ways to deal with stress. Stay home and chill with your dog comes to mind.

Seizure dogs are different and likely comprise very few of the dogs you see everywhere now.

 

[kaytieeldr]

This is just crazy. One of my daughters was attacked by a dog and is extremely afraid to be around them. If she encounters one she would need more emotional assistance than any dog could help. It would totally upset her if a dog came close or really anywhere near her.

A service dog wouldn't approach her. A service dog is well-trained. A service dog/animal
is covered by the ADA. It's the dogs that aren't covered, that aren't trained or well-behaved, that concern me.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have to agree; it seems like lately this particular moderator has been a bit over the top.

Feel free to "ding" me.

I thought about inviting an infraction; then I figured if this board's Moderators feel my other post deserves one, they'll give it to me whether I ask or not.

 

[paintnolish]

We actually talked with a lady in Epcot with a service dog. She was sitting on a bench with a small dog on her lap. She asked the kids if they wanted to pet it and proceeded to tell us the dog could detect her seizures. Pretty cool

 

[asta]

A service dog wouldn't approach her. A service dog is well-trained. A service dog/animal
is covered by the ADA. It's the dogs that aren't covered, that aren't trained or well-behaved, that concern me.

If they are harnessed and tightly controlled I might be able to talk her down. It would still make for some very miserable moments for her. To her dogs are still animals capable of inflicting pain. What concerns me is that I seem to be hearing about people with dogs just sitting in people's laps. No way would that be OK.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

asta, no properly trained service dog will attack anyone unless that dog sees a very clear danger to itself or possibly it's owner. If she's afraid, she just needs to stay away from the dog, it's that simple.

 

[asta]

asta, no properly trained service dog will attack anyone unless that dog sees a very clear danger to itself or possibly it's owner. If she's afraid, she just needs to stay away from the dog, it's that simple.

She can try and stay away but I'm afraid with the crowds at WDW it might not be her choice. You can sometimes get jostled around in the crowds. I can see someone being pushed during parades, exits or outdoor shows. If you are pushed toward one of these dogs or it's owner, how do they know that you are not a threat? And I have had conversations with people here who have talked about hitting people with their ECVs because they deserve it for getting in the way. How do we know a dog would not be used likewise? It may not seem like much to a dog person but it is a terrifying thought to people who have bad experiences with dogs.

 

[Sammie]

There are many types of dogs that assist humans, sadly also many humans will find a way to take advantage and bring a pet and pass it off as an assistance dog.

I have a friend that trains DAD, Dogs that assist diabetics.

These dogs never work without a vest showing they are a dog at work. They would never growl or be anything except extremely well behaved.

This is a grey area with the resorts and people know that.

To me bringing a dog that calms your blood pressure is not a service dog.

 

[Threeboysandachickie]

I have a searing eye dog. We travel quite a bit. Here are my thoughts.

1. I have an ADA identification card that I am asked to provide proof of, even when my dog us wearing his guide dog harness

2. These dogs are trained to hold their bathroom duties for hours, and you are trained as a responsible owner to always use the correct "facilities" the use of a potty pad in public makes me sick. If a blind person can manage to find and pick up their dogs #2, you can find the dog potty area. There are set aside areas for this need!

3. I travel to Florida quite often, but I leave my dog in the comfy air conditioning. I use my cane or my children as my guide. I would never risk his safety by burning his feet or overheating just to take him to a park where he would be mauled by people, scared by loud fireworks, and left in a kennel while I rode a ride. This is irresponsible pet care.

4. The dog in the pool is just ridiculous. They should have been kicked out of the resort and that person should not be aloud to own a "therapy/service" dog. I would have reported them to a manager. Use your in room bathtub if your dog is hot.

5. Those teaching your children never to approach a working animal YOU are correct. If my dog was distracted by children I could run into something. Never let your child approach an animal, even if we are "just" sitting at a bench. Please don't ask to pet my dog, if one child sees your child petting him, they will approach in droves. It is hard to tell a child no, especially when the parent has already started petting.


Many people do not respect service dogs and their owners, this thread is a reason why. I had to be trained for 4 weeks before I could bring my dog home. One week of that training was public behavior and "rules" of society.

Feel free to ask any questions.

 

[dizneekrazee]

She can try and stay away but I'm afraid with the crowds at WDW it might not be her choice. You can sometimes get jostled around in the crowds. I can see someone being pushed during parades, exits or outdoor shows. If you are pushed toward one of these dogs or it's owner, how do they know that you are not a threat? And I have had conversations with people here who have talked about hitting people with their ECVs because they deserve it for getting in the way. How do we know a dog would not be used likewise? It may not seem like much to a dog person but it is a terrifying thought to people who have bad experiences with dogs.

I have to agree with this. My DS14 was just nipped by a dog when he was about 4 or 5. It was my dads dog. A friendly dog. My son was riding his scooter and got too close to my dad as he was turning/flipping the scooter around. Dog took that as a threat, and nipped hard enough to draw blood, at my sons ankle. Dogs are animals, you just don't know. And yes, we are animal lovers, and have a dog of our own, same breed that bit him, too. A pitbull.

A friend of mines daughter was bit in the face by her own dog around 2 or 3, she grew up being terrified of dogs even getting near her.

The service/therapy/etc dog may not attack her, but if she is standing somewhere, turns around, and the dog is near her, I see that being a problem for asta & her family.

Now, dog in the pool, that is gross, I would have complained. Let the dog swim in the lake or bathtub if its that important lol.