Registered emotional support dog allowed?

[JanaDee]

Very simply....people lie to get what they want. You can go online, pay a few hundred dollars and get paperwork, and a vest, to 'prove' your dog is a service/emotional support dog. And that's the problem right there. Or, you get people that think of their dogs as their 'babies' and take them everywhere..doesn't matter that the dog isn't well behaved or disciplined!
I love dogs..have a 3 month old golden retriever sitting in his crate waiting for breakfast! And I certainly know that there are a ton of hard working service dogs...giving wonderful support to their 'human'. And there are true emotional support dogs out there..dogs (as well as other animals) that have had special training to be of help to their 'human'. They have had obedience training and can go most places.

The people that are making it so hard for others are those that lie about their dogs...simply because they can't leave them behind while they go places. And those places could be WDW or the neighborhood grocery store! We have signage up all over our town that states dogs are not allowed on town property..this would obviously include the schools. But when there is any kind of event at a school, outside? You should see the number of dogs. Go to a football game and there they are..and they aren't well behaved! Not sure why they're there.....the dog certainly isn't happy.

I doubt anyone here has any issue with a dog that is doing a job...be it for a physical or emotional issue. We would just be happier if that animal was actually trained for that job and had received proper behaviour training. Actually? All dogs should have training..just for good manners.
Off to work with my pup!!! He needs lots of training!!

 

[Magpie]

Dog brush against clothing and that is enough to get hair on them. Service dogs are a different situation. If I walked into a doctors office and saw a dog that was obviously not a service animal I would complain to the doctor. The same at a pharmacy. My bank keep dog biscuits by the drive through for dogs in the cars. There are places meant for humans and places meant for dogs.

1. You can't tell by looking at a dog whether it's a service dog or not. (Although, yes, it's highly unlikely the elderly, blind dog was currently working as one!)

2. Obviously, the culture in my town is very different from yours. As I mentioned above, it's not uncommon to see shop dogs - dogs actually owned by the shops and residing on premises. And our bank keeps dog biscuits at the counter.

3. Do you have a strong car culture? My town is all about walking/bussing. We have no drive-thrus at our banks or restaurants. Parking is limited in my neighbourhood. And on any given day, you'll see a lot of people out with their dogs.

Yes, there are places for humans and places for dogs, but in my town they overlap considerably. The only place dogs are absolutely forbidden is anywhere there's food prep going on. So, for example, in the bookstore, the dog can't go behind the counter, because that's where the cookies are kept and the coffee is brewed. But legally the rest of the store is fine, assuming the owner is okay with it.

 

[goofy4tink]

How exactly was that poor old thing a "safety hazard"? Was it blocking a fire exit? What if it had been a suitcase on the floor? Or a child? Would you have considered those a safety hazard, too?

Doctor's offices don't serve food, so they are not legally required to ban dogs (in my area, anyway). It's their choice whether or not to allow dogs in. I had to pick up some paperwork for my children's school last spring, and the doctor's office is a good walk from my place. So, when I was on the phone with the receptionist, I asked, "Can I bring my dog to the office?"

She said, "Of course! I love dogs!"

So, my dog got a nice walk, and when we arrived, I brought her in with me and we sat in one of the chairs for a few minutes until the receptionist could get our paperwork together. I collected it, she said hi to the dog, and we were on our way.

Would I bring my dog to a physical? No. Because I'd be unable to control her from an examination table, in the event she needed controlling.

But she does accompany me wherever she's allowed to go, and I do check beforehand. She goes into banks, and bookstores, and clothing shops. She's waited with me at the hairdresser's when my friend was having her hair done. She used to go into the pharmacy, but some lady with a big unruly dog ruined it for everyone. The staff were very sad when the rules changed.

I do not leave her tied up outside, because she's too friendly. She would walk off with anyone who so much as said hi to her.

While I don't understand the need to bring a dog to the bank, the hairdressers, bookstores and various other shops, if each establishment allows it then fine, go for it. BUT....here's the issue. For every well mannered, controlled dog, there are 20 dogs that aren't! They shouldn't be out in society..they have not been given the tools they need to be out in 'civilization'!!! So, if a bookstore (for instance) allows your dog in, the all dogs need to be allowed in. It's going to be hard for a teen-aged clerk to tell the little old lady with the crazed little dog that she has to take her dog out because it's jumping all over people and pooping in the aisles!
If all dogs were trained appropriately, then it would be fine. But sadly, they aren't. And I understand why they aren't. It's hard work..it's repetitive...I'm out with my pup every 90 mins, he has to be crated while he learns about where to do his business. It's a huge pain, but we want a well trained dog that is welcomed wherever he is. Most people can't take that time, or have the patience, to teach proper doggy etiquette!!!

 

[Disney_Princess83]

****

Tell that to the airlines. Yes it is out of control. I posted a link referencing how it is now becoming out of hand because everyone now thinks they can bring their pet on an airplane.

If people are doing the wrong thing, that is one thing. If it's not allowed in the USA, that is one thing. However not everyone who wants to bring their ESD's along is doing so to avoid boarding fees or because they can't stand being away from their beloved pet. I understand the laws there are different and I'm so thankful Australia has the laws that we do, to protect those who need their animals.

 

[goofy4tink]

And, while I haven't read every single response here....I have to ask. What happens when one of those 'emotional' support dogs is brought into MK, and has to do his business? If he hasn't been trained properly (and these are the dogs we're really talking about here), what happens if he just squats and poops? Terrific..now, I would hazard a guess that the owner will probably ignore it and keep on walking. So, some unsuspecting person comes along and well, you know what happens.
And yes, I have actually seen dog poop in a WDW park, believe it or not. I was really amazed to see it!! And yes, I know what it looks like. So, yes, it does happen, albeit not very often I'm sure.

 

[Magpie]

I understand that but just like there are places it's not appropriate to bring my children, there are places it's not appropriate to bring my dog, regardless of if it's permitted.
Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should:

If it's permitted, then it's permitted. Period.

If the owner says, "Yes, bring your dog in!" and hands my dog a biscuit, then I'm sorry but there's nothing you can say that'll convince me it's not appropriate to have my dog in that shop.

It's no different than if I bring my child to a fancy restaurant and the owner whips out a booster seat. I'm going to assume my child is welcome, regardless of how exotic and expensive the food might be.

Actually, two weeks after my first child was born, I brought her to a very nice little Sicilian place. There were no other children in the place (definitely an adult environment!), but the staff were thrilled to see her. They took her back into the kitchen while I (quickly) ate, and offered me a shawl in case I wanted to nurse her. They made a huge deal over her.

A couple months later, that same baby sat on my lap throughout a dental cleaning, staring up into my mouth with rapt fascination. Maybe she didn't belong in there, but the dental assistant didn't mind working around her and she loved the experience.

You never know what's allowed, until you ask.

 

[Magpie]

And, while I haven't read every single response here....I have to ask. What happens when one of those 'emotional' support dogs is brought into MK, and has to do his business? If he hasn't been trained properly (and these are the dogs we're really talking about here), what happens if he just squats and poops? Terrific..now, I would hazard a guess that the owner will probably ignore it and keep on walking. So, some unsuspecting person comes along and well, you know what happens.
And yes, I have actually seen dog poop in a WDW park, believe it or not. I was really amazed to see it!! And yes, I know what it looks like. So, yes, it does happen, albeit not very often I'm sure.

This has already been dealt with, extensively, in this thread. There are marked "rest spots" on park property for dogs to use.

Emotional support dogs do their business exactly the same way service dogs do. And there's no way for you to know whether the dog you saw was a service dog or an ESA, unless you spoke to the owner and asked.

 

[Magpie]

While I don't understand the need to bring a dog to the bank, the hairdressers, bookstores and various other shops, if each establishment allows it then fine, go for it. BUT....here's the issue. For every well mannered, controlled dog, there are 20 dogs that aren't! They shouldn't be out in society..they have not been given the tools they need to be out in 'civilization'!!! So, if a bookstore (for instance) allows your dog in, the all dogs need to be allowed in. It's going to be hard for a teen-aged clerk to tell the little old lady with the crazed little dog that she has to take her dog out because it's jumping all over people and pooping in the aisles!
If all dogs were trained appropriately, then it would be fine. But sadly, they aren't. And I understand why they aren't. It's hard work..it's repetitive...I'm out with my pup every 90 mins, he has to be crated while he learns about where to do his business. It's a huge pain, but we want a well trained dog that is welcomed wherever he is. Most people can't take that time, or have the patience, to teach proper doggy etiquette!!!

It's not a need. It's simply good for her to get out and walk, and it's nice for both of us to have a destination and be able to get some errands done at the same time.

I agree that badly trained or aggressive dogs should not be out in public. But most shop owners will indeed ban specific individuals and their dogs from the store if they can't control the animal. The bookstore, for example, had certain dogs it wouldn't allow in, because they'd behaved badly in the past. The customer was politely but firmly asked to leave the dog outside.

Teenaged clerks are a minority around here, except in grocery stores. Most shop staff are adults, and quite capable of handling difficult customers.

In my experience, the badly socialized dogs are not the majority. I'd say for every unmannered, out of control dog, there are at least 20 who are well-mannered and controlled.

You have my sympathy with the pup! Puppies are a pain and require attention 24/7. We didn't crate ours. Instead she had to stay right next to me or in my lap at all times until she was housetrained. I well remember hearing her whimper in her basket beside our bed at night, scooping her up, and doing the football run out of the house in the middle of the night so she could do her business! It's like having a baby all over again. (Except babies never have you standing in the snow in your slippers at 3am!)

If we get another dog after this one, I think I'll opt for an adult rescue.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

I grew up with a small dog that I treated like a baby, so I understand fondness for pets, but it never occurred to me to take her everywhere. Now, I have a son with a severe dog and cat allergy. I've become a little sensitive because of relatives who refused to keep their darling dog away from DS since their dog was so "friendly" and made him miserable for two days.

I have no issue with service dogs. They have never tried to approach DS and do not leave their dander on every surface, and regardless, they perform a valuable service and DS can be considerate himself and avoid them. I also have no problem with trained dogs who are used for a wide range of physical, psychological, and emotional issues, for example autism or a vet's PTSD.

I also accept that a private business has every right to make whatever rules they want about pets, assuming they follow food safety regulations. I just ask that everyone with a dog who is not a well-trained service animal to remember businesses have good reasons not to allow pets and be considerate of those with allergies, as I make my kids be considerate of those w/ peanut allergies and not take peanut butter to school.

 

[Magpie]

I grew up with a small dog that I treated like a baby, so I understand fondness for pets, but it never occurred to me to take her everywhere. Now, I have a son with a severe dog and cat allergy. I've become a little sensitive because of relatives who refused to keep their darling dog away from DS since their dog was so "friendly" and made him miserable for two days.

I have no issue with service dogs. They have never tried to approach DS and do not leave their dander on every surface, and regardless, they perform a valuable service and DS can be considerate himself and avoid them. I also have no problem with trained dogs who are used for a wide range of physical, psychological, and emotional issues, for example autism or a vet's PTSD.

I also accept that a private business has every right to make whatever rules they want about pets, assuming they follow food safety regulations. I just ask that everyone with a dog who is not a well-trained service animal to remember businesses have good reasons not to allow pets and be considerate of those with allergies, as I make my kids be considerate of those w/ peanut allergies and not take peanut butter to school.

I agree! I would never take my dog anywhere she isn't welcome. And I don't argue, beg or plead when people say "no dogs". If there's a sign on the door, I respect it.

And I'm sorry your relatives didn't respect your son's allergy, and made him sick. My dog is a non-shedding breed, but even with that I don't go shoving her into people's faces. I don't allow her to approach people, of her own accord, ever. Rather, I allow people to approach her, if they want.

Good manners is important, for all creatures.

I never let my kids cry in restaurants, either. The moment they got loud, one of us would take the child outside and sit on the curb with them until they remembered their "restaurant manners".

The peanut thing comes down to, "Are they allowed?" If it's a peanut-free environment, then no. If not, then I won't worry about it. And obviously running around smearing strangers with peanut butter is not allowed, regardless of whether peanuts are permitted or not.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

The peanut thing comes down to, "Are they allowed?" If it's a peanut-free environment, then no. If not, then I won't worry about it. And obviously running around smearing strangers with peanut butter is not allowed, regardless of whether peanuts are permitted or not.

Great post. Exactly. I have a severe peanut allergy, so much that if I touch a door handle with peanut remnants, I'll have a reaction. If someone eats peanuts and breathes near me, I'll react. I take all necessary precautions. Peanuts (or any nuts for that matter) aren't allowed in our home. My uni/college had a Peanut Free Rule. However the real world doesn't work like that. I've had to deal with people sitting next to me eating peanuts (I move) Ohana at dinner is a meal we will never get to. I would love it if I didn't experience these problems. I would love if there was just a ban on nuts and I'd never have to worry about this. However I realise that I can't ask people not to consume nut products and no one has the right to ask someone not to use a Service Animal because they have a phobia or allergy. (not not suggesting you are but some people have hinted at that during this thread)

 

[plumsiren]

ugh nevermind, I give up

 

[Planogirl]

Luckily, we aren't quite as dog-centric here. I agree that dogs are fine in any businesses that welcome them however I don't agree that they should be allowed in clothing stores. We've had dogs in the past that shed like crazy particularly when it's hot here and I really don't want to worry about dog hair being on new clothes.

Other than that and of course inside food establishments, knock yourself out.

 

[brunette8706]

ugh nevermind, I give up

***
I agree, lol! Some people just do not get it. I guess we should ban peanuts next.

 

[FireDancer]

Well this thread took an interesting twist. We have quite a few dog friendly areas around here, including restaurants that do doggie brunches, and we do bring our dogs to some of these places. If the establishment is dog friendly and we are out with the dogs we will bring them in. We do not just bring them into anywhere without asking first and surely don't need to bring them anywhere to provide us emotional support because, well, we aren't nuts.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

The peanut thing comes down to, "Are they allowed?" If it's a peanut-free environment, then no. If not, then I won't worry about it. And obviously running around smearing strangers with peanut butter is not allowed, regardless of whether peanuts are permitted or not.

This is way off topic, but I don't allow them to bring peanut butter to school even though the school allows it because I know there are allergic kids who are away from their moms and their epi pens. However, they may have eaten peanut butter crackers at WDW.

I see nothing wrong with some businesses allowing pets and some not, so long as everyone respects that most businesses do not allow them and doesn't lie to avoid the rules.

 

[Cyrano]

The OP's comment has been given a good airing and time for bed