Service Dog Issue- Need Advice

[Friend of a Mouse]

Yesterday my husband and I picked up our first puppy from Leaderdogs for the Blind. We are her puppy raisers and a big part of our job is socializing her to all different situations.

I took her to a local grocery store with me tonight. I took her on a long walk first to tire her out (our organization says a tired puppy is a good puppy.) I made sure she went to the bathroom before we went in and had my clean up supplies with me. I also went at 10:30 at night when almost nobody was there. I had cleared it ahead of time with a manager and Missouri law states that service dogs in training have the same legal rights as fully trained service dogs. She was golden. She sat by my feet while I picked up what I needed, no accidents, did not wander away or approach, and did not bark.

Here's where the issue comes: We got approached by the night manager, and it did not go as well as I hoped. He came up to me and asked, "That is a service dog, right?" Which kind of came out as confrontational, but not a huge deal. I explained she was a guide dog in training. He then said, "Oh, that's okay. Just don't come during peak times." Now, legally, he cannot ask this. He then went on to say, "Well, if you need to have her with you, I understand."

It wasn't a huge deal and I'm not offended, just more worried. Since Missouri laws allow dogs in training, he cannot legally ask us to come during off hours. It was kind of off putting in that it seemed a little confrontational. My biggest concern is that He would make that request of somebody who does have a service dog and offend them or even put the store at risk for a law suit.

I don't necessarily want to get the guy in trouble. I think he just hasn't been informed on how to approach it or what the law is- not surprising. I want to say something and maybe even offer to come talk to the employees about it and service dog law, but I also don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill. I just hate to see the store get in trouble because they asked somebody with a service dog to not come during peak hours.

 

[Escape2Disney]

I have a service dog, and this sort of thing happens to me from time to time. Recently a restaurant manager said I could eat at her establishment but ONLY outside.

I try to start with education. I let them know what the law is and volunteer to train their staff so that there is no confusion in the future. I figure a bit of education can go a long way! If they're rude or still discriminatory after that, then I either leave or stand my ground. It really depends.

In the situation you are explaining, I'd lead with education.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I don't think this is such a big deal. If this is a store you frequently visit, I would speak with the manager and just let him/her know that all employees need to be aware of state law regarding this issue. You might want to carry a copy of the law with you for future situations.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I would agree with the others. You could carry a copy of the law with you, or tell them where to look it up. I probably wouldn't take it further than that unless something else happened, like if he tried to tell you this again or if you were asked to leave.

You'll know when the time is right to take it further if it needs to happen.