Do not stare. This is considered rude behavior and makes anyone feel uncomfortable. Staring
a dog down is a sign of aggression in dog language. Since most service dogs are trained to protect their handlers staring
a dog down could be asking for major trouble.
Do not bark, kiss, whistle or baby talk at a service dog. This can distract a service dog. Whereas
service dogs are well trained they are still dogs and can occasionally loose their focus when people do silly things like
this.
Do not ask the person what their disability is. You have no legal right to ask that.
Do not demand to see paperwork on the service dog. You have no legal right to ask that.
Do not let your kids run up to pet the dog. Again this is rude behavior and children need to be taught
to be respectful. This behavior can also be very dangerous when kids run up to some unknown dog on the street.
Do not grab at the service dog. Man handling a service dog is considered asault and is punishable
by law.
Do not tell the person that they dont look disabled therefore this can not be a service dog. Just
because a person does not have any outward signs of being disabled does NOT mean that they are not disabled in some way.
Do not tell the person that their service dog can not possibly be a service dog due to its breed or size.
Both large and small breeds of all kinds are being used today as service dogs.
Do not tell the person they can not be in the place of business. A service dog team has every
right in the world to be anywhere you can be by law.
Do not tell the person that they have to leave because you have allergies to dogs. As above they have
every right to be there just as you do.
Do not try to take retrieved items away from the service dog.
This is interfering with the service dogs ability to perform its tasks for the handler and again can be
considered asault which is punishable by law.
Do not try to purposfully distract the service dog while it is working. Service dogs are doing a very
important job for their owners. If distracted too much it may become detrimental to the very health of the handler.
Do not interfer in any way with the duties the service dog is performing. Once again this person relies
on this dog to help them with everyday tasks and when interfering you upset that persons ability to live life normally.
Do not interfer with the training or correction of a behavior that a handler may be doing with their
service dog. By saying "Oh its ok if they jump on me or do that. I am used to it." you are encouraging the
dog to continue the unwanted behavior and making it more difficult for the handler to train away from that behavior.
Do not try to feed or water a service dog. This is the handlers responsibility. They are aware
of their service dogs and their needs. Some dogs require a special diet and by feeding or watering a dog you could disrupt
a dogs sensitive system.
You may ask to pet the service dog. However remember this dog is working and the handler does not
have to allow you to pet the dog.
You may compliment the handler on their dog and its training if it is appropriate.
You may talk to the person about service dogs. Sometimes handlers are more than willing to help teach
people about service dogs. However, here again the handler may not have the time available to talk to you or even want
to go into that conversation and you should not get upset about it. And as always do NOT ask about their disability.
If the handler wants to share they will.
* NOTE: Just because a service dog may look like it is not working, does not mean it is not.
