{"id":2628,"date":"2024-01-15T02:54:51","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T02:54:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justice-speaks.org\/?p=2628"},"modified":"2025-11-26T18:37:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T18:37:45","slug":"service-dog-etiquette","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justice-speaks.org\/service-dog-etiquette\/","title":{"rendered":"Service Dog Etiquette"},"content":{"rendered":"

Service dogs and their handlers work as a team to navigate life, and that includes being in public together. When someone sees a dog in public, they may be inclined to pet them or interact with them, but service dogs are focused on doing a job. Petting service dogs could impact their ability to follow commands and may even put their handler in danger. This includes offering them food or treats because they are often on a strict feeding schedule or specific diet. If you want to ask questions, approach and speak to the handler, not the dog. It is important to treat service dogs and their handlers with respect and give them their space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch Sarah Dayton and her service dog Ollie go over some of the dos and don’ts when you encounter a Service Dog Team in public:<\/p>\n

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@chronically.sarahdayton<\/a> <\/p>\n

What to do when you see a Service Dog (or SDiT) team in public. Please do not pet, point at, stare at, make kissy noises, talk to, or distract the Service Dog. By distracting the SD, you are putting the handler at risk. What if the SD misses a medical alert because you were baby talking or making kissy noises at the SD? The handler or SD can get seriously hurt or worse. They can still get distracted- they are dogs after all, not robots. These dogs are our medical equipment, and they have an important job to do. They aren’t there for your entertainment. Would you pet or make kissy noises at a wheelchair? No. Then don’t do it to a SD. If you must ask a question, talk to the handler, not the dog. The best thing you can do is ignore the SD and act like they aren’t there at all. Please be responsible and respectful. Thank you! Please feel free to ask any questions!\ud83d\udc9a #ServiceDogAwareness<\/a> #ServiceDogEducation<\/a> #ServiceDogLaws<\/a> #SD<\/a> #SDiT<\/a> #ServiceDoginTraining<\/a> #ServiceDog<\/a> #MultipurposeServiceDog<\/a> #HandlerTrainedServiceDog<\/a> #MedicalAlertServiceDog<\/a> #ServiceDogCommunity<\/a> #ServiceDogAdvocate<\/a> #ServiceDogGear<\/a> #ServiceDogGearTour<\/a> #GearWall<\/a> #ServiceDogGearWall<\/a> #ServiceDogGearAddiction<\/a> #ServiceDogAdvocate<\/a> #POTSServiceDog<\/a> #POTS<\/a> #EDS<\/a> #hEDS<\/a> #tubie<\/a> #gastoparesis<\/a> #FeedingTube<\/a> #MobilityServiceDog<\/a><\/p>\n

\u266c original sound – morgan & dizzy<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n