No petting service dogs (shaking, black, skin, rescue)
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They are working when in harness. Uninvited petting distracts them from their job...a job they need to learn to be 100% focused on since that focus could save the handler's life. Learning that it is OK (and even rewarding) to be distracted is completely counterproductive.
You would prolly find it distracting if you had an important job to do..one that required your 100% focus...and some clueless but well intentioned stranger was chattering away at you. Or shaking your hand, patting your shoulder, trying to hug you, etc. Or offering you a beer.
No worries. They get plenty of love from their handlers and their handler's families when they are not working.
Some guidelines:
Do not pet, call to, feed, or otherwise distract the dog
If you are in a car, do not honk or call out to the dog
Speak to the person and not to the dog
Do not touch the dog without first asking for and receiving permission. Always respect the handler's wishes
Out of respect for the handler's privacy, do not ask personal questions about the handler's disability
Remember that guide dog teams have the right of way
When a Service Dog is working they are working, they are not "pets" they are employees.
They are not machines, they do need love, they do get love but NOT from you and NOT while they are working.
Keep your hands off of a service dog or any dog that does not belong to you.
All of you have coal in your heart...it's as black as coal! Except for Jumpingdogs, he'she gets it.
I mean honestly people...keep away, I'm a safety hazard, it's a distraction, find other dogs to pet, scratch my own bum, keep my hands off...do you realize how ridiculous you all sound! Do you feel nothing? In your hearts? Hello?
A little scratch on that wrinkly, fuzzy little chin...come on people, work hard play hard am I right?
You sound like my neighbors. When I have Katie out all they want to do is pet her Even tho she makes sure its ok they the go running around telling everyone Fake SD! Leave My Dogs ALONE!
All of you have coal in your heart...it's as black as coal! Except for Jumpingdogs, he'she gets it.
I mean honestly people...keep away, I'm a safety hazard, it's a distraction, find other dogs to pet, scratch my own bum, keep my hands off...do you realize how ridiculous you all sound! Do you feel nothing? In your hearts? Hello?
A little scratch on that wrinkly, fuzzy little chin...come on people, work hard play hard am I right?
Next time that you come upon the scene of an accident or fire stop what you are doing and go run past the paramedics, firefighters and police to give a hug to someone they are trying to save and see what you get for your behavior.
If you need more dog love in your life go volunteer at a local shelter or rescue group, drive a leg or two of a transport, go to Petsmart or Petco or your local supply store etc. and interact with those dogs but
LEAVE THE SERVICE DOGS ALONE.
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