OKAY LISTEN HERE IM GONNA LEARN YOU SOMETHING:
● are NOT abused because they work
• will not work if they don't want to
• should always be ethically trained
• typically (and in my opinion should) enjoy working
● Do NOT work until they're dead or broken
• are very valued and loved
● ARE NOT THERE FOR YOU TO PET
● Should NEVER be distracted while working
● Distractions include: calling, whistling, barking, cooing, pet, talked to, giving human food while you think the handler isn't looking, yelling "PUPPY" at said team, following in a store, and probably more
●DO NOT EVER: Kick a working dog, intentionally step on working dog, ask the person why they need a service dog, think bully breeds cant be quality working dogs, feed a working dog, think you can kick out a working dog because you're in a restaurant, assume someone's dog is fake, assume a dog is fake because it's a small dog, ask what's "wrong with" the handler
• Please try your best not to stop us in public to ask us a thousand questions! We know you're curious and we know you don't mean any harm! But my 10 minute grocery run shouldn't take 30 extra to tell everyone how I got my service dog
● DONT ASK TO PET MY DOG I WILL NOT LET YOU OR YOUR KID PET MY DOG
• PLEASE dont let your kid run up to my dog or bark at her or call her, or follow me in a store while they say "puppy" over and over.
• remember we are people not side shows
• Please dont come tell me your sad dog stories or how you had a dog as a kid that "looks just like her!!", to be frank I dont care
• Service dogs have full public access to ALL public facilities
• the only way to legally request the removal of a service dog is if the dog is out of the handlers control, urinating/defecating indoors or in an inappropriate area, and or aggressive
• Service Dogs & Emotional Support Animals are allowed to fly in cabin on an airplane
• Service Dogs & Emotional Support Animals are protected under the fair housing act, meaning they can live in "no pet" housing, and are exempt from a pet deposit or fee. However if damage occurs from said animal, appropriate fees can be applied
• Service Dogs DO NOT require any legal documentation in the USA
• Emotional Support Animals however, require a letter/prescription for said animal
• Emotional Support Animals DO NOT have public access!!!
• Therapy Dogs DO require certification!
• Therapy Dogs only have public access to places where they intend to visit for therapeutic reasons only
● ALL ONLINE "REGISTRIES" ARE SCAMS!!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!
● A service dog is defined as a dog that is specifically trained to perform a task that mitigates a handlers disability. Disability is a hindrance that affects one or more major life activities. Such as seeing, hearing, shopping, walking, and much much more
• Service Dogs do NOT have to be professionally trained or certified, many people choose to owner train, or hire a private trainer, and some dogs do come from professional training programs!
So before you assume something about a working dog, ask or google from a reliable source and fact check. This is a lot of information but it is not ALL of the information! STAY EDUCATED FRIENDS!!
