How to Say Hello to a Service Dog
Service dogs have important jobs, but that doesn’t make them any less cute. If you want to say hello to your guide dog or pet it, follow these guidelines to greet it properly.
Understand that your dog may be doing a task or needs to stay in “work mode,” so be prepared not to pet him. ICAN, an organization that helps train service dogs, advises you not to interrupt, even if the dog does not behave the way you would expect most dogs:
Never attempt to control the dog with commands or physical control of the leash or collar unless instructed to do so by the owner. Guide dogs can do things that seem out of the ordinary. The dog owner was trained to handle the dog and behave safely and effectively in public.
Check with owner
Walk up to the owner and ask if you can pet the dog. Be specific about what you want to do so the owner knows what you are really asking about. Common phrases such as “Can I say hi?” make it harder for the owner to anticipate your actions and give you the correct instructions.
Make it easier for them to say no by using phrases such as:
- “Sorry, I know your dog may be in the process of completing an assignment. Can I pet them? “
- “Hi! I understand if your dog can’t take a break. Can I pet them?”
- “Hi! Your dog looks like it is working. Maybe I can take a break to pet it?”
If the owner refuses, thank him and let him go about his business. If they say yes, ask if there is a specific spot that you should pat.
You can follow these same guidelines if you want your child or your own dog to interact with a service dog. Just change the above wording to suit your situation and keep the child or dog away until the owner gives permission to come.
Remember the rules
Follow all owner’s instructions. They may ask you to pet the dog in a specific place (perhaps the dog’s favorite place!) Or stop stroking if the dog moves from a given position (for example, sitting or lying down). You should also walk away calmly after a short greeting so as not to over-irritate the dog.
Hear what the owner tells you and don’t take it personally if he asks you to stop petting his dog or leave. They know what is best for their dog and what is appropriate for his training.
Don’t annoy the dog
One of the main problems with allowing people to pet or greet guide dogs is that it can distract the dog from work. Pet your dog gently and talk to him in a calm, joyful tone to help him stay calm so that he can easily return to work. If you’re the type of person who likes to be rude or horny to dogs by welcoming them, resist your instincts and stay calm.
If you have food or even treats for your dogs, do not feed them to your dog without the owner’s permission. If you really want to treat your dog to a treat, ask the owner first and see if they prefer you to use the treat they have over your own.
Be respectful
The owner of a guide dog tries to do his thing like you do, so try not to take too much of his time. I know we could spend all day petting cute dogs, but try not to limit the greeting time to a couple of minutes and then move on.
Don’t question the owner’s need for a guide dog or their disability. Guide dogs help all types of people, and it is not for you to decide whether someone needs a dog or is disabled (many types of disabilities are invisible). Most owners will be open for you to ask about their dog (common questions like their name or if they know any tricks), but refrain from invading the owner’s privacy by asking why they need a dog or what their physical disabilities are. …