Often, when we see a dog out with their owner, we think “oh, what a cute dog!” but what about a service dog with their handler? Unfortunately, these scenarios are far too common for service dog handlers.
19-year-old service dog handler, Ella Meacham, was out shopping at Publix one day when she was approached by a man who wanted to know her service dog’s name. Meacham calmly explained that she doesn’t give out her dog’s name when he is working.
“He was quick to question why, I responded with ‘You will then call him over and distract him from his job.’ As I started to walk away, the man got very close to Haylo and I and began yelling random names [at him],” Meacham said.
Although service dogs do not legally need to wear something labeling them as such, handlers often have their dog wear a vest or harness labeling them as a Service Dog. This makes it more obvious to the public that the dog is working.
Sometimes, people still try to interact with the dog even when it is working and needs to be focused on the handler.
Despite some people trying to interact with service dogs in public, there are certain aspects of outings that the public makes easier for service dog handlers.
Do not distract, touch, or approach the dog without permission. If you must interact, do so with the handler and not the dog. They are working medical equipment
– Rondi Pepper, 20-year-old service dog handler and student at UCF
“They will often compliment the dog and their behavior which is nice,” said Pepper.
These compliments build confidence in new teams and allow seasoned teams to know they are doing the right thing.
Ella Meacham, a 19-year-old service dog handler says that she has had a good experience with people giving her and her service dog space in public, helping her dog maintain focus on her.
It is important for the safety of the handler and the service dog that they are not interfered with in public.
However, there may be times when a service dog approaches a stranger in a public setting without their handler. This often means that the dog should be followed because the handler needs medical assistance.
If this is the case, the dog will often have text displayed on their vest explaining what to do if they are without their handler, Pepper said.
Generally, service dog handlers, like most people, prefer not to be bothered while going about their day to day life.
“Just like you, we are out to complete a task,” Meacham said.
That task is often made more difficult by health conditions the service dog handler faces. Comments, questions and distractions toward the dog are not only frustrating to service dog handlers, but can also put them in danger if their dog is distracted.
“Service dogs are here for a medical reason and it’s important to remember that it’s not okay to ask personal questions,” she added.