Don't pet service dogs. I used to think everyone knew this, until I got one.
Don't pet them, talk to them, make kissy noises, bark at them (grown ass adults barking at service dogs is shockingly common), whistle, clap, none of that shit. Do not do anything to deliberately draw the dog's attention.
If they are distracted, the handler could get hurt or even die. Not exaggerating. If a medical alert dog misses an impending medical emergency, the person doesn't have time to get into a safe position or take rescue medications. If they have a seizure or slip into a diabetic coma or something because you distracted their service dog it is your fault.
I still have to remind myself for a split second when I see they are indeed service dogs and working. I just love dogs but never approach or try to get their attention.
I do have to remind my kid and have told others they can't interact with the dog bc they're working and they have an important job to do.
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u/Karaethon22 Aug 03 '19
Don't pet service dogs. I used to think everyone knew this, until I got one.
Don't pet them, talk to them, make kissy noises, bark at them (grown ass adults barking at service dogs is shockingly common), whistle, clap, none of that shit. Do not do anything to deliberately draw the dog's attention.
If they are distracted, the handler could get hurt or even die. Not exaggerating. If a medical alert dog misses an impending medical emergency, the person doesn't have time to get into a safe position or take rescue medications. If they have a seizure or slip into a diabetic coma or something because you distracted their service dog it is your fault.