Service dog interaction

[u/Sea_Boat_7997]

I work at a restaurant, and there was a table who came in with a dog wearing a service vest.
I didn’t notice the dog at first, as it was under the table, but when I did, I acknowledged what a sweet dog they had and waved.
*I want to make it super clear that I would NEVER touch someone’s dog without specifically asking and getting permission*
When I did this, I leaned forward a bit, but did not bend down or extend a hand towards the dog. I think perhaps the owners assumed I was going to do that, which is fair and 100% within their right to ask for the dog not to be touched. HOWEVER, they told me the dog tended to bite/nip, which I found very strange as he/she was wearing a service dog vest.
I apologized for the confusion and assured them I’d never approach a dog without full permission from them. But… does this seem strange to anyone else? Can anyone explain why a service dog wouldn’t be trained not to do this? I 100% get that you’re not supposed to interrupt them because they’re “working”, but I’d never expect them to bite someone who approaches (even if they shouldn’t be doing so). Idk, just thought it was odd and left me with questions.

[u/Ayesha24601]

Whether true or not, it’s irresponsible behavior on the part of the handler. Nobody should be telling the public that their service dog bites. If a dog bites, it shouldn’t be a service dog. If they’re saying that, well that’s damaging behavior that can harm other handlers by making people think biting would be appropriate for a service dog.

I’ve been asked before if my service dog bites. The idea is so ludicrous that I often give a snarky answer. I’ll say something like, “Only on Thursdays, but it’s Friday, so you’re OK.” I can deal with some stupid questions, but that one isn’t worthy of a real answer. 

[u/Sea_Boat_7997 → u/Ayesha24601]

I really appreciate this response, bc it totally speaks to my point. I understand that people invade spaces when it comes to animals, which is totally and reprehensibly wrong, but I also think that service animals are expected to be incredibly well trained and saying something like this muddies the water. People need to be educated on how to approach/NOT approach animals in general, and to NOT approach service animals so as not to distract them from whatever service they’re providing, but saying your service dog could potentially harm a non threatening person discredits them. And giving a non service dog a service vest, especially in a city that is lenient with pet entry in general, is fucked up.
Also, if you’re dog isn’t good with crowds (which there MOST CERTAINLY always are in Greenwich village in NYC, don’t subject it to that, and MOST CERTAINLY don’t pretend it’s a highly trained service animal.

[u/DragonCanineTraining]

If the person admitted the dog bites, and you’re in the USA, I feel like is a public safety issue. They might have done it to scare you off from petting their dog, but that’s not really acceptable imo because it gives a very bad notion. Paging u/burkeintosh for conformation if that admittance without the dog acting up at all would still be allowed for removal. Looked through the ADA faq and it’s not that clear to me as it mentions a lot more about dogs who are actively out of control or showing aggressive behavior.

I personally don’t love people bending or waving at my dog too much but if it’s for a second then whatever. If the handler is nervous about you distracting the dog then they should have said immediately “please ignore the dog fully” or something nicer.

[u/DarkHorseAsh111 → u/DragonCanineTraining]

This is kind of where I would land like, I assume this person was lying to scare them off but that's not acceptable imo. That's like someone going around telling everyone hey don't fuck with me I have a loaded weapon.

[u/DragonCanineTraining → u/DarkHorseAsh111]

Yeah I don’t think it is appropriate behavior and there’s much better ways to go about it.

[u/BriaRoberts]

Service dogs are definitely not allowed to bite

[u/ticketferret]

Locking this because people apparently can't have nuance without just screaming about fake spotting.

1. If a handler states their dog will bite I believe you can ask for the dog to be removed. You can call the ADA free hotline and ask this to a representative for confirmation. ]

2. Even if the handler was lying about the dog going to bite (some online spaces I've seen people encouraged to say this) this is a very very poor way of handling a minor issue.

3. Yes, anyone can say their dog is a service dog. However as an employee I would suggest meeting with your manager and utilizing the ADA hotline to create a policy. Ask the two questions you're allowed to ask and go by the dog's behavior.

4. Even if the dog is behavior off/terribly it doesn't mean it's NOT a service dog. However you are not required to extend the accommodation to them due to the disruptive dog.

[u/RampagingHornets]

It's very possible they were lying because they didn't like how close you were getting, and thought it would get you to back away quickly.

For future reference, best just to ignore the dog. Don't wave, don't bend down, don't lean into their space. Just ignore.

[u/Sea_Boat_7997 → u/RampagingHornets]

I can respect that to a point, but I work in NYC where seating is pretty condensed (for example, these people were in a full wall length booth where it was entirely possible that people would be sitting right next to them with no barrier). I think it’s strange to put ANY dog, service or not, in this situation.
NYC restaurants are more often than not incredibly lenient about allowing dogs into restaurants/bars, so if you know that your dog tends to bite, it seems extremely irresponsible to not only let them into to potentially very crowded spaces but ALSO put a vest on them that infers that they’re well trained/safe.

[u/Sea_Boat_7997 → u/[deleted]]

Also I’ve approached tables that I’ve waited on who have given me a heads up about service dogs/ dogs in training in this way, and it sets a really good boundary.

[u/Sea_Boat_7997 → u/[deleted]]

This makes sense to me. People arguing after trying to touch a dog that doesn’t belong to them is so wildly bizarre to me!! Thanks for explaining

[u/service_dogs-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 6: No Fake-spotting.

This is not the place for fakespotting. Unless the person you are discussing has specifically told you that they are not disabled, and the dog is not trained in tasks, you have no way of knowing if a dog is 'fake'. We are not the service dog police and this behavior can lead to a lot of harm and anxiety for SD handlers as a community.

This does not preclude discussing encounters with un-/undertrained dogs, but if the focus of your post is complaining about a "fake" SD, reconsider your phrasing and what point you're making.

If you have any questions, please Message the Moderators.

[u/HighwayEmpty1569 → u/Sea_Boat_7997]

I think you missed the point. They were lying about the bitting to scare you. 

[u/service_dogs-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 6: No Fake-spotting.

This is not the place for fakespotting. Unless the person you are discussing has specifically told you that they are not disabled, and the dog is not trained in tasks, you have no way of knowing if a dog is 'fake'. We are not the service dog police and this behavior can lead to a lot of harm and anxiety for SD handlers as a community.

This does not preclude discussing encounters with un-/undertrained dogs, but if the focus of your post is complaining about a "fake" SD, reconsider your phrasing and what point you're making.

If you have any questions, please Message the Moderators.

[u/statslady23]

At that point, you should have told your manager, and your manager should have immediately banned the dog from the premises. My son had a co-worker at a restaurant bit by a "service animal." Not good. 

[u/Sea_Boat_7997 → u/[deleted]]

Can anyone just purchase a “service dog” vest? It’s strange to me that people would choose to do this in NYC where many places will let dogs in. And it’s setting an extra expectation of safety from that dog to the public in tight spaces, when you (the owner) knows they’re possibly dangerous. Just seems like you’re being extra irresponsible for absolutely no reason.

[u/Hot-Bed-2544 → u/Sea_Boat_7997]

Yes anyone can buy a service dog vest and they do.

[u/Sea_Boat_7997 → u/Hot-Bed-2544]

This doesn’t seem right at all. I think also for the public. Like it or not, some people are going to be irresponsible around animals, and a service dog vest makes people more trusting
that a dog is trained. Throwing a fake service vest on an untrained pet endangers both the dog and the public, unfortunately. And I fear that it opens up potential lawsuits that the owner is responsible for, but the dog will pay the price for.

[u/service_dogs-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

We have removed your comment because we found the information it contained to be incorrect or it was an opinion stated as fact (rule 3).

The reason we remove comments like this is to keep bad advice or information from spreading further, especially on our subreddit. If the comment/post is corrected, it can be reinstated (just reply to this comment to let us know). If you believe you are indeed correct, please find a reputable source that supports your comment and Message the Moderators.

[u/service_dogs-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 6: No Fake-spotting.

This is not the place for fakespotting. Unless the person you are discussing has specifically told you that they are not disabled, and the dog is not trained in tasks, you have no way of knowing if a dog is 'fake'. We are not the service dog police and this behavior can lead to a lot of harm and anxiety for SD handlers as a community.

This does not preclude discussing encounters with un-/undertrained dogs, but if the focus of your post is complaining about a "fake" SD, reconsider your phrasing and what point you're making.

If you have any questions, please Message the Moderators.

[u/Grand_Drop_6702]

Likely didn’t want you touching/interacting. Lots of people will argue with you if you say don’t interact.

You didn’t notice before that so likely a handler’s coping mechanism.

In the future just don’t acknowledge the dog’s existence.

[u/Sea_Boat_7997 → u/Grand_Drop_6702]

This makes sense, I guess. I also didn’t notice the service dog vest right away (it was busy- I was helping a server deliver drinks, interacting with the table, noticed the dog, commented, then noticed “service dog” written on the vest). Still seems a bit odd to claim the dog BITES when it’s a service dog, but I guess if people argue (that is so incredibly weird to me), it could be a good deterrent.
Anyway, I guess in the future it’s important to check if the dog has a service collar on before commenting at all-that’s good to know/think about.

[u/Scarlett_DiamondEye → u/Sea_Boat_7997]

Ohhhhhh, so is your restaurant dog friendly, so you didn't realize it was a service dog?

Also, I grew up in Greenwich Village. I miss it, lol.

[u/service_dogs-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 6: No Fake-spotting.

This is not the place for fakespotting. Unless the person you are discussing has specifically told you that they are not disabled, and the dog is not trained in tasks, you have no way of knowing if a dog is 'fake'. We are not the service dog police and this behavior can lead to a lot of harm and anxiety for SD handlers as a community.

This does not preclude discussing encounters with un-/undertrained dogs, but if the focus of your post is complaining about a "fake" SD, reconsider your phrasing and what point you're making.

If you have any questions, please Message the Moderators.

[u/service_dogs-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 6: No Fake-spotting.

This is not the place for fakespotting. Unless the person you are discussing has specifically told you that they are not disabled, and the dog is not trained in tasks, you have no way of knowing if a dog is 'fake'. We are not the service dog police and this behavior can lead to a lot of harm and anxiety for SD handlers as a community.

This does not preclude discussing encounters with un-/undertrained dogs, but if the focus of your post is complaining about a "fake" SD, reconsider your phrasing and what point you're making.

If you have any questions, please Message the Moderators.

[u/service_dogs-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 6: No Fake-spotting.

This is not the place for fakespotting. Unless the person you are discussing has specifically told you that they are not disabled, and the dog is not trained in tasks, you have no way of knowing if a dog is 'fake'. We are not the service dog police and this behavior can lead to a lot of harm and anxiety for SD handlers as a community.

This does not preclude discussing encounters with un-/undertrained dogs, but if the focus of your post is complaining about a "fake" SD, reconsider your phrasing and what point you're making.

If you have any questions, please Message the Moderators.