Service dogs play a vital role in the lives of those they assist. They provide essential support and companionship, often spending nearly every moment with their handlers.
Though they may seem like any other friendly dog, service dogs are working animals and must not be disturbed while performing their duties. It’s important for people, especially parents, to teach their children about the proper way to interact with service dogs to ensure they can focus on their important tasks. For more details, check out the full story below.
Image credits: hayleeand.herdogs
A little over a year ago, Haylee, known on social media as hayleeand.herdogs, was shopping in a supermarket with her cardiac alert service dog, Jake.
During their visit, a young girl approached them excitedly, eager to pet Jake and ask his name. Before the girl could reach out, her mother intervened to explain the importance of not disturbing service dogs while they are working.
Before the girl could approach, her mother stepped in and gently explained that Jake, the service dog, was working and should not be disturbed. She pointed out that Jake’s vest had patches indicating he was on duty, performing a crucial task.
The mother continued by drawing a parallel to the girl’s father, who is a K9 officer with a working dog that also cannot be petted while on duty. She emphasized that, like the K9 officer’s dog, Jake was focused on his important role as a medical alert dog, not simply on a casual walk.
The mother explained to Haylee that her husband, the girl’s father, is a K9 officer, so she was already aware of the importance of not disturbing working dogs. She used the opportunity to educate her daughter about the role of service dogs and why it’s important to respect their work.
Haylee was deeply touched by the interaction. She and the mother chatted and shared a few warm laughs before saying their goodbyes.
The video of this encounter resonated with many viewers. Commenters appreciated the mother’s thoughtful approach to educating her daughter about service dogs, recognizing the importance of such education in fostering respect for these working animals.
To highlight the importance of educating people about service dogs and their roles, Luzocn spoke with animal behaviorist Julie Bond, who has extensive experience working with clients who rely on service animals.
Julie Bond explained that service dogs are not just ordinary pets but are specifically trained for their tasks. “These dogs are selected and trained to be confident without being overly aggressive. They focus on their human partners rather than being distracted by other animals, objects, or environmental noises,” she said.
Animal behaviorist Julie Bond clarified that service dogs are not simply bred for their roles from birth, but rather selected and trained based on their individual traits and skills.
Julie explained that service dogs undergo specialized training to perform specific tasks, and there are organizations such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, Canine Companions for Independence, and Wounded Warriors that focus on this training.
“While some companion dogs may naturally have the temperament suited for service work, it is not the norm,” Julie noted. “There are breeders who specifically select and breed dogs with the characteristics needed for service roles, as they believe these traits contribute to a better overall match for both the dog and the person they will assist.”
Training and caring for a service dog is a significant investment, typically costing around $30,000 before the dog even begins its official duties. This makes it particularly important to respect the role and focus of service dogs when they are on the job.
Julie Bond explained why it’s crucial not to disturb a service dog. “Service dog puppies are often raised by experienced volunteers and then return to specialized training organizations, like Guide Dogs for the Blind, where they undergo about two years of intensive training to prepare for their roles.”
She added, “The investment in training and care for a service dog amounts to roughly $30,000 before they start their work. Many dogs do not complete the program for various reasons, even if they are initially selected for service work. These dogs are then placed with families who want to adopt but do not require a service animal.”
It’s also problematic when people attempt to pass off their companion animals as service dogs, as this creates additional challenges for those who genuinely rely on their service dogs for support.
Animal behaviorist Julie Bond highlighted this issue in one of her blog posts, where she shared her experiences with service dogs and the difficulties she faces due to public misunderstanding. She expressed frustration over people ignoring the clearly marked vests and harnesses that service dogs wear, or misrepresenting their own pets as service animals to gain access to places like airplanes, despite the needs of those who truly require a service dog for their well-being.
Julie emphasized that while comfort dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals play important roles, they are fundamentally different from service dogs. Misusing these terms to bring companion animals into areas where service dogs are required can undermine the effectiveness of service dogs and create barriers for individuals who genuinely need their assistance.
In summary, it’s commendable to see individuals like the mother in the video who take the time to educate others, especially children, about the important role of service dogs. The assistance that service dogs provide is crucial for their handlers’ well-being and their ability to navigate daily life. Understanding and respecting the role of these working dogs helps ensure they can continue to offer their vital support.
What are your thoughts on this story? Were you aware of the extensive training and dedication involved in preparing a service dog for their role? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
