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FYI:
If you come upon a Service Dog and their handler in a public place, this is how you should approach them.
If you would like to greet the dog...ASK THE HANDLER FOR PERMISSION!!! 9 times out of 10, if you ask the handler for permission to greet their dog they will let you (not a guarantee, but if you were to ask me I would be very likely to allow it). If the handler says it's okay, be calm and get down to the dogs level. Let the dog sniff you. After the dog sniffs you, you may carefully and calmly pet the dog. Speak in calm, quiet, and happy tones. Now is also a good time to talk to the dogs handler. Ask questions about the dogs training and how they help their handler. You can also ask about the Federal Laws that protect Service Dogs.
Remember, some Service Dog handlers have "Invisible Disablilties", such as Hearing Impairment or Sight Impairment. Please be observant and conscientious about how you respond to their speaking of their "Invisibility Disability". Such phrases as ," You don't look deaf!", or "You don't look blind", are rather irritating (speaking from experience) and put the handler off about speaking to people in public about their S.D. or disability.
Hope this was informative and helpfull.
Liz and Lilly
If you come upon a Service Dog and their handler in a public place, this is how you should approach them.
If you would like to greet the dog...ASK THE HANDLER FOR PERMISSION!!! 9 times out of 10, if you ask the handler for permission to greet their dog they will let you (not a guarantee, but if you were to ask me I would be very likely to allow it). If the handler says it's okay, be calm and get down to the dogs level. Let the dog sniff you. After the dog sniffs you, you may carefully and calmly pet the dog. Speak in calm, quiet, and happy tones. Now is also a good time to talk to the dogs handler. Ask questions about the dogs training and how they help their handler. You can also ask about the Federal Laws that protect Service Dogs.
Remember, some Service Dog handlers have "Invisible Disablilties", such as Hearing Impairment or Sight Impairment. Please be observant and conscientious about how you respond to their speaking of their "Invisibility Disability". Such phrases as ," You don't look deaf!", or "You don't look blind", are rather irritating (speaking from experience) and put the handler off about speaking to people in public about their S.D. or disability.
Hope this was informative and helpfull.
Liz and Lilly