Many people are canine fans, so it stands to reason that when they meet a dog, their initial reaction will be to interact with or pet them. But service dogs are among the elite trained professionals of the canine species, and as such, need to be respected, especially when involved in professional duties.
Here are 5 "rules" that you should keep in mind when encountering a service dog and their handler:
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Speak to the Dog's Owner or Handler, Not to the Dog
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Keep Your Distance & Respect Personal Space
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Give Right-of-way and Courtesy to Service Dog & Handler
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Avoid Food Distractions
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Treat Everyone with Respect
**We are honored to collaborate with Atlas Assistance Dogs, an organization dedicated to expanding access to service dogs, to bring you this educational post. Their commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through positive and ethical training methods has provided invaluable insights that shape the information you're about to read. Atlas assists people in training and certifying their own service dogs, bridging the gap between potential and reality. Together, we're shedding light on the remarkable impact of service dogs and advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
