National Dog Day
In honor of National Dog Day, we’re offering tips for how to act around service dogs – dogs that offer assistance to those with special needs.
It’s important to remember that service dogs are not pets. They are working dogs for those who have disabilities and/or serious health conditions. A service dog’s attention while working should be devoted to its owner and his or her wellbeing. That’s why you should always proceed with caution and respect when you approach a service dog. Here are some basic guidelines to follow when interacting with a service dog:
- Address the person first.
- Do not touch the service dog without asking for (and receiving) permission.
- Do not distract the dog by making unnecessary noises or movements.
- Not everyone with a service dog is open to talking about their disability; if you inquire, do so kindly with the understanding that he or she may not wish to share information with you.
For more information, visit our Help & Resources page!
Do you have any more tips to add? Let us know in the comments section!
