5 Things to Know about Service Dogs

July 2, 2018

What does a Service Dog do? Can I pet your Service Dog? Why is that Service Dog in this store? We answer questions about Service Dogs every day, and have put together this handy  information sheet about the top 5 things to know about Service Dogs. Download it now.

1. A SERVICE DOG IS NOT A PET.

A Service Dog is a working dog that is individually trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability.

2. A SERVICE DOG LEARNS TO PERFORM 50 TO 60 TASKS AND COMMANDS.

A Service Dog can flip a light switch, push elevator buttons, open doors, and retrieve items like a dropped cell phone or medication from the refrigerator. A Hearing Dog can alert its partner to sounds like a knock on the door, a smoke detector alarm, an alarm clock, a car horn, and their name being called.

3. A SERVICE DOG IS TRAINED TO BEHAVE WELL IN PUBLIC.

It will walk on a leash without pulling or straining, does not bark unless asked to speak, and ignores distractions. It is quiet and unobtrusive unless performing specific task work.

4. PEOPLE PARTNERED WITH A SERVICE DOG HAVE ALL THE SAME RIGHTS AND ACCESS AS ANY OTHER PERSON…

…according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes entry into restaurants, shops, and places where dogs are typically not allowed to go.

5. ALWAYS ASK THE OWNER BEFORE APPROACHING A SERVICE DOG.

Any form of distraction can be disruptive to their working relationship.

Download the 5 Things to Know about Service Dogs information sheet here.