How to answer RUDE ?'s // Service dog edition
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- When I go out with my service dog I get a lot of questions and comments. Some of which are rude and inappropriate to ask a stranger. So in todays video I will share some helpful advice on how to answer those rude questions and comments.
You're way more polite than me. If someone said "my friend has a service dog but she's *actually* disabled" I would NOT respond nicely.
I struggle with my decorum as well. It's exhausting to deal with so many karens in this world! No, means no, means NO, means *N*O*!!! But, if we can manage our frustrations in a healthy manner and give a polite answer, despite the fact the entire world is harassing us, it'd be better. Think of this. Wherever we go, whatever we do, both we ourselves and our pawtners are representing the Service Dog community. We need to work on responding patiently and politely. And by we, I include myself!
I use humor or sneaky tricks to get people to stop. One lady kept calling Baron, so I quietly told him to go say hi, and then I tripped and almost fell over my crutches when he went up to her. I said “Oh sorry, I don’t why he did that, he’s not supposed to!” She was so embarrassed and obviously knew she was calling him. The lady’s friends started harshly whispering to her that she was horrible for distracting a service dog and that I could’ve been hurt, I guarantee she never did it to anyone again!😂
Omg that’s funny 😂. I love it when there is like a friend or family member with them who educates them so I don’t have to
Hella clever!!🤣🤣
Hahaha, love that one. I remember one time a lady walked up to me and my guide dog and said, oh what a cutie you are. I knew she was talking about my dog, but I responded in a way that would make her think I’m clueless enough to think she’s talking about me, and I said to her in a flirty, suggestive tone, aw why thank you so much sweetheart, but what about my dog, isn’t he a cutie and handsome too. I think my response really embarrassed her, because she stood up quickly from her crouched position and couldn’t walk away fast enough. And I’m sure she would have had a shocked, embarrassed expression on her face too. Hahahaha.
If you say it’s a crime to distract a service dog/miniature horse (which it is) they’ll stop immediately. That’s blunt, but also very honest.
I always feel so bad about telling people "no"
Me too! especially at church. Because you know they are just trying to be nice and show interest in the dog.
Don’t be! Unless it’s for safety of other customers or by a child. Otherwise people should mind their own business, I have trouble saying no too :)
Me too
I don't. But I do get exhausted repeating myself over and over again.🙄
I used to have a very hard time being rude to people who seem clueless about approaching and petting, or people with out of control dogs off leash. The idea of advocating for your dog is very empowering, in getting past this! Now I am pretty comfortable being as big a "jerk" as I have to be. We go to events where people are everywhere, and I simply have no time or patience for calmly educating people every 20 steps!
I totally agree! Some people get so offended and hurt when a service dog handler is blunt with them and just flat out tells them to stop.
Like bruh i have no more patience to spend 3 minutes explaining in a very polite conversational way to tell u to not mess with me dog... especially when this happens 10 times in a short grocery store trip.
Im just going to spend one second to say “please don’t” and continue on with my day…. It’s not my job to be nice to everyone who wants to interfere with my working dog and ask me rude questions.
Great video!!
If I’m having a bad health day I have started acting like I don’t hear people so I can avoid questions.
Advocating for your dog is never rude, if people distract them we have to correct the human. No reason for any of us to feel embarrassed if we have to correct someone regardless of the age gap.
Very true, that’s what I tell myself when I feel bad. I just remind myself that I have to advocate for my dog
Pretending not to hear someone is one of my favorite strategies to avoid unwanted conversations. Thank you for sharing!
I love that you represent the SD community with such class and kindness. You are so articulate, personable and relatable.
Thank you!
For sure
I had a worker at Kohl's try to get me to say my dog was a fake service dog. She said, "You just made your dog into a service dog, right?". I don't know what gave her the impression that he's fake. He was heeled next to me in his vest and was constantly focused on me. Idk if it's because he's isn't a German Shepherd or a Lab or what it was. He was doing his job perfectly.
Yeah people think that if the dog is a less common breed or the person doesn’t look disabled that they are faking it. It’s very frustrating
That happened to me once at sams a lady was harassing me telling me my dog was an ESA bc I wasn’t disabled… little did she know I was taken to the hospital the day before by ambulance after passing out at work, and had a heart monitor on my chest🤦🏼♀️
Thanks for posting this list and how you react to it. I have a hard time being blunt with people that can't seem to read my dog's vest which says "Service Dog - Please Ignore Me: No eye contact, no talk, no pet" in bold red and white font.
What I hate most is when a self-proclaimed "service dog expert" calls my dog a fake service dog because they don't know that I only leave my house a few times a year and my dog forgets some of her training. She picks it up again pretty fast, but I have to remind her of what she's supposed to do.
Please remember everyone with a service dog doesn't has the same circumstances, so please be kind.
This is very true. All service dogs have different jobs and different lives. No dog is perfect and as long as the dog is under control and has the ability to actively task then others have no business judging
I had a lady tell me “I know I’m not supposed to pet him, but I just have to talk to him.” Then she proceeded to start talking to my service dog. I did stand up for my dog and told her if you know that much, then you also know not to talk or distract them. I embarrassed her in front of a group of people she was with and then she stormed off. Then my mom got mad at me for embarrassing her. I told her I’m sorry, but I’m going to stand up for my dog first. Like you said, that lady will now think twice when she sees another service dog team.
Yeah it can be embarrassing for people when they do something and u confront them in front of others. But it was totally their fault bc they probably knew they weren’t supposed to mess with the dog at all.
I have had people straight up say without even asking “I know I’m not supposed to but I just have to feel what her hair feels like” then proceeds to pet the dog. Or “I know I’m not supposed to but they are just to cute” and proceeds to pet the dog 🤦🏼♀️.
When I then tell them again “please don’t they just reply “I know I know I’m sorry I just had to.”
I HATE when people ask “is she friendly/does she bite” but what they *really* mean is “can I pet”
I’m autistic so I don’t understand why people don’t ask questions directly- why not just ask what they really mean?? There’s a huge difference between a person asking if she bites because they are nervous being around her and want to make sure she’s friendly (service dogs are required by law to not be aggressive but all the fake service dog that lunge and growl at people have made people wary I guess) and me letting them know she won’t hurt them vs them asking “Is it ok if I pet her” and me telling them no. It’s two very different questions. I’ve had people ask if she bites genuinely because they were afraid of her, not t because they wanted to pet her, and people who ask does she bite because they think it’s they can automatically pet her if I say that she doesn’t. People being indirect in the way that they ask if they can pet her is worse than them asking if they can pet her, to be honest.
Yes it’s very frustrating. It’s tough enough to have to answer so many questions… so when they ask if the dogs nice and u answer with yes… then they continue to reach out and pet them so I have to spend extra time explaining that they can’t touch her.
Often times in that situation they look at my like I’m crazy… like I just told them they could pet her and am now getting upset that they pet her.
Also when I explain that she’s working they look at the dog then at me 👀 and say “well what’s she doing? She’s just standing there… “
Uhg can’t I just say don’t pet my dog and not have to justify my answer
I was as you are when I was younger and we women are trained from birth to be nice. I am now a Senior and I am always polite, but people these days are so rude. Remember that if your dog is distracted you will be in a state of medical danger. So what I now do very nicely, but FIRMLY is tell them that I am working and although my disability may appear invisible if she is distracted it puts me in a situation were my health and safety could be jeopardized. I do not think people realize this. This usually works.
Sometimes when I think the person who was interfering with my dog had good intentions, and they’re polite when I tell them off for it, I’ll have my dog do a couple of tricks in front of them to lighten the mood. Like giving me his paws to shake, spinning, hopping into the air to tap my hand, etc. It usually makes them happy to see and opens up conversation for education! That being said try not to feel badly when you have to say no! Remember that your puppy is probably one of dozens that they’ll see that week who they *can* say hi to~ and that it’s, a lot of the time, basic rudeness to begin with which you should never feel badly about calling them out for!
Sometimes it gets easier~ when we first became a team telling people no made me feel super anxious and badly. Now almost six years later not only is it super natural and easy but it’s also been great for helping me learn how to advocate for myself and others in other areas of life!!
I love that idea, I like to try and say something like “she would love to get pets from you but then she wouldn’t be focused on her job” sometimes I have time to say something like that and others I don’t. But it has gotten easier through the years but sometimes I still get that guilty feeling
Well said
At a Target store, I recently had to tell a Father to not encourage his toddler son to approach strange dogs, and most especially Peah, my Service Dog. He was actually encouraging his sno to go say hi and son intent on it, that it took several "Please stop and don't let your child near my dog. She is working right now." Peah is a maltipoo, only 9 lbs and very cute. Being well behaved and obviously trained, she attracts even more attention. So many people want to pet and ooh and ahh and gush over her. Most will respect my request to not approach her, but yes, it always surprises me how many will take offense when they are the ones being offensive. I'm learning being blunt with a smile works better than trying to be polite and saving them their embarass,ment.
I think a better answer to: "does the dog bite?"
Would be, something along the lines of: "only if you touch her"
Love this 😂
Lol. U could also say “anything with a mouth can bite”
I would even say "We both bite" 😅😅
I’d just say “No, but I do.” Then smile and look at them like that is a completely normal thing for a person to say to another.
One thing that my daughter does when people want to pet, talk to, etc to her service dog is first kind of like you the "I'm sorry she's working, please give us space" when they become insistent she will sometimes say "think of my dog like medical equipment such as a wheelchair, walker or cane. would you walk up and pet a wheelchair or talk to someone's cane? just because she's fluffy does not make her less than those types of medical equipment, in fact she does more for me than a cane or walker could ever" sometimes it works and other times it doesn't. when we are out together I will try to help as far as educating people on service animals, but her being an adult now she likes to try to do it for herself and I do respect that but I also know that sometimes people can be too much for her. Thank you for the work you do to help educate. You are so calm and clear spoken.
That is a great way of explaining to people the reason behind the no pet rule. Often times when we just say don’t pet they don’t understand why and they sometimes get offended
Thank you. We've encountered a lot of older people who don't always understand about Service Dogs or think they are only for blind people so this was an easy way for her to adapt to explaining to them that there are other reasons for needing a Service Dog other than being blind. And now she uses it for everyone.
The biggest problem is unattended children in the store, running toward my service dog. Sometimes, I hurry down another aisle at other times. I have to tell them, please do not touch my dog!
Yess especially when they are to young to understand. Or they say “well my mom said I can pet it”… okay ummm it’s not up to your mom. This is my dog and I said no
Yeah I have an SDIT and that hard to explain to kids because sometimes they don't understand why they cant pet the cute dog I usually go for something like "sorry she's at work" then turn to the parent apologize and explain the situation they usually apologize if the parent isn't there I ask the kid to find there parent and leave
As someone with a SDIT, I don't think it's rude to correct someone. As people witn disabilities and SDs when we advocate about our rights it helps educate people so the next SD team may not have to go through the same situation. Advocating for ourselves helps others in our community.
that is very true. I try to remind myself of that when I feel bad for correcting someone, and that makes me feel a little better.
Good for you 🙂
thank you so much for this video. I just today had a situation when my guide dog, Buddy, was distracted by a woman making noises towards him while he was looking for the elevator on a crouded train platform. I got so anxious that I couldn't say anything to the womean. Since Buddy was distracted,he couldn't notice that the shaking of my body would had been a pretty clear cue for him to slow down and find a quite place for me to calm down.
I will learn some of your ideas by heart,so that I will have a proper response next time and no reason to get anxious in those cases.
I always feel so bad when telling people not to distract Buddy, but in the end he is confused and I am anxious and the only happy person is the stranger.
I love watching your videos and just wanted to let you know that you have a plesent voice to lissten to.
Warm hugs from Munich (Germany)
Clara with Buddy
Thank you so much! I sorry that happened to your today. Its especially important for someone to ignore a guide dog out of all service dogs. It’s hard when people don’t understand the rules and we have to say something. Especially when they get offended or try to argue with us.
I’m in the process of thinking about getting an SD for my anxiety, it’s getting worse even with all the methods and meds I’ve tried. In the meantime of thinking I’ve been binge watching certain SD videos to help me learn more and to prepare myself incase I do come to the conclusion of getting a SD
I’ve got a psychiatric SD. He’s a chocolate lab. Best dude I know. Just commenting to support your channel. 🤙🏼
Thank u!
Thank you very much for sharing your experiences. It is good to know that I am not the only one that has experienced everything you discussed, and multiple times. I can't count how many times I have tried to be polite, and still had people call me something not-nice.
Thank u! It is awful bc I really don’t want to be mean but some people don’t give me a choice. And sometimes my patience just runs out. Even though I feel like I’m being mean I really am not. I’m just being blunt or straight to the point. However people take offense easily when they don’t get what they want. And people never want to be the one to be wrong so they make excuses
My wife has numerous mental health problems. The main ones are PTSD and anxiety. She has trouble being out in public. She has 2 main reactions, she either hides,s hangs her head and stays very quiet, internalizes. Trys to quietly slip away when she feels her panic beginning. If she can't do that, her 2nd reaction is to totally lose the plot. She will become violent, like a cornered animal and you better not get in her way. That reaction is what fears her a lot, she doesn't want to turn like that, anywhere. Because when she really loses it, it terrifies her, let alone anyone else that witnesses it. It can take weeks or months to get over it for her. Guilt, remorse, sadness, shame etc. Animals, all animals, they just seem to have an affinity with her, and she with them. I mean she helped me get over arachniphobia, I now get a bucket err, or jar and pop them spiders outside. Sadly in Australia, it is near impossible for her to get help in anything to do with a service dog. Maybe that's kinda ok for me. Even tho our dogs makes her confidence shine, any form of animal bullying or abuse, she is Mamma Bear and she will deal with the fallout later. The later part is what I have to deal with. Because she will still feel such deep remorse for her actions. any opinions or thoughts will be gratefully received and respected. I guess that is for me. I love my wife dearly, we have been together for 38 years.
So good to hear! I hear these questions everyday, in bus, in city...and if it's in the bus for example, well you cannot evade, there is simply no space. You have to answer at least SOMETHING (or ignore them totally which would be so disrespectful and uncomfortable for me). I still don't know how to handle it, I mean it depends. Most of the time you have to act individually for each situation and person and always thinking about what they want to hear, what you could say that it is still friendly and so on....SO difficult and psychologically dramatic for me. Even my doctors keep pushing and asking what EXACTLY my service dog (in training) does for me. And of course some of them might need to know, fully understandable, but when I am at a teeth doctor for just 2 minutes, no one has to know my whole life story because I have to explain SO much... I get a strong feeling that they don't believe me and that's why they ask. And for sure for curiosity reasons. My specialized doctors/internists of course do know all the medical problems I have. But I feel so uncomfortable at this moment, notably because they ask in the waiting room where everybody else can also hear ALL my words and all my answers. Would be totaly different if they would ask privately in the doctor's room. I guess in Germany (where I live) it is not common at all to see a service dog (even I myself don't see very often, maybe once or twice a year, unless I am in training, but I mean not very often in the "open world"). Only guide dogs are known here. I always get the feeling that in US this whole service dog "concept" is way more common and often, at least more common than in Germany. And I also know this sort of people that just pet my dog whenever they can. Also other dog owners do this so often (just the fact that they have also a dog is their substantiation to do this, and that they would be allowed to do this for this reason... so weird.) Oh and at the moment I even have a leash band that says my dog bites (it is of course NOT the case that he bites) and try to display him as dangerous as I can when I am just in the city and no one has to know (no business to do and so on), just to try another strategy 😅 but yeah, most of the people ignore what anything says on bags or leash. He gets disctracted so fast when someone tries to lure him to pet him or give him food without asking....why can't the people just let it be 😭 even some my friends want to pet him all the time just because he is cute, no matter what I am saying wtf...they just don't understand it. And when I give them a 100 sides explanation (really happened) then they still don't understand and find it rude and cruel that they can't pet and he lives such a bad life at my side and find arguments and so on.
And to the asking problem: I guess invisible dissabilities are the invitation for people to ask just because they don't see some medical things...I also have a youtube channel but not for the main reason "service dog", just my husky (training, play dates, social walks, food tests, cute videos and so on, no main service dog content there). I do say it sometimes or make some rare videos, but I don't really like to say all the things and explanations even here to people so I rather hide it more than maybe you. Maybe one day I will be more brave and maybe one day there will be more attention to service dogs. I really like your channel and your content, you help spreading attention and your words are very helpful for me!! I admire you for being here and being public the way you are. Keep going with your videos. 💙
I find humor always gets me through, so I’ve challenged myself to never answer the question the same way twice. I’ve been attacked by bears, sharks and honey badgers. One man I had already told I was attacked by a lion, heard me tell the next person who asked that it was a wild bull. He said “Hang on second, you said it was lion!” Then the cashier said “Last time she said her little boy pushed her down the stairs!” 😂 So everyone started laughing and realized how often I get asked, so they understood my game. They thought it was great, yet understood they probably shouldn’t have asked in the first place. I try to psych myself up by saying “It’s funny, it’s not personal”, eventually I believed it. Not sure if that helps, but that’s what I do!😅
@@atyourservicedog 🤣 Yeah it's all about the fantasy! But I guess if I would say something like this, the people would like to know more above all haha and ask more and more about any wild lions and why and where and with what effects and so on 🤣🤣 Don't they ask more then?
I always try not to stare at people so they don't stare at me (not working obviously), but if you stare to a person, the person will ask with higher probability because they get the feeling you WANT to talk to them. Depends on the person.
I was at a conference with my SD and partner. We had an elderly man approach us and put his hand out to my SD saying, " Give me kisses."
I said, "Stop. He's working."
Old man: " Well, he needs a sign saying "No Kisses!"
Me "I think it's strange I should have to put a sign on my SD telling people not to make out with him."
Old man's wife, " Damnit Harold! I can't take you anywhere!"
😂 the wife’s response was hilarious
You're too nice...bless your soul. Thank you for your advice. I have my service girl too, so I understand. We have to protect our babies all the time from people. ♥️🙏
Hi Bri , Thank you for the videos. They are a big help when I run into similar situations. Dog is SDIT. During our last training session in public a lady tried to talk to my dog while she was working,. Luckily we had her trainer with us to tell the lady to ignore us and she left us alone. It's great to hear from other handlers what they do in those situations. Especially since I will be faced with those situations without an advocate with us.
That was my favorite part about going out with a professional trainer.. they don't mind saying something so we don't have to. But as you grow as a team you get more comfortable saying something and find ways to not sound rude
I'm glad you made this! This is so helpful to everyone. There needs to be a computer card or something that people carry around so they can show this video to whoever wakes up and decides to be a jerk. I enjoyed the video and hope situations like this stop happening once the world gets more educated about it.
Thank you I’m so glad u enjoyed it!
Your videos have helped me learn a lot about service dogs I watch your videos when I have questions about mine!
I'm so glad that they are helpful! If you ever have any questions lmk and I can try to make a video about it
I’m planning on getting a phyc SD in the next few months. I’m super nervous is some ways but I’m super happy in others. This dog will change my life. Thank you so much! Love your channel!
Thank you! best of luck to you on your service dog journey
@@dallastheservicedoodle7236also I do have a question. With the SD, I am in my jr year of high school entering my senior year. But I go to a private school. Is it possible to bring them to school or can the school not allow it because it’s a price school?
I had a very awkward moment with my vested service dog in the store. A guy walked up to me, offering to shake my hand and said, "Thank you for serving our country!"I was speechless & shook his hand. I did not want to embarrass him by explaining, I did not serve in the military, my dogs vest states he is a service dog, etc. I felt so bad to say, "You're welcome!". Then, one other time, I had an older man say the same to me, I just smiled. What can you say without embarrassing them? I personally didn't know!
Oh yeah that’s an awkward one. I have had people ask me if I was in the military… Id just say, “oh I actually didn’t serve in the military. There are many types of service dogs but this is not a veteran service dog. This dog helps me with my disability.”
More good info to add to my arsenal before I get my dog! I don't do well being caught off guard, for just about anything, so scripted answers like these give me ideas of ones to practice in advance so that I can pull them out immediately in the moment.
Edit: As a side note, you might be surprised how often #1 happens to people in wheelchairs, and it's for the same reason that it happens to many SD handlers.
Oh wow, I can see how that would be true. A lot of wheelchair users look healthy so I can see why people would be curious. But I just don't understand what makes people think that it's any of their business
@@dallastheservicedoodle7236 I know - I don't get it, either: maybe they think that by us going out with our visible medical equipment that we want them to ask us??? Whether that's the reason or not, it's weird to say the least.
I agree, I think it’s a great idea to have a few scripted answers prepared for situations like these 😊
One thing I do is I use a guide dog, so what I do is I when I’m checking out is I have my dog stand between me and the counter and then he can’t be petted he can’t be whatever they can’t get to him unless they go through me
I've started using a cart to add a barrier at self-checkouts to keep people away from my service dog. it's ridiculous that I have to do it in the first place, esp if I'm running in for a single item, but it works.
That’s actually a great idea. I’ll have to try that sometime
Im getting one soon and this is so helpful ! Thanks so much!!
me too,
I’m so glad! Best of luck to you! Lmk if u have any questions
@@dallastheservicedoodle7236 hi! I’m sorry if this is too late but I just got my dog and have a question! When we do PA sometiems people will pet him and I’ll say please Don’t pet him, but after that they continue to do kissy noises and try calling him over and stuff, and I feel bad saying something again. Do you have any advice? :)
This video was so helpful ❤people can be so intrusive sometimes, many of them don’t mean to be like that, there’s just a lot of uneducated people about the subject
I needed this info! Thank You!
Glad it was helpful!
Ah I forgot to comment: What I say in situations like this: he bites OR please don't touch, he is in training. And well, that's all....more is not working and less is not working. Basically: nothing is working 😹 but a small amount of people is listening and understands the no petting thing. (But still trying to focus the dog and watching it and making noises to it and luring it as if this was the excuse and alternative)...in my experience 0,5 % is listening and totally doing what you say and the other 99,5 % not or not totally.
Thank you for this vid, I am training with my dog soon and you gave great answers!
Glad it was helpful!
You are too polite! All the best1
Very helpful. My SD is about to graduate so I'm trying to prepare myself for those interactions. It's going to be harder because I'm a massage therapist so they will be in the room with me and I'm afraid of what my clients might do. Luckily my regulars are well aware i've been waiting for him for years, but I don't have the same assurances with newbs
"When in doubt, get out." That's what my motto is. I am scared of people, and people have both hurt my dog and I where my last dog was retired do to an injury and I ended I'm just terrified. I have a new service dog but people give me extreme anxiety and ptsd from past attacks. That's not even what my dogs are for I have epilepsy and a heart condition but I look normal and people think they can gate keep and decide who is and who isn't disabled and act accordingly. So I get away from other dogs idk and avoid people. I just want to do my business and go home where I'm safe and can lock the door. I have people attack me for my dog's color, or her breed, or that her ears are not floppy. She is a red husky btw. My retired boy who passed away last year was a German Shepherd and malamute mix. But anyway none of that matters both went though years of training though a service dog trainer and do their tasks incredibly well and read me like a book. My first boy lived to be 12 and he went though last part of school with me. My new girl is a sweetheart that works vary hard and takes her job seriously. My roommate even states she is night and day her on the job and her off camand she goes from trained soldier to a hyper husky soon as I tell her she is off work lol. This also means I don't meet people much for I don't go out long and well sad to say talking to people online they don't always like if they find out your disabled so I tend to not tell my online friends I'm actually disabled with many conditions and take a service dog wherever I go or need a cane and have orthatics or a pacemaker or legally blind but just coast by.
I currently have a service dog prospect. I feel like I am prepped a little bit because I have already been a mobility aid user. the amount of people who take my cane as an invitation to learn my life story is wild 😭
Ty for the education.
Thank you so much! I'm 16 years old and getting a new service dog puppy today. He's a standard poodle 6 weeks old. It will be a hard process, but I'm willing to work for it. 6 months of training 😅 kinda nervous, but reminding myself it's not a sprint it's a marathon. I'm not very good with boundaries, so I'll be using this in the future. Have a good day! ❤
Good luck on your journey! And it’s always a good idea to take it slow with training. Just don’t forget it’s more important to let them be a puppy and bond when they are young. I started training Dallas like a drill Sargent and she burnt out a bit. So always take it slow 💕
Thanks for the advice!! 💖
Dont rush the training! Proper training can take up to 2 years. If you rush training you can create more problems for your puppy. Bond with her! Learn dog behavior and psychology and how to do proper training. 80% of dogs dont make it to be legit service dogs so keep that in mind.
Oh my goodness a kind a competent service team that goes to church just like me ❤❤ much love
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I did a comment on this video awhile back, this beginning part just reminded me of a time when I had my horses a few short years ago. Many people will ask does he bite or does he kick. My reply always been the same, he has teeth and he has feet, has he ever bitten me or kicked me, no, but that doesnt mean he not gonna kick or bite you. So many times when I am ask if my dog bites, I just sum up my answer by saying he has never bitten me, and sometimes I say, well please do not touch because you never know what a an animal can do to a stranger.
This reminds me of a time when I was little I was at a zoo and I asked my mom “will it bite me if I touched it” she said “anything with a mouth can bite, but that doesn’t me it will, but u have to be careful because you never know”
I don’t know a lot about service dogs, however do have a family history of disabilities. And as hurtful as people can be it truly is ignorance that plays the role. My brother & best friend had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, he was in a wheelchair most of his life and for what ever reason they often treated him like he was mentally disabled. We were a little over a year apart and did everything together so I had to bear witness. I really don’t know anything about service dogs because my brother never had one, but the subject for me is fascinating. I have children and for me I don’t see any logic in allowing my children to approach an unknown person or dog. So from an early age they have been taught to always ask the owner before touching a dog. I never thought really to talk to them about stuff they shouldn’t ever ask a service dog owner, I guess maybe because the question of can I pet your dog will be no and they will leave it alone after that. We love dogs, I honestly can’t afford a dog and that’s a responsible parent decision to make. But we do love to pet them when we can. Safety of my kids is important. So no touching dogs with out permission.
I am unsure sense I wasn’t there to see it. U did the right thing when not asking for papers. However one thing u can do differently next time is ask them the 2 questions u are legally allowed to ask.
I do not know the reason they would have kicked the dog out. U said the dog wasn’t aggressive or barking so those are the reasons they would be aloud to kick the dog out.
If it was because the dog was in a stroller then that is not good reason sense some service dogs who are smaller may ride in strollers especially if the ground is hot.
If it wasn’t u who kicked them out then I don’t think she has the right to sue u individually, but that may be something that needs to be taken to court to be proven if they do try to press charges.
However there is a possibility that the dog wasn’t a real service dog and later other employees figured this out and kicked them out. In that case the handler wouldn’t be able to sue. But it would be strange for them to actually call the cops if it wasn’t a real service dog. So that is all a strange situation.
Anyway u weren’t the one who kicked them out so u shouldn’t be responsible. The only thing I can say is definitely watch this video and learn the things u can ask them and that should help if this ever happens again. Maybe even teach your coworkers how to handle things like this legally as well sense they may not know
The question is not “what task” the question is “has the dog been trained to perform specific tastes”
They can ask what the task is. They can’t ask about the disability or to have the dog preform the task in front of them. But they have the right to ask what task the dog has been trained for
I agree that SD handlers are not required to respond to any question, comment, or accusation from the piblic; however, I would argue that the 2 questions should be responded to truthfully. Do be ready to pull out the "I am not required by law to disclose my personal and private health information. I am uncomfortable answering further questions, and will consider further comments harassment." And "Service dogs aren't to be distracted. You are distracting my Service Dog. That is illegal. This is your one and only warning to not harass or assault either of us. ... I am going to call the police." In your pocket to respond to further unwanted questions.
Yes the 2 questions that the ADA allows employees to ask must be answered but after that we are not required to answer or give any further info if we are not comfortable👍🏼. Also if it is the general public asking the 2 questions then handler does not need to answer to the general public if they are not employed at the facility u are in. Although idk why anyone wouldn’t just answer bc it’s awesome when people know the 2 questions 👏🏻 even if they aren’t a store employee
When people ask me why I need my assistance dog (Australia’s term for service dog) I reply “for my disability” 😂
Same! I always just say “I have a disability and she’s trained to assist me”. Sometimes they just say oh okay. Other times they look me up and down and rudely inquire that I don’t need a service dog and ask for me to share what my disability is🙄
@@dallastheservicedoodle7236 that’s when I just say “luckily I Legally I don’t have to prove to YOU that I need him. What health problems do you have?”
I may be a terrible person I never feel bad for telling them to stop distracting my boy. I think it hurts their feelings more when they try to get his attention and he is literally all about his momma. 😅 I use to let people pet him when I first started taking him out as a puppy and he would literally walk away from them back to me in a few seconds. 😂
I often work with my dog unvested, and that leads to a lot of conversations. I know a lot of the time it comes across as me being rude, because I say that they can’t pet him, but I’m getting used to it.
Thanks!
your so pretty!! and dallas is so adorable!
Thank you!! 😊
Q: Does your dog bite?
A: I bite. 🤨 Dont pet.
(Im usually polite, but you can catch the vibe quickly, especially if they are already reaching or sending kids to try n pet my dog)
Great video as always.Do know there are 2 more things they can ask for, certificate of rabies and state license, I believe all 50 states now require this of any dog 4 months and older and SDs are not exempt. It does not pertain to our dogs being SDs but a health department issue that if needed the police can be called and our dogs confiscated. Never has happened but in traveling abroad even more maybe asked for. Keep sharing it's great info. 🙏👏🐕🦺I had an old lady dive to pety dog at Walmart and just put myself forward and told her now to and she without hesitation said she was not going to buy prior to my doing anything she was already outlout saying oh what a cute do I wanna pet you. She was old and seemingly senile, we just moved on.i normally use a wagon to block or another person.
I think you’re right sometimes being blunt is the only way and you shouldn’t feel bad about it because it’s not your fault the person didn’t recognize the fact that what they were doing was distracting I think it should be common sense that making noises and waving at the dog is just as distracting as petting
You are very right. I try to remind myself of that whenever I feel bad about being blunt
@@dallastheservicedoodle7236 thanks for always making fun informative and educational videos. Also on an unrelated note, do you have any gear that you are thinking of selling or trading for? I would like to try out some new types of vests and collars with my dog and it’s nice to get them from other handlers because then I can have a better understanding of functionality then just you know buying them off websites
I think also if maybe we said "pleas dont touch "US", possibly it could give the person the understanding that you are VIOLATING my(as the human) personal space....my dog is a part of my personal space. I wish some kind of legal action could be taken for this that would deter people from just coming into my personal space and touching "US"
5nr that just happened to us today 🙁 making a leash banner now Do Not PET… but some people Will never be able to understand 😢
The crazy thing about it is that most people are walking around here with "unseen disabilities" now a days. To Me, the fact that you feel like youre entitled to just walk up to a total stranger and dispute the fact that they have a service dog is a disability within itself. Like, wtf is wrong with you that makes you think its ok to do that? You might need the SD more than i do! Lol.😅
I actually do get that question quite often why I'm in a power wheelchair
Oh wow, idk why people feel like they have a right to ask that to a stranger
How do u answer? Do u say why or do u tell them that’s a rude question
@@dallastheservicedoodle7236 well because I'm so used to it...One time I told this total stranger my history because it's so programmed in my brain
After that I just say I was born three months too early.
IC, still wow people blow me away with how they feel the need to know those things🤦🏼♀️. That’s me also I just say I have a heart condition that can make me pass out. Quick and easy but still unnecessary
To add to the issue of unknown dogs approaching your SD. Dont be afraid to protect your dog. If you are going to be soft and say 'shes working sorry'. The other owner isnt gonna care 9/10. Body block the other dog. Use your leg to create space. Grab their collar. Step in front of your dog to protect them! Kick if necessary.
Handlers have to start being able and willing to defend the dog that will protect them.
For sure! If you are in danger or the dog is getting to close definitely don’t be afraid to use your body or something like a grocery cart to block the dog. I used to carry pepper spray for my safety but also if we were ever attacked by a dog I could hopefully defend Dallas. Even pet owners should consider this when on walks at parks…Stray dogs and off leash pets can be a big problem for anyone
Your just to sweet😢
Thank you!
i have a scenario for you i work at a walmart as a cashier in the garden center and my service dog is a chihuahua so she is small and i have a sling that i put her in and she can still do her job that she neeeds to do but my issue is when the customers don't ask and just assume that it is ok to come up and pet her how can i get that to stop i have tried everthing that i can think of and nothing has worked not only does it distact her but it also is invading my space and makes my anxiety go out the roof when it happens please help me
Tell them 'no shes working', 'dont touch her shes a service dog', 'dont pet my dog', or a simple 'no' (loudly) often works. By allowing strangers to invade your space and your dogs you are showing her you have no intention of protecting her.
See if they will allow you to make a sign for the register letting people know the dog is a service animal and it is illegal to pet, feed, talk to or harass her. Hope this helps.
Loved your personal anecdotes about your SD in the community. However, a SD is just that. You need NOT apologize to adult strangers who ignore the patches and want to 1) interfere with your SD, or 2) rudely ask about your disabilities. It's none of their business. Maybe I'm a little more straightforward, but sometimes apologizing for another's lack of propriety is a sign of weakness. Don't excuse others.
I'm searching a lot for my husband to get a service dog. How can I get a "legal" service dog qualification?
If you watch my service dog laws video it will talk all about the laws regarding service dogs. That u don’t need a doctors note However u must meet the ADAs definition of disabled (have some kind of physical or mental illness that limits one’s ability to preform everyday life activities). The dog does not need to be registered, or certified. However, it must meet the ADAs definition of a service dog (must be trained to preform at least one task to assist the handler with the specific disability. And must be able to remain under complete control at all times while in public). But that video will go more in depth for u
You're the best! 🐩 I have seen a lot of service dog owners attacking "service dogs (not training)" on RUclips.
Personally, I like to say no thank you he’s working and if they don’t stop, I can say please stop you’re distracting him. He needs to focus on me.. now in the heat of the moment I don’t always remember and that’s frustrating because I have a lot of issues with being in the public with my PTSD
Yeah I feel the same way. In the heat of the moment I often times so say anything if they don’t understand it the first time I ask. As long as Dallas isn’t super distracted I’ll just let it happen. However this may not be an option for some teams. Dallas has become very good at ignoring other people when they try to pet her, some days like the day I made this video she got very distracted
I've gotten tired of people "not knowing" how to react around my service dog. If i see you distracting my sd now, I always ask them loudly "wtf are you doing?".
Nips it in the butt right away. Im tired of having to educate people.
Hope people treat you and your dog with respect
This happens to me all the time lol even a cop in Florida at my little brother game said I should have something that says I need her that she couldn’t be there but he will let her stay if she’s on my lap in my freaking wheelchair sooo stupid Florida doesn’t like handicapped people 🤷♀️
I hope this is an appropriate way to ask. But i usually say "hi im (insert my name) and i am interested in getting my own service dog so i was wondering if i could ask you some questions about your dog?" let me know if i am asking in an appropriate way.
I think that’s definitely a good way to ask. We definitely asked some questions when we saw handlers before getting my own dog. That’s how I found the trainer I used. I often times will give someone my RUclips channel if I don’t have time to talk. And it’s also good to just look and see if it looks like a good time as well. If u can see the dog actively tasking or that the person doesn’t look well then just know that it’s not a good time to ask
How about, "oh! I didn't realize s/he was a Service Dog!" *dog wearing disability gear* What's it gonna take?! Oi!
I only struggle with children and old people. Otherwise I'm snappy.
Does he bite?- no, but I do.
Is he friendly?- I'm not.
Can our dogs meet?- can you f*ck off?
You dont look disabled.- and you didnt look stupid, but then you spoke.
Then an old man comes up and touches him ignoring all patches and I freeze cause I cant be mean to old people...
My favorite I’ve gotten so far (sarcasm) is when he’s vested AND(/or) we’re in a pet-friendly store and someone-almost always an old white man who then continues walking toward us for some reason-complains about their deadly allergies and how we’re going to kill him. And since Blue isn’t fully trained and our state doesn’t recognize SDITs, everywhere we go is pet friendly.
Ha love that😂🤦🏼♀️. I hate when people with allergies freak out. It’s like… bruh just walk somewhere else if u don’t want to be near my dog. It’s not like u are going to have an anaphylactic reaction from standing 10 feet away from my dog
you didn't need to put "(sarcasm)" there
it's obvious that you were being sarcastic
My response to persistent rude people. Nothing is wrong with me but I didn't realize stupidity is a disability and you have it. Good bye. I also always have ADA cards and hand them one.
If you are not going to tell someone they need stronger deodorant, they have an odd looking butt, or a face which has been obviously affected a trauma...Mayube you shouldn't ask anyone a personal; question...
It is very hard to not pet a cute dog.
Very true, I even have a hard time if I see someone else’s dog… I just want to love on it😂
I understand but please remember coming for a service dog handler if you pet or distract the dog in any way you could be putting our lives in danger please ask before you pet any dog one because it's rude two because in the usa there is no law about identifying a service dog with a vest\tag\leash\ect so even if the dog is unvested it may be a service dog and you may but the teams life in danger