Encountering Assistance Dogs in the Wild

Don’t be surprised the next time you are cruising through the produce department of the grocery store, picking up cleaning supplies in Target, or finding the perfect paint color in Menard’s if you see an assistance dog team stroll by. 

Can Do Canines has over 350 active teams out and about in the world, not to mention the dogs-in-training that might be practicing with a trained volunteer for their future role. That’s not including assistance dogs from other organizations. 

Most people understand that assistance dogs should not be petted when working. Etiquette for assistance dog teams goes beyond that, though.

Ideally, when encountering a service dog, you should avoid not only touching the dog, but also talking to it or even making eye contact with it. Any distraction to the dog could prevent the dog from focusing on keeping its handler safe. And just like at the zoo, “Don’t feed the animals!”

You can, however, feel free to greet or talk to the handler, who might be willing to tell you about the dog. If business owners question whether an assistance dog is legitimately not just a pet, they may ask one or both of the following questions:

• Is this a service dog?
• What skills has this dog been trained to perform?

All Can Do Canines teams receive a snazzy red cape and an electronic ID card upon certification. However, proof is not required for an assistance dog to access public spaces as long as the handler is able to control the dog at all times. If not, they may be asked to leave. 

In all interactions, you should avoid asking personal questions, especially relating to medical information or diagnoses. Often, someone who needs an assistance dog has what is known as an “invisible disability” and may not look like they need an assistance dog. So remember not to make assumptions about capabilities, intelligence, or qualifications based on appearance.

Use good judgment when wanting to chat with an assistance dog handler. If they seem in an obvious hurry, don’t interrupt their process of completing their to-do’s for the day. Otherwise, they may be happy to boast about their special dog and its important place in their life.