Common Misconceptions about Service Animals
It’s more than likely you’ve run into a service animal before. But when it comes to these hard-working heroes, there’s a lot that people don’t know. I sat down with Canine Companions for Independence service dog-in-training Lionel to chat about the most common misconceptions about service animals, and to learn more about how we can become better educated, from the dog’s perspective.
Service dogs are only for people who are blind or hearing impaired, right?
Nope! There are definitely dogs like me for people who are deaf, or have physical disabilities—but my friends do lots of different things, too! When I grow up, there are many different jobs I can do. I may work for a veteran, or for someone with a developmental disability. I could also go visit people in hospitals, schools, and courtrooms and make them smile! Some dogs can help people with diabetes, seizures, and much more. There are tons of jobs for my friends and I to have—good thing we love working!
Service dogs work all. the. time.
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “All work and no play.” Luckily, I get to do both! When my vest is on, I know that means I’m going to work, but once it’s off I am just like my friends that don’t have a job! Of course, I still need to behave but I love playing just like any other dog. Sometimes I have busy days where I work for a long time, but then I come home or get breaks to be a “normal” dog. One of my favorite things to do during playtime is swim, especially since I live in Texas. You can see me playing in the pool with my raiser Viktoria below!
It’s okay to pet a service dog if I ask
Great question! I love getting pets, but it’s really important for me to be focused when I’m working! My puppy raiser says it’s sometimes okay for people to pet me, but they should always ask first. If we are busy training or I’m struggling to focus then people can’t pet me. Some of my friends have really hard jobs and can’t be pet at all or it will distract them. The most important thing is to ask our raiser or handler if it’s okay to pet me or any of my friends — and not to get mad if we say no. We aren’t trying to be mean but it can be really distracting if I’m trying to work on something hard! Of course, when I’m not working, I love pets and cuddles.
Businesses are allowed to remove a service dog if someone complains
Hmm, this is a tough question so I asked my puppy raiser and she said, “It depends.” It is illegal to remove a fully trained assistance dog from an establishment even if there are complaints. However, depending on the state, puppies in training may be asked to leave. I’m lucky to live in Texas, where I am allowed to work in any establishment where fully trained dogs are!
There is an official certification or national registry for service dogs
I know this answer! It’s no! In the United States, there isn’t any kind of paperwork needed to have a service dog. So if someone says they have a service animal and can show you a certification, they probably aren’t telling the truth.
Service dogs know if you have drugs
Nope! I have some friends who work at airports or with police officers, and they know how to smell all kinds of things! Other kinds of dogs like me put our time and effort towards helping our handlers so we don’t pay attention to other people. But my raiser says you shouldn’t have drugs, anyways. Plus, it is super dangerous to use illegal substances around service dogs-in-training, and other animals, too.
People with service dogs are always open to chatting about why they have a service dog
This is like the petting question: sometimes yes, sometimes no. If we are busy, sometimes we don’t have time to talk. There are also people who also don’t really want to talk about why they have a service dog, and that’s okay too! My raiser taught me a lot about being respectful and “minding my business,” so I’ve learned that it’s okay if people don’t want to talk. Just remember — if you do want to talk, please be respectful with your questions! Some people ask “What’s wrong with you” to my friend’s raisers and it can really hurt their feelings, which makes me sad.
Only labs and German Shepherds can be service dogs
Nope! I have friends who are all different kinds of breeds! I am half lab, half golden retriever like a lot of my friends. But I also know poodles with jobs, golden retrievers with jobs, and of course German Shepherds and labs. My roommate Fancy works for her handler who is visually impaired and she is a German Shepherd! It’s fun to live with another assistance dog because we get to work and play together!
Service dogs will only respond to their handlers
This is sometimes true! Most types of assistance dogs know to listen to their handlers no matter the situation. Others listen to whoever is holding the leash. I have friends who work as facility dogs, and they learn to listen to a lot of different people.
Thanks so much for all of the information, Lionel. I have one last question: Do service dogs even like working?
Yes! Working is my FAVORITE!!! I get to go so many places and experience lots of cool things. I also get to hang out with my raiser all the time! Nothing makes me happier than when I do what my raiser wants and she calls me a good boy!
