Have You Seen A SERVICE DOG?

Have you ever seen a dog in a store or restaurant that was wearing a service vest?  You probably already know that it's a service dog, but do you know the different kinds of service dogs and the etiquette that should be observed when around one?

There are three main types of dogs in service:

• Service Dogs: these dogs are trained to perform tasks that the human handler is unable to do (or unable to do without great difficulty) due to their disability. Almost all establishments must allow service dogs on the premises, except the federal government.  Types of service dogs include:
• mobility dogs, which help with stability while walking.  They wear a special harness with a counterweight to assist the handler with balance.  They can also be trained to do things like retrieve or pickup items and open or close a door. These dogs also serve as guides for the blind.
• hearing dogs, who assist their deaf or hard of hearing handlers to sounds such as a baby crying, smoke alarms, doorbells, etc.
• seizure/alert dogs, whoare trained to do things like roll over their handler (to avoid an obstructed airway during seizure), pressing an emergency call button, block their handler from falling down stairs, and alerting their handler of when a seizure is imminent. Diabetic alert dogs also fall under this category, and can be trained to alert the handler when a child (in particular) is experiencing low blood sugar.
• autism dogs work a lot like hearing dogs, giving their handler an alert to things that require attention and focus.  They can also be trained to remove their handler from an overtimulating situation by either directing them home or to a particular person.

• Therapy Dogs & Emotional Support Dogs are personal pets that are not protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Therapy dogs often visit hospitals and nursing homes with the consent of the business, but neither therapy dogs or emotional support dogs are allowed in any business unless the business owner allows it.  Emotional support dogs often support people like soldiers who have seen combat or victims of abuse.  Neither of these kinds of dogs are allowed on the cabin of a plane or anywhere that the business owners will not allow.  Many of these dogs are rescue and shelter dogs that have been given a second chance at life.

Sources:
Please Don't Pet Me
Pet MD
Service Dog Central