Behave properly around service animals

#MiddleburyCT #Dogs #ServiceAnimals

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Can you kindly remind your readers that service animals and companion animals are not there for other people’s amusement? Too often, people who see a service dog in public will rush up and try to pet the dog or even hug them. Please educate them on the proper etiquette when they see a service pet. – Janine D. in Syracuse, New York

DEAR JANINE: Thank you for this timely reminder. Service animals are highly trained to provide assistance to their owners for specific health or mobility issues. Companion animals provide crucial emotional support to owners as well.

With any pet, it’s not just good manners to ask before approaching or trying to touch them. It’s also a safe way to interact with pets and their owners.

This is especially important with service and companion animals. They’re doing a job when out in public. For example, seizure alert dogs are trained to detect an approaching seizure and will gently warn their owners to get to a safe place. Mobility assistance dogs help owners maintain their balance, or with tasks like pressing buttons and opening doors.

It isn’t always evident that they’re working, either. For example, you may see an autism support dog sitting or lying next to their owner. They’re not off duty; they’re helping their person stay calmer in a social setting.

Some good behaviors around service animals include:

• Speak to the owner/handler, not to the animal.
• Don’t touch, talk to, feed or handle the service animal.
• Guide/service dogs have the right of way.

Here are a few more helpful guidelines from the Guide Dog Foundation: tinyurl.com/yspwk6er.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

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