Please Don’t Pet Me – I’m Working!
Have you ever seen a Guide or Service Dog in public and felt the urge to pet them? While these Dogs are adorable and highly trained, interacting with them while they’re working can be dangerous for both the dog and their handler.
The Importance of Focus
Guide and Service Dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities by providing crucial support, such as guiding a person with low vision safely through their environment. These dogs rely on exceptional concentration to perform their tasks correctly. If they become distracted, even for a moment, it could put their handler at risk. For example, a Guide Dog that fails to stop at a curb because someone tried to pet it could cause their handler to step into traffic.
Even Eye Contact Can Be Distracting
Many people don’t realize that even staring at a working dog can be distracting. Imagine standing at a bus stop, locking eyes with a Guide or Service Dog. That dog might feel compelled to approach you, taking their focus off their handler’s needs. While Guide and Service Dogs are trained to ignore distractions, they are still living beings who can be affected by their surroundings.
Can You Ever Say Hello?
If you’d like to interact with a working dog, always ask the handler first. Some handlers may allow a brief, controlled greeting. In these situations, the dog may be permitted to sniff or receive a quick pat but should return to the heel position afterward. However, many handlers will kindly decline, as their dog may be easily distracted or actively working at that moment.
How Handlers Manage Distractions
Guide and Service Dog handlers are trained to recognize when their dog is distracted. They can feel subtle movements through the harness and can correct their dog with verbal cues like “leave it.” If a dog momentarily loses focus and then successfully returns to their task, they are rewarded for making the right choice.
Respect the Job
While it may be tempting to interact with a working dog, it’s important to remember that they are performing a vital role in their handler’s daily life. By giving these dogs space and allowing them to focus, you are helping them do their job safely and effectively.
Next time you see a Guide or Service Dog, admire their hard work from a distance and remember, the best way to support them is to let them be the incredible working dogs they are!
