I would prefer the no one come up to Eskimo and I and talk to us. I am Deaf so lots of times I'm unaware that people are talking to me unless they are in my face!!! I think you stayed exactly what I have been trying to say for years about proper behavior in public when seeing an SD Team!!!
A few years back, my younger sister (maybe 9-10 at the time) and I were out shopping. We stopped at an ice cream shop to get some ice cream. There was this lady sitting at one of the tables, and next to her was a gorgeous Golden Retriever dog with a service-dog vest on. As little kids do, my sister saw the dog and instantly asked me if she could go over and ask the lady if she could pat the dog. Now, the women was within hearing distance, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw her kind of flinch at my sister's question. But, lucky for me, I had read an article that very day about how you shouldn't ask to pat a service dog out in public because they're on duty and need to focus on saving their handler's life if the need arises. I bent down in front of my sister and told her this information, and she understood. After we had bought our ice cream and were heading towards the table, the same lady came up to me and thanked me for educating my sister. She let us pat her dog in the end, but now, every time my sister sees a service dog, she never asks if she can go pat them and I've even heard her tell her friends about the importance of leaving services dogs alone when they're out in public.
GREAT JOB big sis! As a SD handler I really your having a teaching moment. I have a question for you though - should a SD handler that someone or just let it be a sweet passing moment? What do you think is a good way to do it? ... what should be said?
@@ae31860 Thank you very much! I think it totally depends on the person and there is no right way to do it. In this situation, this lady was happy to let us pat her SD because she was impressed with how I handled the situation and how my little sister did. But it’s totally ok for the SD handler to do nothing, or simply say thank you or smile. It just depends on the situation and what they’re comfortable doing with their service animal ^_^
Our dog is a therapy dog and when she was small we took her everywhere so that she would learn being in public. We had people grope at her, pet her when i was holding her on my chest because she was tired, get in our space. One person asked if it was okay to pet her, we said no because she was a bit tired, and they just still pet her. As she has grown its gotten a bit better but the amount of comments is still astounding. I cannot imagine how much worse it is for service dog handlers and how annoying it is to constantly get attention and have to keep your dog and yourself safe, it must be exhausting
omg yes. I own three relatively big dogs and since i walk all three at the same time people tend to want to go up and say hi since you dont always see so many cute doggos at once. Thing is though, one of my dogs is pretty shy and shes perfectly friendly. The other two are pretty protective of each other. The dogs are mother and son so they are pretty fierce and bark when walking past other dogs. Of course i can keep hold of them since im pretty strong, but it get incredebly annoying and dificult once the other owner/person wants to go up and greet my dogs. I walk past a elderly home everyday on the dogs morning walk and theres been an old man calling and whistleing to get them to come. He didnt stop even though i was about to fall over from all the dogs pulling+ ice on the ground.
Never ask a stranger if you can pet their leashed dog. That is invasive and rude. If the dog runs free in the park and approaches you, that's a different matter.
I love animals so much so my natural instinct is to look at the pup and smile. I thought it was okay because I wasn’t actually petting the doggies but because of this video, I now know it’s super distracting. I also didn’t realize that putting so much attention to the dog and not the handler can be dehumanizing. Thank you for all this info. I’ll be educating all my animal lovers to back off and respect the handler and the pup:)
I appreciate that! I know he's cute, I know people are going to look and smile and read his vest, and all of that is alright with me. It's staring for minutes/overhearing conversations about us that can feel a little weird!
Im the same way! I absolutely love dogs so much, and my freshman year of college, there was a student with a guide dog. I knew better than to speak to the dog or pet the dog or try to wave my hands and get its attention, but I did have a bad habit of staring at the dog and then commenting to friends about how sweet the dog was and that I wish I could pet it but it's working right now. I started watching Molly Burke not long after that and then realized that yeah the dog is cute, but unless its off duty, you really should treat the dog as you would a wheelchair or oxygen tank or cane, etc. Theres nothing wrong with noticing it, but you shouldn't fixate on it or comment on it or stare at it and then talk about it with your friends. I didn't know better then because I thought I was ok as long as I didnt bother the dog, but now I know that I can't treat service dogs like pet dogs in terms of staring and smiling and getting excited about seeing it. Yes its a cute, living aid, but its a medical aid nonetheless and needs to be treated as any other aid while the dog is on-duty. But I still gush over all my neighbors' pet dogs in my apartment complex 😂
For me personally I don’t mind a brief glance and smile. Basically treat it like you would someone’s kid wearing a cute outfit. Don’t stare at them for a long time or be creepy just smile to yourself and then keep moving.
I have a working dog, not a guide dog or a service dog. His rules are completely different from your dog. We can fly on airplanes as long as we are going to a class or going to a disaster. Going into restaurants ect we fall under the rules as a pet. I never abuse this rule. When I fly I get a lot of people thinking my dog is a service dog, yet most do not get how to act around the dog. Most people come up and either touch my dog or get into my face and ask. Please respect the people and give them space. I can't even imagine spending your whole life like this. My other pet peeve is all the badly behaved dogs in public. Some have vest, others are just pets. Please learn to keep you dog back and away from others. This distraction can hurt the person and also stress the dog. Love all your videos and just how brave you are to share all your experiences.
I completely agree with this, especially on the bad dog owner part. I hate when people think its "cute" and praise their dog's bad behaviors in stores and on walks. My dog is a pet, not a working dog, but he grew up on my family's farm for the first 9 years of his life with a pack of much bigger dogs (my dog is a 10 pound chihuahua mix and the rest of our family dogs are large mixed breed dogs ranging from 50-90 pounds). They are all trained to protect our property as we live on 30 wooded acres and have some wild predatory animal problems. My little guy has grown up thinking that all other animals are a threat if they arent in the pack. His reactivity has decreased a lot in the last 5 months living in town with me, but it pisses me off to no end when people let their dogs approach mine, leashed or not, and clearly ignore my dog's warning cues, and then make a nasty comment to me when he starts growling and lunging because theyre now 3 feet from me. You never know what is going on with another dog or what their temperment is, so you should never approach a stranger owner/dog pair with your dog without having the other owner's attention and making sure you both want to allow them to interact. It makes training my dog to relax and reduce his reactivity very difficult when dogs quickly invade his personal space and the owners dont care. He loves people, but hates stranger animals. Bad dog owners make life harder for everyone else.
Maybe a little rude but I've always gotten a laugh. I ask those in wheelchairs if they'd like my dog, St. Bernard, to pull them. I figure it's a way we bond and then sometimes we shop together.
People are rude. It wasn't always like this. In the 1950s and even into the 1960s, my parents never removed the car key from the ignition, and our car was never stolen. When I was about six, I asked my father why car companies made keys and required them to start the car engine. He explained that some big cities have high crime areas, and people will steal your car if you leave the key in the ignition. That surprised me. Toward the end of the 1960s, my parents started removing the car keys and locking the doors. It is infinitely worse now than it was then. I don't recognize this country anymore. People are rude, unfriendly, and unhelpful.
Since my kids were toddlers, every time we see a service dog in public I pull them aside and remind them if they see dogs with vests in stores that they are service dogs and it's important to not talk to or pet them. I have gotten a few "thank you" comments from people as they continue on. I appreciate this video though. As a prior EMT, I would have looked for a bracelet or necklace if I had to follow a dog to its handler but may not have thought about the vest. I will make sure to let my kids know about the info in a dog's vest too once they are old enough to be in a store without me.
Instead of HR gender indoctrination videos, businesses should train on something that might actually benefit the company and improve customer service. I'm just spitballing here, but how about a video on service dog team etiquette.
Love love love you and this content! I support and agree with every single thing you said! It could have come out of my mouth. If I'm sitting on the floor in the middle of a public place with a dog in my lap, leave me alone! I don't mind people asking quickly if I need anything. I appreciate it, especially if I'm alone. But otherwise, keep on walking and let my dog and me focus on what needs doing. It's embarrassing to do this, nevermind if people are adding stress to the situation by taking my focus away. I was recently walking my dog down the sidewalk on a residential street when she alerted to a POTS attack. In just under 15 minutes, 9 cars stopped to ask if i needed help. I was shocked! I felt strangely comforted by this very public attack. It showed me that I can walk my dog alone and people will stop to help if I need it. Go Jen go! Can't wait for taco Friday!
I totally agree with all of it! I just wanna do my shopping, but I'm still glad when people are concerned when it's clear I have some issue going on (as long as they're quick about it). Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment your thoughts!
As someone who has a Service/Assistance Dog that helps me with Migraines, Seizures and PTSD I completely get ALL of these things. 1. I always get stopped and asked about my SD/AD and it is EXTREMELY annoying after awhile 2. When people or kids do ask to pat my SD/AD its a normal NO, SHE IS WORKING PLEASE LET HER DO HER JOB. If it is kids and they ask politely then its a different story, sometimes I may let them as a reward for asking BUT NORMALLY ITS A NO I guess what people forget is that these dogs are there to do a JOB and they have to concentrate As a SD/AD handler THANK YOU for taking the time for making this video!!!
I love your videos, my daughter has POTS Plus a few other issues migraines also being one of them. She has a service dog Who is a very smart boy. We were in Walmart and walking through the refrigerated section and her dog stopped and alerted because there was a man lying on the ground by the cooler not really moving much. He was actually trying to fix the refrigeration underneath the cooler but the dog would not move until we stopped and showed him that the man was not hurt. I couldn’t believe he was that aware. They are really amazing sometimes.
Everything you said is self-evident for any dog, not just service dogs. But it is especially important for service dog teams. It is shocking how many people are clueless about dog etiquette. Even dog owners!!! I thought you were appropriately firm but restrained when you reprimanded rude people. Call it tough love.
To be honest, I am here for you videos about your dog. I do not have any disability nor experience with service dogs. Yet, I have a dog myself and your point about not petting them without permision is so valid! I have a super cute one but also one which has agression issues sometimes. But people always make comments or reach out. I send you lots of love!
Yes, this! My pup (pet, not service dog) is generally good with strangers, but I always tell people off if they just go for it and pet him without asking. If they ask, my response is usually "yes, if he lets you" if he seems interested in meeting them, and it's "no, he's not good with strangers" if he has his head lowered/tail tucked and not acting interested in meeting them. Its hard to say no to little kids who ask, and normally I let them unless he looks really uncomfortable, but I always remind them (whether he starts off really excited or if he's just neutral) that they can only pet him if he lets them, but if he walks away then that means he's done with pets. This makes really young kids sad when he gets too stressed after just a few pats, but Id rather reward their polite request by getting to pet him but also upset them by taking him away quickly than to risk them getting bitten. I also think it helps teach kids that asking is good, but that the dog's cues are important too and that you shouldn't chase a dog to pet them just because you're allowed to pet the dog by the owner.
asking to pet rly just needs to be universal. we had a rotty/pit mix who was 70lbs and had a bite record. his neurotic agression was likely due to a brain tumor and after dog psychologists, many vets, and top trainers in behavior mod we had to put him down or he would have killed someone. now i have a friendly lab sd that i dont worry about though he is protective of the house and car and doesnt enjoy sketchy ppl, he is so so friendly but one day someone got in the elevator at the doc w him and this little girl she was with went so so immediately to pet him which was fine ofc though i told her to stop, and after she stopped i told her u should never go up to a random dog like that because they might not be friendly and could bite therefore she should always ask. its no joke at the end of the day and dogs dont need to meet everyone, in fact that can cause behavior issues if theyre insecure or cause them to be frustrated and react to dogs or people when they cant go up and say hi. always ask and be careful even if its the most docile breed
I don't necessarily "distract" but I have given out so many "Awww your doggo is gorgeous!" as I'm passing them in a grocery aisle. I also tend to do that to people with cute masks, adorable sweaters..... I just love complimenting beauty! I love your videos. You are so open and giving of yourself. Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!!!
thats still distracting, the dog knows if ur throwing baby talk in their or the handlers direction and its just plain distracting. sd handlers know their dogs r cute and dont need to be told. its also just plain distracting to the person who is just trying to go about their business and already has to be worried about wandering hands and adults cooing at their sd every two seconds. also no one coos at random peoples wheelchairs bc thats rude so stop treating a working and lifesaving dog like theyre there for entertainment/cuteness. u dont mess with working police or military dogs or bomb sniffing dogs if u see them in public, so dont mess with an equally valuable, highly intelligent, working dog.
Thank you so much! I’m just getting started with my service dog, Circe. She has shown natural ability to help me when I’m not feeling well or having flairs and even presycope or actually passing out. I’m really nervous about all the ‘fake service dog’ videos. Some of those TikTok ones even seem like they’re being a little over concerned about other service dogs who aren’t bothering anyone. I’ve been worried that someone’s going to judge me and my dog because she still in training. She’s really well behavior trained, so the training is very easy, she’s catching on fast and it’s only been a few weeks of adding additional skills for her in public. I really appreciate you doing this kind of video, because I was having trouble finding what to do videos instead of what not to do.❤
Hi Jen! Thank you so much for all the information! I live in Europe and I don't remind ever seeing a service dog over here but I will definetly remember your advices. Also, I feel like most of what you say should be common sense as we shouldn't pet or feed any dogs we encounter without the consent of the handler so... People really need more education like this!
I’ve had my service dog since February. He is a 3 year old 100 lb black lab mix. He is strikingly handsome and draws a lot of attention. In stores - not that we go out much - people just can’t help commenting on how beautiful he is. But no one in a store has ever asked to pet him, or even asked what his name is. They usually walk by and say, “Your dog is beautiful” etc and keep walking. I’ve had people on check out lines say they can’t believe how well trained and calm he is. At self check out he just lays down at my feet and nods off. And people are genuinely impressed with his behavior and pay him or me a compliment. River has accompanied me 27 times to the hospital since February and the staff Love him. We live 450 yards from the hospital outpatient center and we walk there. Usually takes us (me) about 22 minutes to walk the 450 yards. I let the entire staff talk to and pet River. Most of the time I have to go into a sterile operating room for injections, or radiology for X-rays, MRI, etc. these are usually not office visits. So, River ends up having to stay in another room with staff. So, I am glad they are so smitten with River. I just tell him “Free” and he is off duty and Loving the attention! The only place people really engage me about River is on the train when we have to go to the main hospital - about 2 hour round trip. People get on and off the train and comment on how pretty he is and ask what kind of dog is he. The vet thinks that River is either part Rottweiler or English Mastiff. He is so big and muscular, and his head/skull is much larger than a purebred Lab - I brush him every day and his jet black, short coat just glimmers. But no one has ever asked to pet him, or why I have him. They just comment on his striking appearance and calm demeanor. And then they tell me about the special dog they had in their life once upon a time. Quite pleasant actually... I’ve been lucky with the public and blessed with my companion...
Thank you for this video. This is the first time I'm hearing of what to do if a SD walks up to me w/o a handler. I know not to try to interact with a SD but I do appreciate your statement of if I think you might need help, just ask and not "circle around" Your videos are helping me understand. Thank you.
Haha, as a wheelchair user I had to laugh at your examples of people talking about wheelchairs and prosthetics, they DOOOOO do that. People flat out ask what's wrong with me and why I need a chair. Its pretty much the same type of questions and bothering that I get with my service dog too!
Your comment about someone with a prosthetic kind of got to me. I’m a bilateral below knee amputee and the comments from supposed adults really amazes me. I have no problem with children asking me questions, i usually wear shorts in summer, in fact I encourage it, but their parents are a completely different story. The adults ask the most inane questions.
Sorry, I know this is two months old, but I wanted to ask - do you find that actually it’s the kids asking totally logical, sensible stuff that can be a short and easy to handle learning moment, and the adults are just totally bizarre/nonsensical/abusive? Because that’s the way it is with my wheelchair and wig/bald head. Beyond a certain age (somewhere between eight and eleven) I find the kid, if it has been raised by similarly terrible parents, starts to turn nasty too and it’s too late. Before that I try to always be grateful for the opportunity for a positive interaction with young kids because if we can take the fear of the unknown away, it won’t turn to hate.
Lexie, usually the kids ask “kid questions”, I.e. “gee mister, what happened to your legs”, usually 4-8 years old. My answers are always kid friendly, something like my legs got real sick and the doctor gave me these so I can walk easier. Usually that’s enough. If they want to touch them I always ask permission from mom or dad. Older kids want to know how they work, I’ve been called a robot more than once. If parents are there I ask permission to go into more detail. Some parents seem to think I’m going to go into some gross detail about how I actually lost my legs (infections from type 2 diabetes) but I never do that to kids. I’ve had one “mother” who told her small kids that my legs were blown off in a war, completely untrue and I always set the record straight, which teed off the mom, but oh well. Love the channel.
@@kansaskajun Glad you correct the mums, I must get braver where that’s concerned. I do like the kid questions. It’s so simple and a simple version of the truth is accepted so readily and non-judgementally. I really enjoy those interactions. Kids can be very straightforward sometimes.
I totally agree with you. But with being both an advanced first aider & someone with multiple chronic illnesses that have left me with disabilities, my concern would be that having a badge that says "cardiac" on it would be more likely to make a person call 911 if you fainted. As an advanced first aider, I don't know whether the "cardiac" message is for someone with a pacemaker & their pacemaker has failed to work. And as someone with disabilities, I wouldn't want someone to misunderstand & call me an ambulance if I don't need it. Don't get me wrong, I totally understand your frustration, but I don't want it to make things worse for you.
I love this educational video, thank you! I think, even though, a good amount of us feel like we know about service dogs and the rules it’s good to watch these types of videos, continue to educate ourselves and see differing opinions
If I'm sitting waiting for a bus I or in a waiting room, I don't mind talking, but I will not allow anyone to pet my SD when he's in uniform. If I'm busy doing something or looking ill, please ignore us. Great video! Thank you for doing this!!
I used to work at denny's doing overnight waitressing. This one gentleman and his friend always came in on Tuesdays arround ten pm. They were regulars. The staff knew that they trained puppys to be service dog's for blind individuals, they often came in with different dog's every few months to socialize them and get them used to working in public before they were ready to go to their handler. The rude things i saw other patrons do on a regular basis were appalling. This is a very important video.
When I’m shopping and a migraine is coming, Bella will alert. Usually with me having enough time to end shopping check out and then sit in car. Or I leave my cart and sit in car and medicate. If I try to push on or don’t notice the alerts (fluorescent lighting being my biggest trigger)...Migraine Michelle kinda freezes up, locks up. I may lean over the cart semi frozen and confused. I usually will start crying tears because I can’t find my words to ask for help. I appreciate when anyone gets involves at that point. Touching me, talking to me, moving me to a safe place, calling for an assistant. I also appreciate people politely asking me how Bella helps me. Their tone dictates my response. Rude= I say she alerts to my medical condition. Pleasant= she is able to detect when my migraines are coming and tells me to take my medicines. I love to hear parents teaching their children about service dogs. If I am standing in a long line like at pharmacy, I don’t mind educating those near who make ask me questions. But if I am stopped while shopping I will say as I continue to keep walking (giving the hint) that I don’t have time to stop and chat) that sorry dear I have to focus, my time is limited in the store.
It's so great that you have a good pup to help out! I'm the same way with responses... more or less rude depending on whether they are polite. I try so hard to always stay polite though. Thanks for checking out the video and leaving your thoughts!
As a disabled person who is not a youtuber and doesn’t have the spoons or the knowledge of all things disability, it’s everyone’s own personal responsibility to educate themselves. I’m not Disabled Google and don’t know all the answers. I am also not willing to open up my medical file to all the ables who have questions. I am however grateful to the disabled youtubers and bloggers who do educate on disability. It eleviates some of the hassle when I want to just roll in and out of a public place semi-anonymously, which never happens because I’m a wheelchair user. 🦽
Jen, thank you for this video! I’m a short time SD handler, and have found that I needed to block vids from certain handlers. The chronic bitch and moaners, who have taken it upon themselves to become the watchdogs of fake service dogs, following them in stores, verbally shaming them, turning them in to store employees. Unless a dog is attacking another dog or handler, I COULD CARELESS! I have a friend who’s favorite polite response is NOT MY CIRCUS, NOT MY MONKEY. in other words I’m going to mind my own damn business. Lord knows I have enough to be concerned about my getting around. As for your question, I’d prefer to be ignored! Sure if I’m on the ground, having trouble getting up, I’d like at least the question DO YOU NEED HELP? My dog is trained and skilled at helping me get back on my feet, but sometimes an offering hand would be nice for my poor beleaguered dog. I will answer questions, offer an ADA card if they would like the education, but I won’t let anyone pet my dog, if he is working with me. If he is with a friend waiting for me in an appointment, then it’s usually fine. Since I don’t go out much, my dog doesn’t get much PA experience, I would worry that his protection mode might be too strong. I can’t say that over time we might go out and about more, so for now it no touch when he is with me.
I'm with you in that there's no need to go around shaming people if they are minding their own business, as long as they aren't causing potential harm (like by bringing a non-trained pet that could interrupt or harm a real service dog). Those nasty accounts were part of the motivation for starting mine! Thanks for chiming in! I love hearing other handlers' takes.
I have and train service dogs and I have specific gear and shirts we use if we want people to ask about service dogs or ask to pet.... We also have things that says very large -service dog- this is so people can tell from a distance away and stay at a distance just like amy other person in a store.
My cousin has a service dog and she prefers people come up and talk to her. She said that it actually made it easier for people to come up and talk to her and she felt gratefulfor that. She gets lonely because she feels people look at her and don't know how to talk to her without her dog. Although she has a very very visible disability so its probably a different situation.
So around the 6:00 minute mark where you ask about people coming up to someone in a wheelchair and asking why… it happens all the time for me! You probably aren’t surprised, but people don’t have any boundaries, and they don’t stop at asking about a service dog.
I’m generally ok with someone politely asking if they can pet my assistance dog, but they must be prepared for the answer to be ‘sorry no he’s working’ if he’s tasking at the time, I’m too poorly etc or we are in a rush or something and not get horrible with me. I will let some people pet him sometimes, especially kids as it’s a great way to educate them. Most of the time though it is a basic leave my dog alone! Great video x
I do not have or fortunately need a service dog but I'm a pretty good member of the public. However, I do have a dog of my own.. I have a beautiful border collie, bipolar disorder and anxiety. I know when we go out for a walk, people do often stop and ask about her.. which really doesn't help my anxiety. I can only imagine how difficult it is with a service dog. I have a couple of confessions... I am a starer.. service dogs Impress me. You can see the bond between dog and handler, I love the look in the dogs eyes when they are working... (I love it in my own dog when she is trying to find something)... I will now try to be more aware of how the handler feels about having people stare. I am also a lurker... If I see someone in trouble, I often try and assess the situation to see if someone actually needs my help. I don't want to make them uncomfortable, but I also don't want to ignore them if they are unable to ask for help. It was great advice to tell a member of staff. Thanks for the heads up, and you are right, there isn't much information about how the general public should respond to service dogs. Great video!
Sadly, it’s just the same in a wheelchair. Yes they do stroke the fuzzy blanket, or my colourful wig. (I’ve also had it ripped off my head twice by strangers who wanted to see if it was real. Neither of them said a word to me before doing that.). They also move me like I’m a piece of furniture in their way, use the chair to lean on, perch on the arm of the chair without permission, I’ve had strangers in a bar who happened to be sitting near me gather their coats up and hang them over my headrest. Because hey, why else would it be there? Honestly, the list goes on. Then the questions. In fact, the only time I’m spoke to directly sometimes is the inappropriate questions about my chair and my body. Everything else, I’m spoken about to the person who appears to be with me. I’ve even paid at a bar and had my change handed to the total stranger who was waiting next to me, and several cashiers have hovered desperately looking for someone to give my change to because they just seem to have a mental block where they can’t possibly give it to me. When I was using a manual chair people used to grab it and start pushing fast in a random direction as I screamed, shouting angrily that they’re helping, so shut up. They’ve tried it with the powerchair, but luckily that thing is a tank. The bald head stroking too. Do not stroke a person who is suffering with hair loss. Just don’t. Also don’t gesticulate to the seat next to me and ask me if you’ll catch something, because if you get closer after saying that you will be losing teeth. Weirdest thing was going to a restaurant with non-disabled friends in my chair for lunch, they were handed menus, I was handed a colouring pamphlet and crayons. I’m serious. It blew my mind. 🤯 I know I would really benefit from a medical alert dog. I know I would. (PoTS/mcas) But people treat me badly enough already and I’m not sure how much more I can take. The average able-bodied member of the public doesn’t take any medical equipment seriously or treat any disabled person with respect. Solidarity. You are not alone.
@@MommingwithMigraine it’s appalling, yes, and at the time totally crushing. But it’s also sort of hilarious when you look back on certain things, like the colouring book. I have an inappropriately morbid sense of humour I guess. But it’s important I think to remember that all disabilities, all disabled people are dismissed like this. Often I see people discussing living with mental health conditions saying that if it were physical they wouldn’t be treated this way - yes they would. If your SD was a chair or a rollator, you would. We need to realise we are not a few individuals struggling against this treatment by society - we’re a whole army! A massive percentage of the world. Perhaps that realisation would bring positive change.
I’m glad to see this! I also noticed that there’s not much information about what to do when you see service dogs 🙃 I have a video coming out soon about this topic too. I have found that the huge patch across their back with the “no” symbols instead of words seems to help more than regular patches. I got a leash wrap with the symbols too. & to answer your question I 💯 % prefer people just ignore us & don’t ask to pet her. I always say no & its awkward sometimes depending on how I’m feeling. Especially awkward when i’m dissociating and I don’t even halfway know where I am, it’s scary to have people come up & reach out 😳
So excited to see your video on this! And SO MUCH YES. I had a lady say Buddy was beautiful when my eyes were fluttering shut from near syncope. Ridiculous timing for some of these things!
I am ok with people asking questions and if kids or adult ask politely and I'm feeling ok and it's been a good day I will say yes and give him his "off duty" command
I know this is out of nowhere, but - short hair (smth like where your front pieces of hair end) would look so good on you!!! ♥ Thank you for what you do! x
As a SD handler, I prefer being left alone. It just is not what I want to deal with, or even can deal with, when I'm out and about. If I'm not at home, my SD and I are there for a purpose and we need all our focus on what we're doing. I don't have enough spoons to deal with the extra stimulus.
Very educational, some of it I know instinctively, like don't get close to the dog, or pet him or ask for pet him, etc, I love dogs so that one is always hard for me :P I just found out your videos and I'm finding them very interesting. I can relate to part of the migraine situations, but I feel blessed cause mine are very mildly compared to what other people suffers with migraines.
So i found your page and i love it !! Have been a Sd handler for almost 3 years . I have a rare brain disease called moyamoya . Didn’t know till i watched your videos the weird things i do like brain fog forget words , train of thought, i get vertigo, nausea, tingling shakes light and noise sensitivity and visual auras. I Didn’t know those kind of things were auras at all . I get migraines daily. Thankyou for letting me know I’m not alone with how this makes me feel you are amazing ... keep up the awesome content .
Love your videos! So informative. I appreciate you taking the time to do these videos to educate us. I definitely will be more aware around service dogs in public.
The only reason I keep an eye on a dog and handler is when I notice the beginning of a potential dangerous situation because of others. Just to stand ready to step in if needed. Otherwise I just ignore them and do my own thing. One time I was on the train and a handler with dog sat opposite of me. The dog knew he could rest for a bit and layed down in front of the handler but because of the small space also on my feet. I just ignored it, and kept looking out of the window and let them be. Only a tiny problem arised when I had to get of the train. I carefully restracted my legs and kept ignoring the dog. I just told the handler. 'I am going of this stop. You're dog might notice me move by.' Which ensured that he only put his head up for a second and then layed back down again and that the handler knew he might be distracted since I could accidently touch him to move out of my seat.
I would feel safer with an employee too-if something went wrong, the store would be able to know who they are from the cameras, have their name and all their information. An employee of the store would have also been hired with background checks etc and generally feel like a safer option than a random stranger-they’re also getting paid to work, and to work with customers, so it’s part of their job to help people, as opposed to inconveniencing, again, a random stranger.
I usually smile at the owner and say cute/sweet/good/nice dog but I keep it moving and don’t acknowledge the dog. I also never thought about that as intrusive...I have a normal dog and it happens frequently to me and it makes me happy when people compliment my dog.
@@SwtBeat I do not mind if a person passes and says cute dog and a smile ect...its an issue when people 'happen' to be in every area everytime and peeking/side eye ... Thats what I personally have issues with
You know this seem like a pretty fine line and asks a lot form the public. On one hand you want to be asked if you are fine/need help and on the other hand it's annoying you. If I saw you laying on the ground i would be so anxious, because no matter what I would do I would feel like I did the wrong thing. Leaving you there seems messed up, helping you also is bothering you, if you are passed out what then? Staying by your side you may find creepy and leaving a person alone just there obviously unwell would make me feel like monster. I liked your video and I see all your points, but it still seems very person to person based on how to help someone in such a situation.
lets set the record straight- if i see someone with a puppy prosthetic, i will definitely complement that!! same goes for the dogs- as a service dog handler, i dont mind the complements! 9 times out of 10 if you ask i will say yes!! i hate when people just pet without asking. Just ask!! On the store note- i agree with everything you said. i remember one time, i had to ask where the exit was at a mall. i went up to an employee and the employee not only didnt speak to me, he didnt answer my question! he talked about my dogs gear, what breed he is, how he owned the breed for blah blah blah years, and finally i had to get my dad to ask my question! Seriously, he has a huge leash wrap on his chest that says IGNORE ME in tennis ball green writing. as for if im down- id rather an employee help too, unless the person is a doctor! i have many family that are in the medical profession. personally, they have told me stories about helping people on flights, in public, and even in the movie theatre!
If I faint my service dog is trained to (if it is a emergency) to go to the nearest person and if the person dose not follow she will block the person and bark softly. But that is only if I had a medical emergency.
My European ears shivered when she says "everytime there's that huge fee for the ambulance and tha cost adds up for us" and not something like "we don't want to waste public money and keep and ambulance unnecessarily busy when it could be needed somewhere else"
Love the fact that migraine Jen decided to hijack the video and cooked taco meat. Why not? Also that’s awesome that buddy was able to alert you from all the way downstairs. Could he have smelled it earlier in the day but wait until then to alert you because he somehow knew was getting closer? Your idea about the vents seam possible to. I am in the process of waiting to be matched with my first Guide Dog and I think that I would prefer people to definitely leave me be and not ask to pet my service dog, but if there’s someone I’m interacting with like an employee or just another customer that I’m having a conversation with, and they would like to pet my service dog, they should definitely ask and not just do it. That being said chances are I would still say no, just because they can be very distracting for them and me, but the person should still ask rather than just randomly doing it with no warning or asking for permission.
I’m so sorry that people have bothered you in public. I’m sure that’s so hard especially if you are having a severe symptom day. Now that you are doing these videos do you get people talking to you just because they recognize you from UA-cam? Thank you for the videos! They really help people like me understand other peoples disabilities.
I just posted a question about this in another of your videos; then I saw this. Thank you for helping me, I know this sounds corny, but, be a better member of the public.. (I don't have a service dog, I just admire them and watch lots of vids. I've never seen a vid like this before. Thank you.)
I will allow it if I am up to it physically & no one is waiting to have service around me. I say to the person who wants to I et to wait, not pet till I get his vest off & sits as (Tohida) my SD is a tall Rotty & very loving. I have MS & balance is an issue & so is my vertigo. So, it is ALL SUBJECTIVE... I do educate all children who will listen if I'm upto it physically and mentally...most times I get the questions or comments when I need to be quick & want To just get my stuffdone... On good days i do interact...love the video
I've seen service dog/handler teams in public over the years. Noted them, moved on. It was perfectly obvious to me that they were going about their business like any other shopper or person in public spaces. They didn't know me, I didn't know them, nobody wanted to be interrupted, end of story. I've never touched someone's service dog or tried to distract the dog from his job. Or made rude remarks to the handler. This is *ordinary* conduct. Adults should know this stuff. Are some adults getting all the way through childhood without learning how to be polite? Why? I liked the signs you made for Buddy's vest. They won't dissuade a rude person, but... *nothing* will dissuade a rude person. With your particular disabilities, would a wheelchair occasionally be of use to you?
Last comment I promise. If a handler tells you no to a pet request there could be a reason. In my case it's that he has already alerted me and I'm trying to get done fast or he's alerted multiple times that day and I'm not taking any chances. Whatever you do DO NOT make handler feel anxious because you wouldn't allow the pet. That happened to me. Had to leave the groceries behind, meaning I then had to calm myself down and TRY to go back the next day. Can't guarantee the next day will be a good day and can lead to lack of food for both you and your dog. Ignore me. I'd appreciate it. I'd love one visit where I'm completely ignored.
Service dogs are not very common in Germany but from a social standpoint I find the ignoring part difficult. I like to smile at passing people for a lot of reasons. Not staring but just being nice. That would not be ignoring. I also smile at dogs but having grown up with dogs, unless I know the dog or the handler/ owner or they are clearly ok with me greeting that’s all I do.
Sylvie is still in training so I prefer people to stay away. I have PTSD from when I was in the military. Things I've seen and done makes most people shocked so I don't really want to tell them anything. I've had a few kids try to run up to us and I have to tell them to stay back and not distract her. I did hear a child behind us ask about her and the parent did tell her she was a service dog and they couldn't bother her. I appreciated that. I also try to go places when it's not so busy. I don't like crowds.
I use a wheelchair part time and you would be shocked by the audacity some people have. I've had people come up to me in a restaurant asking why I'm in one, or make comments to my mom instead of me, or tell her when we are going up a hill I can't get myself up that I must be giving her a workout. People are just rude when it comes to disabilities in general
This isnt to conflict with your stance on asking if your ok during DPT, but someonee like me with severe psych issues whos already " going down the rabbit hole" as I call it and Im already on the floor after freaking out and rushing to find a quiet place away from others to do DPT with my girl, including my dog laying across my back while laying on the floor, the last thing thats gonna help me is someone talking to me, it may even cause you to get hurt if you interact with me if my dog was distracted by others and missed an early alert(just to clarify, Im the threat not my dog)
Can I first of all please just say thank you for this video. As someone who used to work in a store and is now just part of the general public, this was so informative and necessary. I have a couple of questions following on from this video that I am hoping someone who has a dog handler can answer? I think most people (including myself) understand that if someone faints or has a seizure then you wait a certain amount of time before calling the paramedics. Can I ask what the best practice is when there is a service dog present? If there is no obvious injury, should we time the episode so to speak and interveen after a certain amount of time?
it really depeends on what the dog is for i think. always read the vest, if they dont have a patch with info they may have a pouch with medical info or look at their phone medical ID if ur concerned. i think the main thing with seizures and pots is that as long as theres no head trauma ie they didnt catch it on time and hit their head into something or on the floor, then u should just leave them alone or wait a bit if u want, but be careful not to invade personal space if u can avoid it so the dog can do their job. idk much abt seizures really but at least with fainting disorders like pots or other types of dysautonomia theyre not life threatening and u can leave the dog to do their job. edit: also! many sds are trained to get the nearest person if its an emergency
This is a good video. A dog in a service dog vest attacked my dog a few weeks ago. The woman had him on an 8 or 10 foot lead and was paying no attention to his behavior of barking and growling till I yelled. For weeks he has been so distracted and fearful and so much less able to do his job. I guess I just want to say that was not a service dog. There are places to shop with your dog but even there you should be careful.
im so sorry, people dont realize how detrimental this can be to a working dogs wellbeing and the effects it has on someones independence and health. i hope they can get past their fearfulness with your help :)
Totally I try to each as I go. It's kind-of getting harder to teach the public. Just thought of something though maybe I'll start telling them if they listen to how to do it correctly I'll let them pet at the end.
I was told not to look at the service dog at all, just ignore the dog and pay attention to the rest. If the dog notices your attention (especially during their training as a puppy) it will derail their attention from what they are supposed to work on. It benefits everyone in the situation when we go about our day normally and not make a big fuss about a dog - especially a trained one.
One time I was in an elevator with someone with a service dog and the vest actually said "Feel free to ask to pet me." I thought that was really nice and made me feel less pressured. Because I will never not WANT to ask to pet a dog but feel like I can't when they are service animals. I assume it was a special circumstance or whatever the handler needed wasn't something that needed the dogs full attention? I dunno. It's possible I may need a service dog myself soon. I would become more educated but if possible I would get a reversible vest for "on duty" and "off duty" letting people know if they can ask to pet. Just a little tangent I thought I would share.
I think it feels safer to have an employee helping because it’s quite literally their job. They likely aren’t leaving anytime soon; if they are, they’ll tell a coworker to look out for you; and they know where the first aid and (god forbid it was needed) AED are, if there is one. Whenever I’ve felt ill in public, I’ve felt very safe and less anxious when an employee asks if I’m okay. I got sick at Universal and FOUR employees checked on me multiple times. I felt so safe despite being separated from my friends at the time.
I'm not disable, yet, but when I'm having a major flair up of my PSA and I have to use things like the electric carts, or even my cane in public and people give me dirty looks it makes me angry...Some illnesses are in fact invisible. I hate it when people treat me like I'm just being lazy when I in fact do have times where walking more than 10 feet without excruciating pain...
You should really really check out the channel Chronically Jaquie. She did a TON of service dog advocation as well as dealt with a list of chronic illnesses. I would also recommend her best Janice’s channel The Raw Life. She also has a service dog.
I want to say thank you so much for this video it was very informative. I have been questioning whether or not my son but mainly myself should look into getting a service dog. I just don’t know if either of us would be approved and I don’t want to be one of those people that just buy a vest and call a dog a service dog. I also am not 100% sure the laws when it comes to renting or out in public. Also if when u have a service dog if that means u r no longer able to drive or stuff like that. I’m definitely gonna look into it more. Just scared if I was ever told either of us qualified the process and if my landlord now would try to kick us out cause we r not suppose to have dogs.
I'm assuming USA so if not USA do research for your country. You can drive and have service animal. Driving is based on your 'disease' not disability. Depending on if your landlord is a jerk or not, a service dog is NOT a pet. It is medical equipment. By ADA laws your landlord must allow the service dog. Now if he's a jerk his argument could be then everyone will want a pet. You'll have to decide if you want to fight him. You didn't mention wjat your medical issue is so I have to give a blanket answer. Ask your medical Dr if medical issue, they can set you in right course. If mental talk to your psych Dr. The issue with USA is legally you can have a owner/handler trained service dog. That means you can slap a vest on and call it a service dog and people legally can't question. However, legally being a service dog they must have a task they perform. Stability, blood pressure, dizzy, migraine, diabetic alert, etc. These tasks can be taught owner/handler but it's more difficult. Mine is owner/handler mainly stability but he does other tasks as well.
I've worked as a security guard and unless the handlers down I just leave them alone there's no need to drop more attention they're just trying to get along with their day and if they are down I make sure that everything is okay especially if somebody else is around and tell them they can call me if they need further assistance
Being a security guard would you ever kick out a labeled service dog that is acting appropriately while telling others to watch me because he's a fake?
The reason you prefer an employee to take care of you, is because the burden of obligation is reduced in such a scenario. It is part of the employee's job to care and help those who shop in his business. A bystander helping you ,has no obligation at all, and therefore you feel that greater gratitude is required. You obviously want to be as independent as you can, and reduced the amount of gratitude you owe to the community.
To be honest, I prefer people not to pet my dog at all because I will be with my mom sometimes or by myself and adults + kids say (look at the PUPPY!) and it will sometimes distract daisy, (my dog) or they will come up to pet her and ask me can I pet, it distracts her and me sometimes I will let people pet her when she is off duty if I can say so when they ask I get nervous and stressed and just blankly stare at them and I can’t talk, daisy will come by my side and push against me not to hard to make me not be anxious and actually speak they will bend down and say “oh it says DO NOT PET” and walk away and I hear them talking about her 🙄
What got to me years past was a blind engineer I worked with who used to take his dog out in the yard and beat the devil out of it...to compel it to serve him...he said he was taught to do that to the dog to make him obey...I really doubt it though...he kept having to replace his dogs...I wonder why...sighs
If I see a service dog or for me it’s hear a dog and their handler I would ignore the dog I don’t understand why people talk to you like you’re not a human being anyways I can’t wait for the next video
We are looking into getting our daughter a service dog, how would you feel about a Mom who asks your advice or how you got a service dog while you are in public etc?
I have All the symptoms of ADHD and Bipolar disorder and I have really bad anxiety, somebody told me that I can have a Psychiatric service dog but I don't know if it's true but if it is, a service dog would be a great choice for me, when I get really bad anxiety I start Shaking and I get bad headaches and nausea. I would ask my doctor but my social anxiety makes it really hard.
Jen. I wish to point out in England. The company I work for DOES NOT encourage us to help people like yourself especially if a service dog is present. Are there any shops like this near you??
I am working on getting a puppy to train. I've never train before. Can you suggest to me some of the Names of Handler's that you watched so I can start my research. I just need some guidance here, Thank you
Claire (Service Angel Percie) is my favorite online trainer to watch. She has a UA-cam channel and two Instagram accounts (something like service.angel.percie and canine.matters)
I have a question about educating the kids. I'm going to have a baby soon, and I know that if we see a service dog out in public, I'll want to try and explain the situation and why we don't touch or distract the dog. But I'm so nervous that I won't be able to do justice to the SD community since I'm not part of it. I'll do my best of course, but if there are no patches on the dog saying that you don't want to be talked to, is it ok to ask the handler if they have anything to add to my explanation? I have lots of experience with kids, and I know that sometimes kids don't take their parents seriously but they will take someone else seriously. I of course don't want to interrupt or cause any issues for the SD pair, but I want to make sure my kids grow up respectful. It's such a difficult situation. Does anyone have any advice for how parents should handle things like this? Open to all suggestions, thanks!
The very first video on my channel is one that a friend used in her classroom. You could check that one out and see if it suits your needs? I believe it's called service dog 101 or med alert dog 101... something like that. 💜
@@CarrSasticCreations It's just a matter of respect. It's a basic human right for everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, ability, etc. I want my kids to understand that and to be accepting of others. I also watch Molly Burke, and a couple other youtubers with service dogs. And they're all so nice and none of them deserve the hassle they go through. If people were taught better and were less judgy and intolerant, the world would be a better place. I can't change how other people raise their kids. But I can make a difference with how I raise mine.
when you switch the video to black and white my brain gets really confused lmao one of the symptoms of my migraines is that color gets really bland (imagine you took a box of crayons and then they just started turning into pastels) so when i look up and it’s black and white my brain thinks i’m having a migraine and once it realizes that it’s not happening yet it instead tries to add the color in and gives me a worse headache lmao
I have a service dog and do not allow him to be petted or touched when we are out. The dog is working and needs to stay focused. I get the most problems from senior citizens who think it is cute to talk to my dog. I politely tell them not to do so as it is distracting and most are good to follow. I also keep my dog away from all other dogs. I have had dog owners try to have their dog get in my dog's face. I have zero tolerance for such idiots and generally let them know of my extreme displeasure.
I've noticed the same with older folks! And agreed on the rest. I try to be really calm and polite about it but I'm sure my eye roll game is strong some days.
QUESTION! If someone asks to pet your service dog, do you ever say yes? Would you prefer that people stop asking at all?
Some children, yes. But they are often curious and i take it as a time to educate. 😊
I would prefer the no one come up to Eskimo and I and talk to us. I am Deaf so lots of times I'm unaware that people are talking to me unless they are in my face!!! I think you stayed exactly what I have been trying to say for years about proper behavior in public when seeing an SD Team!!!
Personally I prefer no one ask, because Logan adores people and we are still working on him ignoring people haha
It depends on how they ask and how I'm feeling. I'd prefer to be able to go out without being approached, but I understand the draw.
I’d prefer you ask. If it’s a small child I may give radar the go ahead and use it as a time to educate.
A few years back, my younger sister (maybe 9-10 at the time) and I were out shopping. We stopped at an ice cream shop to get some ice cream. There was this lady sitting at one of the tables, and next to her was a gorgeous Golden Retriever dog with a service-dog vest on. As little kids do, my sister saw the dog and instantly asked me if she could go over and ask the lady if she could pat the dog. Now, the women was within hearing distance, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw her kind of flinch at my sister's question. But, lucky for me, I had read an article that very day about how you shouldn't ask to pat a service dog out in public because they're on duty and need to focus on saving their handler's life if the need arises. I bent down in front of my sister and told her this information, and she understood. After we had bought our ice cream and were heading towards the table, the same lady came up to me and thanked me for educating my sister. She let us pat her dog in the end, but now, every time my sister sees a service dog, she never asks if she can go pat them and I've even heard her tell her friends about the importance of leaving services dogs alone when they're out in public.
adorable*
Wow! Thanks so much! More kids need to know the difference
GREAT JOB big sis! As a SD handler I really your having a teaching moment. I have a question for you though - should a SD handler that someone or just let it be a sweet passing moment? What do you think is a good way to do it? ... what should be said?
@@ae31860 Thank you very much! I think it totally depends on the person and there is no right way to do it. In this situation, this lady was happy to let us pat her SD because she was impressed with how I handled the situation and how my little sister did. But it’s totally ok for the SD handler to do nothing, or simply say thank you or smile. It just depends on the situation and what they’re comfortable doing with their service animal ^_^
I say never pet a dog that is not yours without permission. You never know if the dog isn't frendily.
Our dog is a therapy dog and when she was small we took her everywhere so that she would learn being in public. We had people grope at her, pet her when i was holding her on my chest because she was tired, get in our space. One person asked if it was okay to pet her, we said no because she was a bit tired, and they just still pet her. As she has grown its gotten a bit better but the amount of comments is still astounding. I cannot imagine how much worse it is for service dog handlers and how annoying it is to constantly get attention and have to keep your dog and yourself safe, it must be exhausting
omg yes. I own three relatively big dogs and since i walk all three at the same time people tend to want to go up and say hi since you dont always see so many cute doggos at once. Thing is though, one of my dogs is pretty shy and shes perfectly friendly. The other two are pretty protective of each other. The dogs are mother and son so they are pretty fierce and bark when walking past other dogs. Of course i can keep hold of them since im pretty strong, but it get incredebly annoying and dificult once the other owner/person wants to go up and greet my dogs. I walk past a elderly home everyday on the dogs morning walk and theres been an old man calling and whistleing to get them to come. He didnt stop even though i was about to fall over from all the dogs pulling+ ice on the ground.
Sam K... As a dog owner, I agree, but with a service dog, I dont even ask. I always assume a service dog is doing a job I shouldn't interrupt
So crazy to me. I feel like it would be weird to just walk up and pet a pet dog without permission, let alone a service dog
Never ask a stranger if you can pet their leashed dog. That is invasive and rude.
If the dog runs free in the park and approaches you, that's a different matter.
I love animals so much so my natural instinct is to look at the pup and smile. I thought it was okay because I wasn’t actually petting the doggies but because of this video, I now know it’s super distracting. I also didn’t realize that putting so much attention to the dog and not the handler can be dehumanizing. Thank you for all this info. I’ll be educating all my animal lovers to back off and respect the handler and the pup:)
I appreciate that! I know he's cute, I know people are going to look and smile and read his vest, and all of that is alright with me. It's staring for minutes/overhearing conversations about us that can feel a little weird!
Im the same way! I absolutely love dogs so much, and my freshman year of college, there was a student with a guide dog. I knew better than to speak to the dog or pet the dog or try to wave my hands and get its attention, but I did have a bad habit of staring at the dog and then commenting to friends about how sweet the dog was and that I wish I could pet it but it's working right now. I started watching Molly Burke not long after that and then realized that yeah the dog is cute, but unless its off duty, you really should treat the dog as you would a wheelchair or oxygen tank or cane, etc. Theres nothing wrong with noticing it, but you shouldn't fixate on it or comment on it or stare at it and then talk about it with your friends. I didn't know better then because I thought I was ok as long as I didnt bother the dog, but now I know that I can't treat service dogs like pet dogs in terms of staring and smiling and getting excited about seeing it. Yes its a cute, living aid, but its a medical aid nonetheless and needs to be treated as any other aid while the dog is on-duty. But I still gush over all my neighbors' pet dogs in my apartment complex 😂
For me personally I don’t mind a brief glance and smile. Basically treat it like you would someone’s kid wearing a cute outfit. Don’t stare at them for a long time or be creepy just smile to yourself and then keep moving.
I have a working dog, not a guide dog or a service dog. His rules are completely different from your dog. We can fly on airplanes as long as we are going to a class or going to a disaster. Going into restaurants ect we fall under the rules as a pet. I never abuse this rule.
When I fly I get a lot of people thinking my dog is a service dog, yet most do not get how to act around the dog. Most people come up and either touch my dog or get into my face and ask. Please respect the people and give them space. I can't even imagine spending your whole life like this.
My other pet peeve is all the badly behaved dogs in public. Some have vest, others are just pets. Please learn to keep you dog back and away from others. This distraction can hurt the person and also stress the dog.
Love all your videos and just how brave you are to share all your experiences.
I completely agree with this, especially on the bad dog owner part. I hate when people think its "cute" and praise their dog's bad behaviors in stores and on walks. My dog is a pet, not a working dog, but he grew up on my family's farm for the first 9 years of his life with a pack of much bigger dogs (my dog is a 10 pound chihuahua mix and the rest of our family dogs are large mixed breed dogs ranging from 50-90 pounds). They are all trained to protect our property as we live on 30 wooded acres and have some wild predatory animal problems. My little guy has grown up thinking that all other animals are a threat if they arent in the pack. His reactivity has decreased a lot in the last 5 months living in town with me, but it pisses me off to no end when people let their dogs approach mine, leashed or not, and clearly ignore my dog's warning cues, and then make a nasty comment to me when he starts growling and lunging because theyre now 3 feet from me. You never know what is going on with another dog or what their temperment is, so you should never approach a stranger owner/dog pair with your dog without having the other owner's attention and making sure you both want to allow them to interact. It makes training my dog to relax and reduce his reactivity very difficult when dogs quickly invade his personal space and the owners dont care. He loves people, but hates stranger animals. Bad dog owners make life harder for everyone else.
As a person in a wheelchair, I can honestly say that yes, when im out, I do get asked (fairly often) "hey, why are you in a wheelchair?"
That's very interesting.. with it being so visible that's a little surprising!
im sorry that happens! able-bodied people are insane
I’m in a wheelchair to! I have bad experiences to. I’m really sorry. I have mito, BTW
Maybe a little rude but I've always gotten a laugh. I ask those in wheelchairs if they'd like my dog, St. Bernard, to pull them. I figure it's a way we bond and then sometimes we shop together.
People are rude. It wasn't always like this.
In the 1950s and even into the 1960s, my parents never removed the car key from the ignition, and our car was never stolen. When I was about six, I asked my father why car companies made keys and required them to start the car engine. He explained that some big cities have high crime areas, and people will steal your car if you leave the key in the ignition. That surprised me.
Toward the end of the 1960s, my parents started removing the car keys and locking the doors. It is infinitely worse now than it was then. I don't recognize this country anymore. People are rude, unfriendly, and unhelpful.
Since my kids were toddlers, every time we see a service dog in public I pull them aside and remind them if they see dogs with vests in stores that they are service dogs and it's important to not talk to or pet them. I have gotten a few "thank you" comments from people as they continue on. I appreciate this video though. As a prior EMT, I would have looked for a bracelet or necklace if I had to follow a dog to its handler but may not have thought about the vest. I will make sure to let my kids know about the info in a dog's vest too once they are old enough to be in a store without me.
I work for a retail store and I love learning these things so I can be as best of service to people if they were to have any issues.
Instead of HR gender indoctrination videos, businesses should train on something that might actually benefit the company and improve customer service. I'm just spitballing here, but how about a video on service dog team etiquette.
Love love love you and this content! I support and agree with every single thing you said! It could have come out of my mouth. If I'm sitting on the floor in the middle of a public place with a dog in my lap, leave me alone! I don't mind people asking quickly if I need anything. I appreciate it, especially if I'm alone. But otherwise, keep on walking and let my dog and me focus on what needs doing. It's embarrassing to do this, nevermind if people are adding stress to the situation by taking my focus away. I was recently walking my dog down the sidewalk on a residential street when she alerted to a POTS attack. In just under 15 minutes, 9 cars stopped to ask if i needed help. I was shocked! I felt strangely comforted by this very public attack. It showed me that I can walk my dog alone and people will stop to help if I need it.
Go Jen go! Can't wait for taco Friday!
I totally agree with all of it! I just wanna do my shopping, but I'm still glad when people are concerned when it's clear I have some issue going on (as long as they're quick about it). Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment your thoughts!
We need more videos like this.
I appreciate that, thank you 💜
Momming with Migraine We need more people to talk about wat to do when you see a service dog
As someone who has a Service/Assistance Dog that helps me with Migraines, Seizures and PTSD I completely get ALL of these things.
1. I always get stopped and asked about my SD/AD and it is EXTREMELY annoying after awhile
2. When people or kids do ask to pat my SD/AD its a normal NO, SHE IS WORKING PLEASE LET HER DO HER JOB. If it is kids and they ask politely then its a different story, sometimes I may let them as a reward for asking
BUT NORMALLY ITS A NO
I guess what people forget is that these dogs are there to do a JOB and they have to concentrate
As a SD/AD handler THANK YOU for taking the time for making this video!!!
I work with someone who has a service dog. They let us pet their dog only when their on break because they see it as the dog gets a break too.
I love your videos, my daughter has POTS Plus a few other issues migraines also being one of them. She has a service dog Who is a very smart boy. We were in Walmart and walking through the refrigerated section and her dog stopped and alerted because there was a man lying on the ground by the cooler not really moving much. He was actually trying to fix the refrigeration underneath the cooler but the dog would not move until we stopped and showed him that the man was not hurt. I couldn’t believe he was that aware. They are really amazing sometimes.
Everything you said is self-evident for any dog, not just service dogs. But it is especially important for service dog teams. It is shocking how many people are clueless about dog etiquette. Even dog owners!!!
I thought you were appropriately firm but restrained when you reprimanded rude people. Call it tough love.
Great patch for buddy and you! Hopefully people will read and heed!!
To be honest, I am here for you videos about your dog. I do not have any disability nor experience with service dogs. Yet, I have a dog myself and your point about not petting them without permision is so valid! I have a super cute one but also one which has agression issues sometimes. But people always make comments or reach out. I send you lots of love!
Yes, this! My pup (pet, not service dog) is generally good with strangers, but I always tell people off if they just go for it and pet him without asking. If they ask, my response is usually "yes, if he lets you" if he seems interested in meeting them, and it's "no, he's not good with strangers" if he has his head lowered/tail tucked and not acting interested in meeting them. Its hard to say no to little kids who ask, and normally I let them unless he looks really uncomfortable, but I always remind them (whether he starts off really excited or if he's just neutral) that they can only pet him if he lets them, but if he walks away then that means he's done with pets. This makes really young kids sad when he gets too stressed after just a few pats, but Id rather reward their polite request by getting to pet him but also upset them by taking him away quickly than to risk them getting bitten. I also think it helps teach kids that asking is good, but that the dog's cues are important too and that you shouldn't chase a dog to pet them just because you're allowed to pet the dog by the owner.
asking to pet rly just needs to be universal. we had a rotty/pit mix who was 70lbs and had a bite record. his neurotic agression was likely due to a brain tumor and after dog psychologists, many vets, and top trainers in behavior mod we had to put him down or he would have killed someone. now i have a friendly lab sd that i dont worry about though he is protective of the house and car and doesnt enjoy sketchy ppl, he is so so friendly but one day someone got in the elevator at the doc w him and this little girl she was with went so so immediately to pet him which was fine ofc though i told her to stop, and after she stopped i told her u should never go up to a random dog like that because they might not be friendly and could bite therefore she should always ask. its no joke at the end of the day and dogs dont need to meet everyone, in fact that can cause behavior issues if theyre insecure or cause them to be frustrated and react to dogs or people when they cant go up and say hi. always ask and be careful even if its the most docile breed
Thank you for making this video! I think the general public needs to know what to do because usually the dog’s vest basically says “leave us alone”.
I don't necessarily "distract" but I have given out so many "Awww your doggo is gorgeous!" as I'm passing them in a grocery aisle. I also tend to do that to people with cute masks, adorable sweaters..... I just love complimenting beauty!
I love your videos. You are so open and giving of yourself. Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!!!
thats still distracting, the dog knows if ur throwing baby talk in their or the handlers direction and its just plain distracting. sd handlers know their dogs r cute and dont need to be told. its also just plain distracting to the person who is just trying to go about their business and already has to be worried about wandering hands and adults cooing at their sd every two seconds. also no one coos at random peoples wheelchairs bc thats rude so stop treating a working and lifesaving dog like theyre there for entertainment/cuteness. u dont mess with working police or military dogs or bomb sniffing dogs if u see them in public, so dont mess with an equally valuable, highly intelligent, working dog.
"I just love complimenting beauty! "
Seriously? Watch the video again. I don't think you got the message that you are being rude.
Thank you so much! I’m just getting started with my service dog, Circe. She has shown natural ability to help me when I’m not feeling well or having flairs and even presycope or actually passing out. I’m really nervous about all the ‘fake service dog’ videos. Some of those TikTok ones even seem like they’re being a little over concerned about other service dogs who aren’t bothering anyone. I’ve been worried that someone’s going to judge me and my dog because she still in training. She’s really well behavior trained, so the training is very easy, she’s catching on fast and it’s only been a few weeks of adding additional skills for her in public. I really appreciate you doing this kind of video, because I was having trouble finding what to do videos instead of what not to do.❤
Hi Jen!
Thank you so much for all the information! I live in Europe and I don't remind ever seeing a service dog over here but I will definetly remember your advices. Also, I feel like most of what you say should be common sense as we shouldn't pet or feed any dogs we encounter without the consent of the handler so... People really need more education like this!
I’ve had my service dog since February. He is a 3 year old 100 lb black lab mix. He is strikingly handsome and draws a lot of attention. In stores - not that we go out much - people just can’t help commenting on how beautiful he is. But no one in a store has ever asked to pet him, or even asked what his name is. They usually walk by and say, “Your dog is beautiful” etc and keep walking. I’ve had people on check out lines say they can’t believe how well trained and calm he is. At self check out he just lays down at my feet and nods off. And people are genuinely impressed with his behavior and pay him or me a compliment. River has accompanied me 27 times to the hospital since February and the staff Love him. We live 450 yards from the hospital outpatient center and we walk there. Usually takes us (me) about 22 minutes to walk the 450 yards. I let the entire staff talk to and pet River. Most of the time I have to go into a sterile operating room for injections, or radiology for X-rays, MRI, etc. these are usually not office visits. So, River ends up having to stay in another room with staff. So, I am glad they are so smitten with River. I just tell him “Free” and he is off duty and Loving the attention! The only place people really engage me about River is on the train when we have to go to the main hospital - about 2 hour round trip. People get on and off the train and comment on how pretty he is and ask what kind of dog is he. The vet thinks that River is either part Rottweiler or English Mastiff. He is so big and muscular, and his head/skull is much larger than a purebred Lab - I brush him every day and his jet black, short coat just glimmers. But no one has ever asked to pet him, or why I have him. They just comment on his striking appearance and calm demeanor. And then they tell me about the special dog they had in their life once upon a time. Quite pleasant actually... I’ve been lucky with the public and blessed with my companion...
I'm glad you've been having such positive experiences in your area. Sounds like you have a very excellent team around you!
Thank you for this video. This is the first time I'm hearing of what to do if a SD walks up to me w/o a handler. I know not to try to interact with a SD but I do appreciate your statement of if I think you might need help, just ask and not "circle around" Your videos are helping me understand. Thank you.
Haha, as a wheelchair user I had to laugh at your examples of people talking about wheelchairs and prosthetics, they DOOOOO do that. People flat out ask what's wrong with me and why I need a chair. Its pretty much the same type of questions and bothering that I get with my service dog too!
That is NUTS!
I ask those in wheelchairs if theyd like my dog to pull them. Jokingly of course. Mine isn't trained for that.
Your comment about someone with a prosthetic kind of got to me. I’m a bilateral below knee amputee and the comments from supposed adults really amazes me. I have no problem with children asking me questions, i usually wear shorts in summer, in fact I encourage it, but their parents are a completely different story. The adults ask the most inane questions.
Sorry, I know this is two months old, but I wanted to ask - do you find that actually it’s the kids asking totally logical, sensible stuff that can be a short and easy to handle learning moment, and the adults are just totally bizarre/nonsensical/abusive? Because that’s the way it is with my wheelchair and wig/bald head. Beyond a certain age (somewhere between eight and eleven) I find the kid, if it has been raised by similarly terrible parents, starts to turn nasty too and it’s too late. Before that I try to always be grateful for the opportunity for a positive interaction with young kids because if we can take the fear of the unknown away, it won’t turn to hate.
Lexie, usually the kids ask “kid questions”, I.e. “gee mister, what happened to your legs”, usually 4-8 years old. My answers are always kid friendly, something like my legs got real sick and the doctor gave me these so I can walk easier. Usually that’s enough. If they want to touch them I always ask permission from mom or dad. Older kids want to know how they work, I’ve been called a robot more than once. If parents are there I ask permission to go into more detail. Some parents seem to think I’m going to go into some gross detail about how I actually lost my legs (infections from type 2 diabetes) but I never do that to kids. I’ve had one “mother” who told her small kids that my legs were blown off in a war, completely untrue and I always set the record straight, which teed off the mom, but oh well. Love the channel.
@@kansaskajun Glad you correct the mums, I must get braver where that’s concerned. I do like the kid questions. It’s so simple and a simple version of the truth is accepted so readily and non-judgementally. I really enjoy those interactions. Kids can be very straightforward sometimes.
I totally agree with you. But with being both an advanced first aider & someone with multiple chronic illnesses that have left me with disabilities, my concern would be that having a badge that says "cardiac" on it would be more likely to make a person call 911 if you fainted. As an advanced first aider, I don't know whether the "cardiac" message is for someone with a pacemaker & their pacemaker has failed to work. And as someone with disabilities, I wouldn't want someone to misunderstand & call me an ambulance if I don't need it. Don't get me wrong, I totally understand your frustration, but I don't want it to make things worse for you.
I love this educational video, thank you!
I think, even though, a good amount of us feel like we know about service dogs and the rules it’s good to watch these types of videos, continue to educate ourselves and see differing opinions
If I'm sitting waiting for a bus I or in a waiting room, I don't mind talking, but I will not allow anyone to pet my SD when he's in uniform. If I'm busy doing something or looking ill, please ignore us.
Great video! Thank you for doing this!!
I used to work at denny's doing overnight waitressing. This one gentleman and his friend always came in on Tuesdays arround ten pm. They were regulars. The staff knew that they trained puppys to be service dog's for blind individuals, they often came in with different dog's every few months to socialize them and get them used to working in public before they were ready to go to their handler. The rude things i saw other patrons do on a regular basis were appalling. This is a very important video.
Before covid, Buddy went to Denny's with us every Saturday morning!
When I’m shopping and a migraine is coming, Bella will alert. Usually with me having enough time to end shopping check out and then sit in car. Or I leave my cart and sit in car and medicate. If I try to push on or don’t notice the alerts (fluorescent lighting being my biggest trigger)...Migraine Michelle kinda freezes up, locks up. I may lean over the cart semi frozen and confused. I usually will start crying tears because I can’t find my words to ask for help. I appreciate when anyone gets involves at that point. Touching me, talking to me, moving me to a safe place, calling for an assistant. I also appreciate people politely asking me how Bella helps me. Their tone dictates my response. Rude= I say she alerts to my medical condition. Pleasant= she is able to detect when my migraines are coming and tells me to take my medicines. I love to hear parents teaching their children about service dogs. If I am standing in a long line like at pharmacy, I don’t mind educating those near who make ask me questions. But if I am stopped while shopping I will say as I continue to keep walking (giving the hint) that I don’t have time to stop and chat) that sorry dear I have to focus, my time is limited in the store.
It's so great that you have a good pup to help out! I'm the same way with responses... more or less rude depending on whether they are polite. I try so hard to always stay polite though. Thanks for checking out the video and leaving your thoughts!
Yes please more videos like this ! Maybe you could do a collab and team up with other service handlers to do more videos like this!
As a disabled person who is not a youtuber and doesn’t have the spoons or the knowledge of all things disability, it’s everyone’s own personal responsibility to educate themselves. I’m not Disabled Google and don’t know all the answers. I am also not willing to open up my medical file to all the ables who have questions. I am however grateful to the disabled youtubers and bloggers who do educate on disability. It eleviates some of the hassle when I want to just roll in and out of a public place semi-anonymously, which never happens because I’m a wheelchair user. 🦽
I was literally wondering this the other day. Thank you!
You are welcome!
Jen, thank you for this video! I’m a short time SD handler, and have found that I needed to block vids from certain handlers. The chronic bitch and moaners, who have taken it upon themselves to become the watchdogs of fake service dogs, following them in stores, verbally shaming them, turning them in to store employees. Unless a dog is attacking another dog or handler, I COULD CARELESS! I have a friend who’s favorite polite response is NOT MY CIRCUS, NOT MY MONKEY. in other words I’m going to mind my own damn business. Lord knows I have enough to be concerned about my getting around. As for your question, I’d prefer to be ignored! Sure if I’m on the ground, having trouble getting up, I’d like at least the question DO YOU NEED HELP? My dog is trained and skilled at helping me get back on my feet, but sometimes an offering hand would be nice for my poor beleaguered dog. I will answer questions, offer an ADA card if they would like the education, but I won’t let anyone pet my dog, if he is working with me. If he is with a friend waiting for me in an appointment, then it’s usually fine. Since I don’t go out much, my dog doesn’t get much PA experience, I would worry that his protection mode might be too strong. I can’t say that over time we might go out and about more, so for now it no touch when he is with me.
I'm with you in that there's no need to go around shaming people if they are minding their own business, as long as they aren't causing potential harm (like by bringing a non-trained pet that could interrupt or harm a real service dog). Those nasty accounts were part of the motivation for starting mine! Thanks for chiming in! I love hearing other handlers' takes.
I have and train service dogs and I have specific gear and shirts we use if we want people to ask about service dogs or ask to pet.... We also have things that says very large -service dog- this is so people can tell from a distance away and stay at a distance just like amy other person in a store.
My cousin has a service dog and she prefers people come up and talk to her.
She said that it actually made it easier for people to come up and talk to her and she felt gratefulfor that. She gets lonely because she feels people look at her and don't know how to talk to her without her dog.
Although she has a very very visible disability so its probably a different situation.
So around the 6:00 minute mark where you ask about people coming up to someone in a wheelchair and asking why… it happens all the time for me! You probably aren’t surprised, but people don’t have any boundaries, and they don’t stop at asking about a service dog.
I’m generally ok with someone politely asking if they can pet my assistance dog, but they must be prepared for the answer to be ‘sorry no he’s working’ if he’s tasking at the time, I’m too poorly etc or we are in a rush or something and not get horrible with me. I will let some people pet him sometimes, especially kids as it’s a great way to educate them. Most of the time though it is a basic leave my dog alone! Great video x
For kids seems to be a pretty common exception. Thank you!
I do not have or fortunately need a service dog but I'm a pretty good member of the public. However, I do have a dog of my own.. I have a beautiful border collie, bipolar disorder and anxiety. I know when we go out for a walk, people do often stop and ask about her.. which really doesn't help my anxiety. I can only imagine how difficult it is with a service dog. I have a couple of confessions... I am a starer.. service dogs Impress me. You can see the bond between dog and handler, I love the look in the dogs eyes when they are working... (I love it in my own dog when she is trying to find something)... I will now try to be more aware of how the handler feels about having people stare. I am also a lurker... If I see someone in trouble, I often try and assess the situation to see if someone actually needs my help. I don't want to make them uncomfortable, but I also don't want to ignore them if they are unable to ask for help. It was great advice to tell a member of staff. Thanks for the heads up, and you are right, there isn't much information about how the general public should respond to service dogs. Great video!
Sadly, it’s just the same in a wheelchair.
Yes they do stroke the fuzzy blanket, or my colourful wig. (I’ve also had it ripped off my head twice by strangers who wanted to see if it was real. Neither of them said a word to me before doing that.).
They also move me like I’m a piece of furniture in their way, use the chair to lean on, perch on the arm of the chair without permission, I’ve had strangers in a bar who happened to be sitting near me gather their coats up and hang them over my headrest. Because hey, why else would it be there? Honestly, the list goes on.
Then the questions. In fact, the only time I’m spoke to directly sometimes is the inappropriate questions about my chair and my body. Everything else, I’m spoken about to the person who appears to be with me. I’ve even paid at a bar and had my change handed to the total stranger who was waiting next to me, and several cashiers have hovered desperately looking for someone to give my change to because they just seem to have a mental block where they can’t possibly give it to me. When I was using a manual chair people used to grab it and start pushing fast in a random direction as I screamed, shouting angrily that they’re helping, so shut up. They’ve tried it with the powerchair, but luckily that thing is a tank. The bald head stroking too. Do not stroke a person who is suffering with hair loss. Just don’t. Also don’t gesticulate to the seat next to me and ask me if you’ll catch something, because if you get closer after saying that you will be losing teeth.
Weirdest thing was going to a restaurant with non-disabled friends in my chair for lunch, they were handed menus, I was handed a colouring pamphlet and crayons. I’m serious. It blew my mind. 🤯
I know I would really benefit from a medical alert dog. I know I would. (PoTS/mcas) But people treat me badly enough already and I’m not sure how much more I can take. The average able-bodied member of the public doesn’t take any medical equipment seriously or treat any disabled person with respect. Solidarity. You are not alone.
Wow, I'm so sorry for what you've been through. I'm speechless, it's appalling.
@@MommingwithMigraine it’s appalling, yes, and at the time totally crushing. But it’s also sort of hilarious when you look back on certain things, like the colouring book. I have an inappropriately morbid sense of humour I guess.
But it’s important I think to remember that all disabilities, all disabled people are dismissed like this. Often I see people discussing living with mental health conditions saying that if it were physical they wouldn’t be treated this way - yes they would. If your SD was a chair or a rollator, you would. We need to realise we are not a few individuals struggling against this treatment by society - we’re a whole army! A massive percentage of the world. Perhaps that realisation would bring positive change.
I’m glad to see this! I also noticed that there’s not much information about what to do when you see service dogs 🙃 I have a video coming out soon about this topic too.
I have found that the huge patch across their back with the “no” symbols instead of words seems to help more than regular patches. I got a leash wrap with the symbols too.
& to answer your question I 💯 % prefer people just ignore us & don’t ask to pet her. I always say no & its awkward sometimes depending on how I’m feeling. Especially awkward when i’m dissociating and I don’t even halfway know where I am, it’s scary to have people come up & reach out 😳
So excited to see your video on this! And SO MUCH YES. I had a lady say Buddy was beautiful when my eyes were fluttering shut from near syncope. Ridiculous timing for some of these things!
Momming with Migraine maybe in time people will become more aware & calm down when they see SDs 😬 I hope so anyway!
@@JenFarrer Fingers crossed!!!
I am ok with people asking questions and if kids or adult ask politely and I'm feeling ok and it's been a good day I will say yes and give him his "off duty" command
I know this is out of nowhere, but - short hair (smth like where your front pieces of hair end) would look so good on you!!! ♥
Thank you for what you do! x
As a SD handler, I prefer being left alone. It just is not what I want to deal with, or even can deal with, when I'm out and about. If I'm not at home, my SD and I are there for a purpose and we need all our focus on what we're doing. I don't have enough spoons to deal with the extra stimulus.
SO well put.
Very educational, some of it I know instinctively, like don't get close to the dog, or pet him or ask for pet him, etc, I love dogs so that one is always hard for me :P I just found out your videos and I'm finding them very interesting. I can relate to part of the migraine situations, but I feel blessed cause mine are very mildly compared to what other people suffers with migraines.
So i found your page and i love it !! Have been a Sd handler for almost 3 years . I have a rare brain disease called moyamoya . Didn’t know till i watched your videos the weird things i do like brain fog forget words , train of thought, i get vertigo, nausea, tingling shakes light and noise sensitivity and visual auras. I Didn’t know those kind of things were auras at all . I get migraines daily. Thankyou for letting me know I’m not alone with how this makes me feel you are amazing ... keep up the awesome content .
Sorry to hear about your migraines, but glad I can help! That's what I'm here for - I needed it when I was newly diagnosed. Thank you 💜
Love your videos! So informative. I appreciate you taking the time to do these videos to educate us. I definitely will be more aware around service dogs in public.
The only reason I keep an eye on a dog and handler is when I notice the beginning of a potential dangerous situation because of others. Just to stand ready to step in if needed.
Otherwise I just ignore them and do my own thing.
One time I was on the train and a handler with dog sat opposite of me. The dog knew he could rest for a bit and layed down in front of the handler but because of the small space also on my feet. I just ignored it, and kept looking out of the window and let them be. Only a tiny problem arised when I had to get of the train. I carefully restracted my legs and kept ignoring the dog. I just told the handler. 'I am going of this stop. You're dog might notice me move by.' Which ensured that he only put his head up for a second and then layed back down again and that the handler knew he might be distracted since I could accidently touch him to move out of my seat.
I would feel safer with an employee too-if something went wrong, the store would be able to know who they are from the cameras, have their name and all their information. An employee of the store would have also been hired with background checks etc and generally feel like a safer option than a random stranger-they’re also getting paid to work, and to work with customers, so it’s part of their job to help people, as opposed to inconveniencing, again, a random stranger.
Thanks for another invaluable video & spreading awareness on service dog etiquette, Jen! Look forward to Migraine Jen’s taco vlog 🌮
Thank you! LOL, I'm looking forward to seeing it too =P
I don't understand why you don't have more followers! I love this video and your entire channel! I'm binge watching all of your videos!
Thank you!! That's a huge compliment. I'm growing quickly 😊
I never thought that my smiling at someone with a service dog was so annoying and intrusive. I will work on being more aware of that.
This is sad. I smile at lots of people in stores.
I see no problem with smiling @ the handler & continues on with your shopping.
I usually smile at the owner and say cute/sweet/good/nice dog but I keep it moving and don’t acknowledge the dog. I also never thought about that as intrusive...I have a normal dog and it happens frequently to me and it makes me happy when people compliment my dog.
@@SwtBeat I do not mind if a person passes and says cute dog and a smile ect...its an issue when people 'happen' to be in every area everytime and peeking/side eye ... Thats what I personally have issues with
a quick smile is completely fine but prolonged staring or trying to make eye contact/ making faces is what can be distracting or anxiety inducing!!
You know this seem like a pretty fine line and asks a lot form the public. On one hand you want to be asked if you are fine/need help and on the other hand it's annoying you. If I saw you laying on the ground i would be so anxious, because no matter what I would do I would feel like I did the wrong thing. Leaving you there seems messed up, helping you also is bothering you, if you are passed out what then? Staying by your side you may find creepy and leaving a person alone just there obviously unwell would make me feel like monster. I liked your video and I see all your points, but it still seems very person to person based on how to help someone in such a situation.
lets set the record straight- if i see someone with a puppy prosthetic, i will definitely complement that!! same goes for the dogs- as a service dog handler, i dont mind the complements! 9 times out of 10 if you ask i will say yes!! i hate when people just pet without asking. Just ask!! On the store note- i agree with everything you said. i remember one time, i had to ask where the exit was at a mall. i went up to an employee and the employee not only didnt speak to me, he didnt answer my question! he talked about my dogs gear, what breed he is, how he owned the breed for blah blah blah years, and finally i had to get my dad to ask my question! Seriously, he has a huge leash wrap on his chest that says IGNORE ME in tennis ball green writing. as for if im down- id rather an employee help too, unless the person is a doctor! i have many family that are in the medical profession. personally, they have told me stories about helping people on flights, in public, and even in the movie theatre!
If I faint my service dog is trained to (if it is a emergency) to go to the nearest person and if the person dose not follow she will block the person and bark softly. But that is only if I had a medical emergency.
honestly just dont ask. 99.99% of the time i will say no because its a medical alert dog and a medical episode can come any time.
I didn't know this is called a service dog team :O really interesting things in this video, thanks for making it!
My dog has major food allergies. You WILL see me Karen out if I catch you feeding him.
My European ears shivered when she says "everytime there's that huge fee for the ambulance and tha cost adds up for us" and not something like "we don't want to waste public money and keep and ambulance unnecessarily busy when it could be needed somewhere else"
Love the fact that migraine Jen decided to hijack the video and cooked taco meat. Why not? Also that’s awesome that buddy was able to alert you from all the way downstairs. Could he have smelled it earlier in the day but wait until then to alert you because he somehow knew was getting closer? Your idea about the vents seam possible to. I am in the process of waiting to be matched with my first Guide Dog and I think that I would prefer people to definitely leave me be and not ask to pet my service dog, but if there’s someone I’m interacting with like an employee or just another customer that I’m having a conversation with, and they would like to pet my service dog, they should definitely ask and not just do it. That being said chances are I would still say no, just because they can be very distracting for them and me, but the person should still ask rather than just randomly doing it with no warning or asking for permission.
I’m so sorry that people have bothered you in public. I’m sure that’s so hard especially if you are having a severe symptom day.
Now that you are doing these videos do you get people talking to you just because they recognize you from UA-cam?
Thank you for the videos! They really help people like me understand other peoples disabilities.
I just posted a question about this in another of your videos; then I saw this.
Thank you for helping me, I know this sounds corny, but, be a better member of the public..
(I don't have a service dog, I just admire them and watch lots of vids. I've never seen a vid like this before. Thank you.)
That was great info Jen!!! Thanks
I have a SD Charlie,
I have mito, so i need a SD. I want them to ask if anyone want to pat/talk to Charlie! But honestly there’s a time and a place!
As to number 7. I don't mind when one or two people ask if I am ok, but when I am bothered every 30 seconds it makes everything worse.
AGREED
I will allow it if I am up to it physically & no one is waiting to have service around me. I say to the person who wants to I et to wait, not pet till I get his vest off & sits as (Tohida) my SD is a tall Rotty & very loving.
I have MS & balance is an issue & so is my vertigo.
So, it is ALL SUBJECTIVE...
I do educate all children who will listen if I'm upto it physically and mentally...most times I get the questions or comments when I need to be quick & want To just get my stuffdone...
On good days i do interact...love the video
I've seen service dog/handler teams in public over the years. Noted them, moved on. It was perfectly obvious to me that they were going about their business like any other shopper or person in public spaces. They didn't know me, I didn't know them, nobody wanted to be interrupted, end of story.
I've never touched someone's service dog or tried to distract the dog from his job. Or made rude remarks to the handler. This is *ordinary* conduct. Adults should know this stuff. Are some adults getting all the way through childhood without learning how to be polite? Why?
I liked the signs you made for Buddy's vest. They won't dissuade a rude person, but... *nothing* will dissuade a rude person.
With your particular disabilities, would a wheelchair occasionally be of use to you?
Last comment I promise. If a handler tells you no to a pet request there could be a reason. In my case it's that he has already alerted me and I'm trying to get done fast or he's alerted multiple times that day and I'm not taking any chances. Whatever you do DO NOT make handler feel anxious because you wouldn't allow the pet. That happened to me. Had to leave the groceries behind, meaning I then had to calm myself down and TRY to go back the next day. Can't guarantee the next day will be a good day and can lead to lack of food for both you and your dog. Ignore me. I'd appreciate it. I'd love one visit where I'm completely ignored.
IGNORE THE DOG! Dog is NOT THERE!!! Dog is medical equipment!
Thank you for this video (and all your videos)
You are very welcome 🎉
Service dogs are not very common in Germany but from a social standpoint I find the ignoring part difficult. I like to smile at passing people for a lot of reasons. Not staring but just being nice. That would not be ignoring. I also smile at dogs but having grown up with dogs, unless I know the dog or the handler/ owner or they are clearly ok with me greeting that’s all I do.
Sylvie is still in training so I prefer people to stay away. I have PTSD from when I was in the military. Things I've seen and done makes most people shocked so I don't really want to tell them anything. I've had a few kids try to run up to us and I have to tell them to stay back and not distract her. I did hear a child behind us ask about her and the parent did tell her she was a service dog and they couldn't bother her. I appreciated that. I also try to go places when it's not so busy. I don't like crowds.
I use a wheelchair part time and you would be shocked by the audacity some people have. I've had people come up to me in a restaurant asking why I'm in one, or make comments to my mom instead of me, or tell her when we are going up a hill I can't get myself up that I must be giving her a workout. People are just rude when it comes to disabilities in general
This isnt to conflict with your stance on asking if your ok during DPT, but someonee like me with severe psych issues whos already " going down the rabbit hole" as I call it and Im already on the floor after freaking out and rushing to find a quiet place away from others to do DPT with my girl, including my dog laying across my back while laying on the floor, the last thing thats gonna help me is someone talking to me, it may even cause you to get hurt if you interact with me if my dog was distracted by others and missed an early alert(just to clarify, Im the threat not my dog)
Makes sense. It depends SO MUCH on the situation. Thanks for explaining yours!
Can I first of all please just say thank you for this video. As someone who used to work in a store and is now just part of the general public, this was so informative and necessary.
I have a couple of questions following on from this video that I am hoping someone who has a dog handler can answer?
I think most people (including myself) understand that if someone faints or has a seizure then you wait a certain amount of time before calling the paramedics. Can I ask what the best practice is when there is a service dog present? If there is no obvious injury, should we time the episode so to speak and interveen after a certain amount of time?
My dog has a patch that specifically says unless there's blood do not call 911.
it really depeends on what the dog is for i think. always read the vest, if they dont have a patch with info they may have a pouch with medical info or look at their phone medical ID if ur concerned. i think the main thing with seizures and pots is that as long as theres no head trauma ie they didnt catch it on time and hit their head into something or on the floor, then u should just leave them alone or wait a bit if u want, but be careful not to invade personal space if u can avoid it so the dog can do their job. idk much abt seizures really but at least with fainting disorders like pots or other types of dysautonomia theyre not life threatening and u can leave the dog to do their job.
edit: also! many sds are trained to get the nearest person if its an emergency
This is a good video. A dog in a service dog vest attacked my dog a few weeks ago. The woman had him on an 8 or 10 foot lead and was paying no attention to his behavior of barking and growling till I yelled. For weeks he has been so distracted and fearful and so much less able to do his job. I guess I just want to say that was not a service dog. There are places to shop with your dog but even there you should be careful.
im so sorry, people dont realize how detrimental this can be to a working dogs wellbeing and the effects it has on someones independence and health. i hope they can get past their fearfulness with your help :)
Totally I try to each as I go. It's kind-of getting harder to teach the public. Just thought of something though maybe I'll start telling them if they listen to how to do it correctly I'll let them pet at the end.
I was told not to look at the service dog at all, just ignore the dog and pay attention to the rest. If the dog notices your attention (especially during their training as a puppy) it will derail their attention from what they are supposed to work on. It benefits everyone in the situation when we go about our day normally and not make a big fuss about a dog - especially a trained one.
One time I was in an elevator with someone with a service dog and the vest actually said "Feel free to ask to pet me." I thought that was really nice and made me feel less pressured. Because I will never not WANT to ask to pet a dog but feel like I can't when they are service animals. I assume it was a special circumstance or whatever the handler needed wasn't something that needed the dogs full attention? I dunno. It's possible I may need a service dog myself soon. I would become more educated but if possible I would get a reversible vest for "on duty" and "off duty" letting people know if they can ask to pet.
Just a little tangent I thought I would share.
I think it feels safer to have an employee helping because it’s quite literally their job. They likely aren’t leaving anytime soon; if they are, they’ll tell a coworker to look out for you; and they know where the first aid and (god forbid it was needed) AED are, if there is one. Whenever I’ve felt ill in public, I’ve felt very safe and less anxious when an employee asks if I’m okay. I got sick at Universal and FOUR employees checked on me multiple times. I felt so safe despite being separated from my friends at the time.
I'm not disable, yet, but when I'm having a major flair up of my PSA and I have to use things like the electric carts, or even my cane in public and people give me dirty looks it makes me angry...Some illnesses are in fact invisible. I hate it when people treat me like I'm just being lazy when I in fact do have times where walking more than 10 feet without excruciating pain...
You should really really check out the channel Chronically Jaquie. She did a TON of service dog advocation as well as dealt with a list of chronic illnesses. I would also recommend her best Janice’s channel The Raw Life. She also has a service dog.
I dont have a service dog, but I have a lot of friends who do, and I would only EVER ask to pet a service dog when they are off the job
I want to say thank you so much for this video it was very informative. I have been questioning whether or not my son but mainly myself should look into getting a service dog. I just don’t know if either of us would be approved and I don’t want to be one of those people that just buy a vest and call a dog a service dog. I also am not 100% sure the laws when it comes to renting or out in public. Also if when u have a service dog if that means u r no longer able to drive or stuff like that. I’m definitely gonna look into it more. Just scared if I was ever told either of us qualified the process and if my landlord now would try to kick us out cause we r not suppose to have dogs.
I'm assuming USA so if not USA do research for your country. You can drive and have service animal. Driving is based on your 'disease' not disability. Depending on if your landlord is a jerk or not, a service dog is NOT a pet. It is medical equipment. By ADA laws your landlord must allow the service dog. Now if he's a jerk his argument could be then everyone will want a pet. You'll have to decide if you want to fight him. You didn't mention wjat your medical issue is so I have to give a blanket answer. Ask your medical Dr if medical issue, they can set you in right course. If mental talk to your psych Dr.
The issue with USA is legally you can have a owner/handler trained service dog. That means you can slap a vest on and call it a service dog and people legally can't question. However, legally being a service dog they must have a task they perform. Stability, blood pressure, dizzy, migraine, diabetic alert, etc. These tasks can be taught owner/handler but it's more difficult. Mine is owner/handler mainly stability but he does other tasks as well.
I've worked as a security guard and unless the handlers down I just leave them alone there's no need to drop more attention they're just trying to get along with their day and if they are down I make sure that everything is okay especially if somebody else is around and tell them they can call me if they need further assistance
Being a security guard would you ever kick out a labeled service dog that is acting appropriately while telling others to watch me because he's a fake?
Point to note - you should never touch ANY dog without asking the handler/owners permission.
I would prefer to be left alone. Anxiety makes me uncomfortable and having to tell someone no makes it worse.
The reason you prefer an employee to take care of you, is because the burden of obligation is reduced in such a scenario. It is part of the employee's job to care and help those who shop in his business. A bystander helping you ,has no obligation at all, and therefore you feel that greater gratitude is required. You obviously want to be as independent as you can, and reduced the amount of gratitude you owe to the community.
To be honest, I prefer people not to pet my dog at all because I will be with my mom sometimes or by myself and adults + kids say (look at the PUPPY!) and it will sometimes distract daisy, (my dog) or they will come up to pet her and ask me can I pet, it distracts her and me sometimes I will let people pet her when she is off duty if I can say so when they ask I get nervous and stressed and just blankly stare at them and I can’t talk, daisy will come by my side and push against me not to hard to make me not be anxious and actually speak they will bend down and say “oh it says DO NOT PET” and walk away and I hear them talking about her 🙄
Yes, that is true...
Anyway, they can read & understand what it says!
It is their issue not ours as a handler....
What got to me years past was a blind engineer I worked with who used to take his dog out in the yard and beat the devil out of it...to compel it to serve him...he said he was taught to do that to the dog to make him obey...I really doubt it though...he kept having to replace his dogs...I wonder why...sighs
SD handler here. I'd 100% prefer if people ignore us completely.
If I see a service dog or for me it’s hear a dog and their handler I would ignore the dog I don’t understand why people talk to you like you’re not a human being anyways I can’t wait for the next video
Thank you for doing that, it is super helpful! And thanks for checking out the video!
Momming with Migraine You’re welcome
We are looking into getting our daughter a service dog, how would you feel about a Mom who asks your advice or how you got a service dog while you are in public etc?
i know i'm not the creator, but i'm a teen with a service dog and i could probably answer some questions and give advice!!
I have All the symptoms of ADHD and Bipolar disorder and I have really bad anxiety, somebody told me that I can have a Psychiatric service dog but I don't know if it's true but if it is, a service dog would be a great choice for me, when I get really bad anxiety I start Shaking and I get bad headaches and nausea. I would ask my doctor but my social anxiety makes it really hard.
Amen!!! Everytime we go in public EVEN TO THE DRS OFFICE!!!!!!
Jen. I wish to point out in England. The company I work for DOES NOT encourage us to help people like yourself especially if a service dog is present. Are there any shops like this near you??
I am working on getting a puppy to train. I've never train before. Can you suggest to me some of the Names of Handler's that you watched so I can start my research. I just need some guidance here, Thank you
Claire (Service Angel Percie) is my favorite online trainer to watch. She has a UA-cam channel and two Instagram accounts (something like service.angel.percie and canine.matters)
Mine is a balance/retreaveal dog. I'm ok if they pet if they ask for the most part. I get the humanity thing.
I almost never let anyone pet my SD, I will occasionally let a disabled child let my dog or the elderly
I have a question about educating the kids. I'm going to have a baby soon, and I know that if we see a service dog out in public, I'll want to try and explain the situation and why we don't touch or distract the dog. But I'm so nervous that I won't be able to do justice to the SD community since I'm not part of it. I'll do my best of course, but if there are no patches on the dog saying that you don't want to be talked to, is it ok to ask the handler if they have anything to add to my explanation? I have lots of experience with kids, and I know that sometimes kids don't take their parents seriously but they will take someone else seriously. I of course don't want to interrupt or cause any issues for the SD pair, but I want to make sure my kids grow up respectful. It's such a difficult situation. Does anyone have any advice for how parents should handle things like this? Open to all suggestions, thanks!
The very first video on my channel is one that a friend used in her classroom. You could check that one out and see if it suits your needs? I believe it's called service dog 101 or med alert dog 101... something like that. 💜
@@MommingwithMigraine Thank you!
@@CarrSasticCreations It's just a matter of respect. It's a basic human right for everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, ability, etc. I want my kids to understand that and to be accepting of others. I also watch Molly Burke, and a couple other youtubers with service dogs. And they're all so nice and none of them deserve the hassle they go through. If people were taught better and were less judgy and intolerant, the world would be a better place. I can't change how other people raise their kids. But I can make a difference with how I raise mine.
when you switch the video to black and white my brain gets really confused lmao one of the symptoms of my migraines is that color gets really bland (imagine you took a box of crayons and then they just started turning into pastels) so when i look up and it’s black and white my brain thinks i’m having a migraine and once it realizes that it’s not happening yet it instead tries to add the color in and gives me a worse headache lmao
I have a service dog and do not allow him to be petted or touched when we are out. The dog is working and needs to stay focused. I get the most problems from senior citizens who think it is cute to talk to my dog. I politely tell them not to do so as it is distracting and most are good to follow.
I also keep my dog away from all other dogs. I have had dog owners try to have their dog get in my dog's face. I have zero tolerance for such idiots and generally let them know of my extreme displeasure.
I've noticed the same with older folks! And agreed on the rest. I try to be really calm and polite about it but I'm sure my eye roll game is strong some days.