The advantages/disadvantages of service dogs.

[Barberian]

I haven't' gotten a proper vest for my dog yet. She is still a pup. When she is close to full grown, then I'll either make one or buy one and get the patches to suit my mood for the day ("please ask" or "no pet"). I'll keep them in her vest so if my mood changes, so will the patches.

Just for clarification - Many already know this, but most of the general public don't. A vest is not required, but is often helpful to identify ones dog as a Service Dog. There are no required clothing items, patches or certifications for service dogs in the US. The new trend is for people who have a "pet" dog to get "Service Dog" vest and take them wherever they go. This is illegal, but almost impossible to enforce because the law does not require any documentation. This is a double edged sword, it helps those with Service Dogs, and it also helps those fraudulently parading their untrained dog as a Service Dog.

 

[JustBe]

Kira has various ID's. They are more for me then for her though. I don't like answering a lot of questions and confrontation sets me off, so I find if she's wearing a vest or a tag that says " service dog please ask to pet" it makes it easier for me when I'm out and about.

You you are correct though it's not necessary to have a vest or any ID. You must however, be ready to explain what your dog does for you and to have your dog behaving properly at all times.

I also have a tag for her collar and a letter from my doctor stating that Kira is a service dog and she is medically necessary for my health.

I have only been question rudely once and that was at the dollar store and I didn't care if I went in or not anyway. I did educate the idiot at the counter first though and stayed in the store for a few minutes just to make my point and I've never been back.

Everyone else that I have ever met, whether it is at the supermarket at the airport in the hospitals at the doctors office or anywhere have been very nice and accommodating (of course Kira is cute and very well behaved!).

My biggest issue is what to say when people ask what she does for me. I try not to give too much information and usually say she's a medical alert dog. If they still ask what does she do I tell them that she alerts me when I'm not feeling well and takes me to a safe place because that is one of the many things that she does.

She does most definitely know when she has her vest on that it's time to work.

 

[Springer80]

She does most definitely know when she has her vest on that it's time to work.

Awwwhhh shucks Movin'On your making me melt!!!

 

[JustBe]

the biggest disadvantage that comes to my mind is that a lot of people talk to you when you're outside with a dog

Another thing I do is avoid eye contact with people and I wear earbuds for my smartphone with music playing to help calm my mind, so it's easy to avoid people. I do try to interact a bit though, since I'm isolated enough and I guess I should.

 

[JustBe]

This is one of Kira's vests. This one is good for Hospital or Doctor's office

 

[Springer80]

Hi Movin'On,

I can't see the writing on the label...

 

[JustBe]

Oh, it says "Service Dog Full Access Required"

 

[DharmaGirl]

My biggest issue is what to say when people ask what she does for me.

I thought that in the US, they were only allowed to ask if it is a service dog. I don't know what I'd say if someone asked me what Nugget does for me.

 

[JustBe]

Nope. The Americans With Disabilities (ADA) says that legally they can ask if it's a Service Dog and What does it do.

I used to get flustered, but practice helps.
ADA service animals

 

[DharmaGirl]

Oh. Well, she helps me more at home because I almost never go out. I will make some practice runs with her. I feel very safe with her.

 

[JustBe]

That's the most important thing...that she helps you and makes you feel better. A good place to start taking her out would be a big pet store, farm shop, garden center...

 

[Springer80]

You know MOnster, you could say anything you liked really. It seems like you wouldn't wan to mention ptsd in case anyone asked how you attained the condition....well maybe you could say (if you felt you had too of course), that you have a sensory problem that effects your balance/judge of distances.

I know I always feel bad for being made to lie as I'm not a dishonest person and resent having these situations being made awkward through no fault of my own. However, you could just look on the service dog website and pick something they are used for that people couldn't really ask you about further. :)