How should people behave around an assistance dog?

Have you seen a person with a disability in your community out and
about with their assistance dog? Numbers of assistance dogs have been
on the rise, providing life-changing independence and companionship to
children, adults and veterans. But don't rush to give that dog a belly
rub, these aren't your ordinary pet dogs. They have years of training
under that dog collar and if working with their human partner, please
remember a few guidelines.

The Americans With Disabilities Act guarantees people with disabilities
the right to be accompanied by a service dog in all areas open to the
general public. The nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence, the
first to train dogs for people with physical disabilities, has some
tips to follow when meeting or approaching a working assistance dog and
their partner:

--  Don't touch the dog without asking permission first! This is a
distraction and may prevent the dog from working with their human
partner. Be sensitive to the fact the dog is working and may be in the
middle of a command or direction. Most dogs need to be told to be
"released" from work mode to interact with someone.

--  Never feed the dog. It may be on a special diet. Canine Companions for
Independence dogs are generally on a feeding schedule as well. Food is
the ultimate distraction to the working dog and can jeopardize the
working assistance dog team.

--  Speak to the person, not the assistance dog. Most handlers do not mind
talking about assistance dogs and their dog specifically if they have
the time.

--  Do not whistle or make sounds to the dog as this again may provide a
dangerous distraction.

--  Never make assumptions about the individual's intelligence, feelings or
capabilities. Offers of help are appreciated, but ask first. Usually,
the human/dog team can get the task done by themselves.

--  Don't be afraid of the dog. There is no need to be afraid of a dog from
a fully accredited program like Canine Companions for Independence. Our
dogs are carefully tested and selected for appropriate temperament. They
have been professionally trained to have excellent manners. Always
approach an assistance dog calmly and speak to their human partner
before touching or addressing the dog.

To learn more visit cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.