Teaching Kids How to Act Around Service Dogs

When we see a dog walking down the street, we probably immediately want to pet them and say hello. And usually this is okay! However, service dogs are a different story. Service dogs are working when you see them out with their owner and it is important that you (and specifically your children) understand what these animals do and how to behave properly around them. Service dogs are trained to help individuals with disabilities, which can range from people who are visually impaired to people with other less visible disabilities. Understanding what service dogs do and how to behave around them in very important. Here are some tips on how to teach your kids proper behavior with service dogs.

What These Dogs Do

It is important to understand and explain to your children the many different ways service dogs can assist people. Just a few of the disabilities these dogs may be assisting with are hearing impairment, post-traumatic stress disorder, diabetes, seizures, and mobility issues.

Dogs that become service animals are in good health and have a good temperate. Specific breeds are better than others for this work, such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers, but any breed could do it if trained properly. These dogs go through an intense training to be able to do the job that they need to do, whether than be providing sight and balance, or responding to sounds.

What to Do Around Service Dogs

Teach your children the separate areas of being around a service dog, including approaching a service dog, knowing what a service dog looks like, how to interact, and how to be considerate.

Approaching a Service Dog/Owner

• When you see a service dog, speak to the person who is with them. They can tell you specifics on allowing your child to approach.
• If you’re with your own dog, don’t approach until you ask if it is okay. The owner may say it is not a good idea.
• If you see a person with a service dog, let them have the “right of way.” It is best to wait so the dog can properly do their job and you won’t be in the way.

Signs of a Service Dog

• Not all service dogs have to wear a vest or harness. Be sure that you double check with the person who is holding the dog even if you don’t think they are a service dog. You never know.

Considerations

• Don’t ask specifics about the owners disability unless they are already sharing it with you. This is invasive to their privacy. You can ask about the dog specifically if you are interested.
• Don’t get angry if someone says you can’t pet/play with their dog. As we’ve mentioned, the animal is working and the owner may not want to distract the dog.

Interacting with the Dog

• Do not whistle or make any other sounds around a service dog. This could be distracting to them.
• Never give treats or other food to a service dog. They are trained to not beg, but this can also be distracting to their work.

Children Specifics

Just as you teach your children the proper way to interact with other people’s dogs, teach them the same things with service dogs. Keep your child from running up and grabbing them, since this is probably their instinct. Explain that the dog is working and has a specific job to do that can’t be interrupted. The dogs also may not be super comfortable around children. Be aware of this.

Service dogs make a huge difference in so many people’s lives. These dogs are extremely well trained, and they deserve our respect. Teaching your children this will make the service dog’s life much easier and will teach your child a lesson about how hard working these animals are.