Copied from a website. Good information.
Remember: A disability is not who a person is, or who they can become. It may take a little longer, but you'll find the goals and dreams of the disabled are similar to your own.
- Service dogs are chosen for appropriate temperament. They have been, or are being, trained to have excellent manners.
- If you fear dogs, try to (quietly) avoid them.
- Please don't touch the dog without asking permission first! It’s distracting, and may prevent the dog from doing its job. Avoid distracting the dog in any way.
- Never feed the dog. It may be on a special diet or feeding schedule.
- Speak to the person, not the dog! Most handlers don't mind talking about service dogs and their dog specifically if they have the time.
- Please do not be offended if the person doesn't want to talk. Like you, the person may be busy, and have many things to think about. Also, it can be stressful feeling like a walking "show and tell."
- Don’t whistle or make sounds to the dog as this, again, may be a distraction.
- If the dog approaches you, sniffs, or interferes with what you need to do, politely inform the handler. Try not to respond to the dog, no matter how tempting. A responsible handler will respect your rights.
- Don’t make assumptions about the individual's intelligence, feelings or capabilities.
- Please be patent. Life with a service dog can be both rewarding and frustrating at times.
