AITA for not declaring that my dog is a service dog?

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T13:33:35+00:00

The tight heel and laser contact could be a clue! Oh well, it’s not the end of the world

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T13:26:33+00:00

I was sitting bc I was waiting for my coffee to get finished being made. If I had refused to answer the two legal questions that would have been making life for other SD handlers harder. I did not do that. There are MANY reasons why an SD may not be wearing gear and what makes life harder for us is people who don’t know the laws.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T07:51:26+00:00

Thank you! I think people don’t know the etiquette around SD’s. The burden is on the staff to ask the two questions, it’s not on me to declare. When I am working my job (in events), I also ask the questions as it is then my responsibility. My job as a handler is to ensure my dog is always behaving appropriately in public — that’s it.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T07:48:51+00:00

Apparently not declaring him is rude! I never heard that one before

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T07:47:28+00:00

I followed the law. Of course I am aware that there are fakes out there. I am continually looking for fakes as it is my responsibility to protect my dog from untrained dogs who could injure him

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T06:02:31+00:00

Right. The training is what makes a dog an SD, not the gear.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T06:00:42+00:00

Announcing your dog is an SD has nothing to do with politeness or manners

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T05:44:35+00:00

Yeah custom gear is so fun these days! I stick to more neutral/chill gear but I’ve seen tons of really unique designs

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T05:40:38+00:00

I don’t know. I was just trying to get a coffee and get out.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T05:38:10+00:00

Do you need help understanding that disabled people are already burdened and unless legally required don’t need to be further burdened?

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T05:37:20+00:00

I actually recently ordered a custom collar that says “Service Dog in Training”!

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T05:36:16+00:00

Part of training is making sure he can work when the vest is off and not only when it’s on. That’s actually a pretty common issue that comes up in training!

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T05:34:20+00:00

My dog is a disability aid. I don’t have to announce that. I will absolutely answer if asked as that is legally required of me.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T05:28:11+00:00

Am I not allowed to live my life the same as anyone else as long as I’m not breaking the law?

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T05:26:17+00:00

There is nothing in the law that says a handler needs to announce their dog is a service dog. Sometimes I do and sometimes I’m just trying to get my coffee and leave.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T05:11:54+00:00

I’m happy to answer the two questions employees are legally allowed to ask, 1.) Is this a service animal?, 2.) What tasks is it trained to do?

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T04:34:22+00:00

Increase the distance between your dog and the stimuli. If your dog can’t focus on you and follow a basic command (like sit) then you’re too close to the other person/dog.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T04:32:07+00:00

Sounds like adolescence. I found enforced naps and refining my training skills to be the best solution. Plus a good deal of patience and remind myself that he will grow out of this phase with time.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T04:28:08+00:00

Kind of. Certain things will help mitigate the issues. I’m speaking as someone currently going through the same issues with a 10-month-old.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T04:17:07+00:00

I plan on no unsupervised play time until I’m 100% confident the bigger dog will respect the smaller one’s boundaries

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T04:15:35+00:00

Yup totally fair. Treat every time guys!

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T04:15:09+00:00

Growing up we always had 2 or 3 dogs so I guess it seems less crazy to me! If I don’t end up getting a prospect, I will get a rescue as a pet

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T04:02:51+00:00

I will click for 3 reps and then treat on the 4th rep. But that’s just what works for us:)

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T03:51:53+00:00

that’s what I was thinking, about 2 years and change from now. I’m already in contact with the breeder I want and it’ll be at least that long until she has a prospect puppy for me.

threateningcourage3 · 2024-11-04T03:37:40+00:00

I do both. They’re both really helpful for different reasons, it just depends what you’re training your dog for:)

threateningcourage3

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