A Word about Service Dogs
When the subject of animals comes up, one cannot omit the wonderful work of service animals. These animals are service dogs, guide dogs, hearing dogs, social dogs, and many other types of specially trained dogs. They provide assistance to many different types of individuals, such as the blind, deaf, physically challenged, and more.
The bonding of personalities between a service dog and a human partner is the key factor in creating a successful, and often lifelong, partnership. Finding and training the right dog to the right human partner often takes a year or more.
The hearing ear service dog, (signal dog) is specially trained for the deaf and hard of hearing. Hearing dogs alert their owners to a variety of sounds. Here are examples of some of the sounds hearing dogs are trained to differentiate and alert their partners to: the sound of their partner's name being called, a knock on the door, doorbells, alarm clocks, phones, a baby crying, various electronic signaling devices, smoke and fire alarms, and sounds of food boiling over on a stove. When a sound occurs, the hearing dog will locate the sound and make a determination. The dog will then either sit in a certain place for his partner to make a further determination or pull his partner to safety. Service dogs also alert their partners through their body language, such as the turn of their head or position of their ears.
Have you ever stepped out into a busy parking lot and moved quickly out of harm's way because you heard a vehicle approaching? The hearing dog is trained to alert his partner to just such a danger. The hearing dog's main responsibility is to make sure his partner is safe by acting as his partner's ears. The peace of mind and assistance hearing dogs bring to their partners, such as the hard of hearing, the deaf, and late-deafened adults is invaluable and difficult to measure.
Service Dog Manners
At any time, in a public place or on a college campus you may see a service dog and a partner. Keep in mind, you are looking at a working team, and all disabilities are not visible. It is important to understand a service dog is not a pet. When these dogs are “dressed,” meaning wearing their special collars, coats (usually of a bright orange color), harnesses, and identifications, they are working. In order to assist and provide for the needs of their partners, service dogs need to maintain their full concentration. The best approach during an encounter with a service dog is to completely ignore them and allow them to do their work.
Hearing ear service dogs and their partners have full rights under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) to enter into all places of business. The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA) also protects the rights of disabled people by allowing their service dogs to enter airports and planes as regular passengers. Therefore, these valuable service dogs are not placed in carriers or in cargo holds.
In the event of an encounter, here is a list of service dog manners or rules of etiquette:
Never touch a service dog or its partner. This could be interpreted as an assault.
Do not make distracting sounds toward a service dog.
Never offer food to a service dog.
Never allow children to approach or play with a service dog.
Never interfere with a working service dog and partner.
Do not ask personal questions about one's disability.
These etiquette rules, and service dog manners may sound strict. However, they are in place to protect you, the service dog, and its partner. Though you may be curious about a service dog, do not be offended if a person does not wish to chat. He may not have a lot of time to answer questions or a desire to share personal information. Service dogs are trained to ignore distractions. Why make their job more difficult? Remember, you should simply ignore a service dog in a public place. Lastly, it is important to teach children about those who have disabilities, and the valuable work of service dogs.
To sign “dog,” snap the “D” hand into the “G” hand waist high and out to your side. This sign represents your dog being obedient and heeling at your side. When signing “dog” to children simple pat your side twice, do not snap your fingers. Adult signers sign “D to G” or pat their side, however, signing both is considered redundant.
