I was in a store with my service dog a lady started petting the dog, I reached over and started petting her head she pulled back and said what are you doing. I said I'm doing the same thing to you that your doing to my dog. She said well you don't just pet someone's head. I said well you don't just pet someone's dog. Especially a service dog.
call me crazy but i always 'ask' before touching stuff that isnt mine...including animals. service dog or not don't just randomly go touch someone's dog...
Absolutely. I get some weird looks when I do so but how do I know that dog hasn't been rescued and is terrified of people, being fussed, plump ladies etc! How do I know that the owner doesn't suffer from bad anxiety and freak out about their dog being touched. How do I know that the dog isn't snappy if startled and touching it won't make it bite me and then get into trouble. How do I know the owner just doesn't want the dog stroked by strangers? Always ask!
me too! if i'm out at the park or public in general i always ask my mom if i can ask the dog's owner first and i never pet service dogs i just admire them from afar.
Tamii the Kitty I have a service dog and patch that we have for one of his best says working dog please do not pet I don't pet you while you're working and I love it so much lol
I really don't know why people think dogs are public property. I don't think it's acceptable to pet any dog without permission, but fussing a service dog when it's trying to do it's job is just mindboggling to me. Dogs are not public property and it is not your right to pet them.
exactly, if someone went up to my dog (who isn't a service dog) and begun to pet him uncontrollably I would be annoyed - you can't go up to a person and touch them, so you shouldn't to that to a dog. It distracts them. What if the dog has behavioural issues - ergh!
I used to have a dog that didnt do to well with people he didnt know. So we went for a walk and some random lady came up to him and started petting him and he was growling so i tightened my leash grip and she complained how i was hurting him and thats why he was growling. No lady its cause your rude and dont ask. (He wasnt a service dog)
I almost always ask before petting a dog. By almost I mean I pet some dogs very often (there is a really sweet dog named bucket in my neighborhood). so when I see her I say hi to the owner then the dog and start petting her.
I watched this video because someone on my block has a service dog , and I don't want to do anything to upset or offend them. This video was very helpful , thank you. ☺️
When you said that people said you were lucky to have a service dog last year my classmates brother got cancer and was in the hospital for months and I kept overhearing people saying he was lucky that he didn't have to go to school it's sad and rude that people completely disregard any of the bad things and just jump to conclusions
CS:GO ScripT I can't belive people would say that, so many people die from cancer, I know a family who lost their mother to cancer a few months back and their kids are still so young, I would never wish that sort of thing on anyone.
Yes, thank you so much. I am a 13 year old handler and people don't listen to me when I say don't pet her, don't talk to her, don't distract her. I have invisible disabilities and my dog has to alert me if something is going to happen or if someone is coming up behind me. What happened once was a worker at a store was snapping and trying to get her attention and I ended up having a panic attack because someone had walked up behind me and said something to me and I got scared.
Have you heard of Drew Lynch? He is a comedian with a disability and he has a service dog too. He talks about these kind of things in his videos and I think you'd enjoy them. He's hilarious! 😂
Oh, I laughed when you said "You would never go up to somebody in a wheelchair and ask..." I can't tell you how many people have come up and asked, "What happened to your legs?" or "Are you paralyzed?" or just said "I'm so sorry". But my favorite is probably, "I know it's none of my business, but how'd you end up in a wheelchair?" Starting off by admitting its rude, you gotta love people. While I don't usually mind answering questions, I appreciate the video, it really was very well done :)
KeroWarrior just putting it out there that I am in a wheelchair and I DO mind if people ask me about it. For one, I'm just trying to go about my day, and 2, I'm definitely not trying to have a doctor/physical type of conversation with a stranger.
I'm same... and said in my reply too, and also another reply above this... happens rare days I can use my cane too... and I hate the dreaded question in my chair or with cane/walker; ''so what happened to you'' like it's just an injury and easy fix because I look young or something XD @Lisa TheCatDude So true! Plus anytime I do answer it, the amount of times people look at me weird and go ''what's that''... then the conversation goes on until they start to give medical advice about herbs and rubbish they think they heard helped a friend with the condition etc and it's kinda like ''ugh this again'', so I feel sometimes it's better to cut it off before it gets too stress inducing or upsetting... plus if I stopped to answer every person who asked that or any similar question, I'd never get anything done and spend all my time repeating the same things to people... lol
"You would never go up to somebody in a wheelchair and ask them 'hey how did you end up in that wheelchair?'". Oh boy, you would be surprised lol. I get asked why I'm in a wheelchair almost every time I go out. I also get stopped by customers at work and they ask too, along with other invasive/rude questions/comments.
I've seen it done before. I normally go up and say hello ask how you're doing and so on. I'm disabled from other issues so I know how it can be and how welcome a friendly face can be. Take care Emily.
I agree. I'm a wheelchair user and able bodied people think it's perfectly appropriate to ask a wheelchair user why they are using a wheelchair. As she said in the video, it's not at all appropriate. It's equivalent to asking someone their medical history or to give all the details of their last physical. So able bodied people, let's not have that conversation in the middle of the produce (or anywhere else) ok? Talking about the weather is a perfectly fine topic of conversation between strangers.
Eyup me too eh... I put it in my reply I just did the same thing... get asked that or ''what's wrong with you'' at least once every time I go out, and why I started my youtube to record it all to teach awareness of why you don't do it xD... I prefer to refer to it as if I were to ask them to strip naked in front of me, as it really is when people ask about your medical history...
I won't lie, as a disabled veteran who has been considered Perm and Totally disabled for over 10 years it's frightening to be adding a service dog to my medical needs. I don't look disabled. I've gotten so much flack for just having a handicapped plate. I even had to call 911 on one occasion because of a very aggressive individual. My disabilities are my own, and private. It's sooo stressful to be confronted and harassed over it. Many times people ASSume, because I'm female that I'm NOT the disabled veteran. I hope I'm not adding to my stress levels, but I also realize the tasks my dog will provide will greatly enhance my independence. Thanks for your videos. :)
+MsPopRouge having a service dog isn't for everyone, even if you need it and can benefit from it. Funny thing, people always assume I am a veteran because I have the dog.
Happy Tails people have done that to me when we had a plan ptsd patch on my guys vest. We’re now getting a patch custom made that says handler has non-combat ptsd
Two questions ADA: is this a service dog? What tasks does this dog preform? I say Yes (block, alert and cover) he knows more commands but to stop the conversation. People generally don't know the ADA law. All of this is totally true and totally frustrating!! It's more annoying when you're a new handler. Another zinger is when people go "oh you don't look disabled" really?!? What does "disabled" look like? Oh also had a lady tell my service dog to "sit" and scowled at me when he didn't comply to her command. Seriously, lady it's my service dog, not yours and all your doing is distracting him.
My friend has agoraphobia, which i believe should severe social anxiety, if not it's a similar name. Either way she has a service pupper and she was at an airport with her pupper. My friend was clear “please don't touch her or distract her, she's a service dog.” That went up in flames as a man let his child play and pet my friend's dog and at one yanked on her ears. My friend was like “um dude, please get your child to stop messing with my dog” and he was like “oh they love animals it's okay” So yeah. She wasn't very thrilled.
In better news, I hopefully am getting rats or guinea pigs soon and I'm really hopeful i can give them a holistic diet, I want to give them the best life I can. So thanks for your help 🖤
Alex Voss why didn't she say "no this is a service dog that can't be distracted or else something bad could happen to me. Plz tell your kid to stop unless you want to pay for the therapy bill"
I am a new service animal handler, and I can attest to how instrumental an adult telling children about service animals are. During a trip to a local mall a few days ago, I was walking past the entrance of a store as a group of about 10 kids were leaving the store with what looked to be a camp counselor. Of course when the kids saw my service dog (who is essentially a working ball of fur) they immediately locked eyes with him and the group began to approach/follow me. To get some distance I made my way into the closest store when I began to hear the assumed counselor usher the kids together, who were now standing in front of the entrance of the store I had walked in, however not allowing any of the kids to approach our team. I then heard the councilor say “you guys see that? That is a service dog. Service dogs are special dogs that aren’t like the pets we have at home, they are working dogs and have very important jobs. No matter how cute they might be, When a service dog is around you should never try to pet it, or get it’s attention, because it’s really important that he can focus on his job”. This man taking literally less then 5 minutes to explain what a service dog was, and why they couldn’t distract him completely made my day.
If people asks why I have PTSD I’ll just say stuff like I stubbed my toe last night, I didn’t have enough money for the soda machine, I sneezed in Walmart and nobody said blessed me and other things 😊
Why would you ask someone's disability? That's like walking up to someone with burn scars and saying: "Why do you look like that?"- It's rude and heartless
Alexa Hatch people do that too. Some people have no filter or nothing inside them that says, "hmm, maybe that's none of my business. Or hmm maybe that's getting a little too personal."
I have a service dog for a silent disability, and it doesn’t bother me to educate people, but this is an amazing video that should be shown in schools and businesses for training. Good work!
My dog hates being bothered by people, she barks yips and whines. I hate it when people go up to her and try to feed her and play with her. One time a woman came up to my dog and said "hello want some hotdog" I wanted to scream at her. "My dog has health issues so maybe you should ask before possibly killing my dog" but all I said was, "I have somewhere to be"
I know that feeling. My grandfather's dog is allergic to pretty much all foods but a few dog foods. In fact, she throws up some dog food brands. My actual service dog has a problem with scrap food. Meaning: you give it to him, and he'll beg for more. He's a dog. He's a well trained dog, but at the end of the day, he really wants that hot dog.
Ooohhhhh!!! The "your lucky" comment just makes my blood boil... really? I'm lucky that I'm in pain 24/7? That I randomly faint and hurt myself? That I get embarrassed by my illness every time I faint around the public? Yup... I sure am lucky aren't I? Smh...
I know this isn't anywhere near as serious, but when I moved away from the only home I had ever known to go live halfway across the world, people did call me 'lucky'. And that just made everything 10x worse, honestly, because I thought that all my sad (even depressed) feelings were insensitive and that I should be grateful for the 'opportunity'-when in reality it should have been perfectly okay for me to feel sad in that situation, especially at that age when I really wasn't ready for such a huge uproot in my life. Anyways, that's the closest I can relate to you. I hope you continue to be strong, live life to the fullest, and ignore ignorant strangers. Your disability doesn't define you.
generally speaking most dogs that are active and learning and working are more happy than a dog that is sitting in a room all day doing nothing. A service dog actually is a very lucky dog in most ways because they have something to do and usually are shown lots of love and affection by its handler ☺
I have stage IV spinal cancer, and sometimes I have to use a wheelchair. When I'm in a lot of pain, or if we're going to be some place with a lot of walking, I'll use the wheelchair. Luckily I look really healthy, I have my hair, I don't look sick, I'm not thin, etc. when I'm in my chair, people have asked me what was "wrong" with me, or why I was in my chair, or even worse, when they stare at me, and I will hear them talk to their friend and say "she looks "normal" to me" I hate it so much, that I have refused to use my chair on some days, and I end up being in excruciating pain for the next few days. You'd be surprised at how horrible people can be.
So awful, but relatable... not much surprises me anymore, especially how horrible people can be even if they know your condition. Some people are just shit for no other reason.
talking about teaching about service dogs to children I remember when I was little I saw my 1st service dog to a blind man and my mom simply told me the dog is working and not to bother it.
I have T1 Diabetes. When I graduate high school and move out I'm going to get an alert dog because my one fear is that I'll be at home, living alone, and go into diabetic shock without anyone around and I die and no one knows for a long while. I want a dog that will get help immediately if I pass out so I have a chance to live. I know this isn't something a 14 year old should think about but it's my life and I want to live as long as I can.
I don't think 14 is too young to be thinking about this. T1 diabetes is no joke, and can cause so much damage in a very short time if you do not keep it under control. I've seen many diabetics have great success with service dogs, even kids. You keep looking into it, you are being very responsible in taking control of your own health.
Happy tails all your animals are blessed to have you as an owner ❤️🍭I really admire you . I have a question I have a herd of 4 rabbits should I feed veg twice a day or once?
Happy Tails when you said people say "Oh you are so lucky to have a service dog" it reminded me of when people would say I was so lucky to get out of Pre-Athletics and getting out of school for many doctors appointments because I had a serious emergency brain surgery which many people did not know because you can not see my scar unless you knew what you were looking for.
Omg ilysm you're so right please keep preaching 🙌🙌🙌 I have considered getting a service dog for my anxiety and depression, but we already have two dogs (one is old and kinda mean and the other is blind and they aren't well behaved enough lol) and we have a small house. That's why I have considered getting a service snake because they calm me down and I love them so much. I hope you're okay and safe. You're so brave and I hope you're doing well. I'm here for you if you ever want to talk about your experiences, sickness or whatever because I know that life is hard. Lots of love to you and your pup. Stay strong! 💕💕💕 and know that just because you have a service dog, it doesn't make you any less of a person and have a great day, beautiful!
Thank you! Unfortunately snakes are not legally recognized as service animals. And service animals must be trained to perform a task work, which a snake cannot do.
+Happy Tails thank you so much for the information! I think when I read the article I got therapy and service mixed up, so you're completely right! I still should probably get a service dog because I have a heart problem (kinda my fault, I messed my body up with a lot of terrible things and habits oops). Thank you for informing me, this was really helpful!
I loved this video, this really needed to be said!! I have an invisible disability, and it amazes me when I hear the things people will actually say to me. I used to go to public school, but I missed a lot. One day a girl actually came up to me and said, "How come you get to miss school? You're smiling, you look just fine!!" I wanted to yell at her. 😡 Those people are the reasons why I'm homeschooled now; no manners at all... 😐😐 Even my family has told me how I look fine, and I'm probably faking it.. 😕 I'm so sorry for the way people treat you, it's really disgusting...
For me I taught mine that the leave it command is a name...example his real name is Max but instead of leave it being a command Toby is a leave it command...so when people say Toby to him he backs away.
I travel with a guide dog, thanks for bringing up these points, especially the one about people not treating the handler as if they're a normal person, as a person with a vision impairment I get this all the time and it's pretty annoying.
I have an autoimmune disorder called POTS and a dog would really help me, I just haven't got one yet. I personally feel asking questions is a persons way of understanding rather than just assuming. Having a debilitating illness myself if someone asks questions I feel it's best to answer them and spread education
GSDmom B If I ever decide to get a service dog I'll definitely be open about it. Sometimes when I use a wheel chair I get those horrible stares because they think I'm perfectly fine and I get no questions. Sometimes I wish I got questions so those glares could be avoided
I follow another youtube channel where the girl has a service dog to aid her with her cystic fibrosis and while shopping this lady kept on harassing her and her dog and it was just completely disgusting especially when she broke out in a coughing fit and she needed the su pport of her service dog (he is a pillar of support so she doesn't fall over as the coughing takes a large effect on her body) and it just made me shake my head so hard TT Anyways, Caspian is a great dog and if he helps you I'm glad. Thank you for educating us in more depth about service dogs!
As someone who has problems, but no service dog, I want to give my view on the "You're so lucky" point. Generally, it's supposed to come from the view of "You're so lucky to have the dog available to help you", not that you're lucky to need it, because there's a lot of people who can't afford to care for a dog, afford the training, or just simply don't have access. I totally see where you're coming from, but I think you're misunderstanding the intention. For example, I currently am not allowed a service dog, because our landlord is already bending the rules for my therapy cats, and when we suggested to him that I get a dog to train it for services, he very quickly said "No dogs, no dogs" (my guess, fear of dogs). So when I recently had a panic attack in public, and broke into sobs, I was really wishing I had a service animal there to help me get out of that situation and calm me down. Yes, I was fortunate enough to have my mom nearby to get an employee of the store, but I wasn't able to stop shaking until someone else brought their own dog over to me. And even then, my mom didn't realize what was going on until I was already sobbing, and it still took over twenty minutes for me to calm down. So in that sense, I think you are very fortunate, and very lucky, to have your dog to help you when you need help. I don't think you're lucky to be in pain, to have seizures, to have breathing problems, whatever the individual handler's problem might be. It's just like "You're lucky you survived" if you were in a potentially fatal accident. Nobody thinks you're lucky to be in the accident. It's just saying "You're lucky to have that option available". Nobody in the universe thinks you're lucky to be in pain. This will probably be a really unpopular post, but I didn't see anyone else clearing up what that statement means. There's no reason for anyone to be so livid over someone saying it's good that you have something to help aid your problem. Help is something I never got growing up, and now that my anxiety is so bad that I'm having two panic attacks a month, I'm really wishing I was in a situation where I could afford or be allowed to take in a service dog.
+MizukiUkitake if your landlord is not allowing you to have a service dog he is going against federal regulations for housing and you can actually make a lawsuit against him. It's like not allowing someone to have an oxygen tank in their apartment. The United States government regulates housing. As for the "your lucky", it comes from people that want to take their pet everywhere. Not at all referring to people that need service animals.
+MizukiUkitake also, your cats are emotional support animals :) therapy animals are animals that you take to visit people through volunteer work in hospitals, nursing homes, school, court houses, etc.
Very interesting video as always. Maybe it's a stupid question but I'm curious to know if service dog handlers pet or hug their dogs or if it distract the dog from their work too? :)
Kath Rioux when the dog is working yes the handler can pet the dog. In fact a lot of physical contact is good for the team. when the vest comes off at home everyone can pet the dog. :)
As Happy Tails said, yes it's okay for the handler to make physical contact with the dog because it can count as a reward and/or ensure the dog continues to focus on the handler. If another person comes up to pet the dog then the attention changes. It's kind of like if you're instructing a child on how to do their homework. It's okay if you do because you are helping the child while also being there to encourage and teach the child, keeping the child focused on you and the task at hand. (homework.) But the second another child or adult comes in to point out a flaw in the homework or trying to help, they may mean well but now the child has looked away from you and/or the homework and now paying attention to the other person. Having two people trying to talk to the child can get overwhelming and sometimes even frustrating! I hope this helps you understand. :)
I'm glad it was of help! If you have any other questions I'd be glad to try my best to answer and I'm sure Miss Happy Tails would be of help as well if you look at some past videos or even other SD handler videos.
I agree so much with your video I have ptsd and its plainly posted on my dogs vest and they still pester my dog when he's working or even worse they come up behind me which sends me thru the roof thanks for what you do keep up the good work.
My mother has a spinal disability that developed before I was born and so I grew up with that being my 'normal'. The only questions I outrightly hated was "what's wrong with your mum?" to which I would reply 'nothing' and glare at them... However even though some people were rude about it, when many asked me why they would do it in private and with a kind of hushed reverence usually with a 'hope you don't mind me asking' or 'feel free not to answer'. I didn't really understand this approach when I was younger because to me it was like asking why she had blonde hair if I have brown...it was just a normal part of my image of my mother. The way they asked made me feel like it was something hush hush about her disability, now I understand that many people have different mindsets about their disabilities and these people (often other kids) were just trying to be as polite as possible. Those people are alright in my book, but the 'whats wrong with her" people are buttheads.
I hope this video reaches a lot of people! I cant tell you how many times people will walk behind my service dog and I talking loudly about my invisible disability.
I have cancer and I went to school to get my work quickly but guess what EVERY SINGLE KID SAID Lucky! She doesn't have to go to school... CHILD YOU DONT KNOW HOW MUCH PAINN THIS CREATES I GET MY CORNIAS REMOVED TOMORROW!
I'm sorry that happened to you. I had to surgery once and was gone for a bit and people said the same to me. But if they had to go through the pain they wouldn't think that. It's a bit insensitive.
It's awful isn't? It's like you miss school because you're doing crap and then you come back and they're all like 'wow you're so lucky!' and you can only mentally cringe\facepalm
My friend just had a Corina transplant in one of her eyes. She currently waiting for eyesight to go back to normal without blurriness. I can't imagine what she is going through and I can't imagine what your going through. I pray that both you and my friend will heal quickly with complications.
Chantelle AJ kids can be assholes. Just for the sake of being assholes. They're ignorant, let life kick them in the ass and try to not let it bother you...
Also I hope things go well with the surgery and I hate to hear anyone going through that or cancer, I've seen it happen in my family and it's no picnic.
I really appreciate that you made this video. I don't think I've been guilty of breaking any of these rules but, nevertheless, it's the first time I've seen anyone taking the time to teach all of us people who don't use service dogs to know the proper way to interact with people when we see them out as part of a service team. So thank you
Fun fact:If you are in a resturaunt or store or most any public place, if there is staff, then they are able to ask you if it is a service dog and what service it provides.
+tcldoesstuff4fun xXxzZzMoDzZzxXx no it does not. You clearly don't understand ADA law. There is a huge difference between asking "what task is the dog trained to perform" and "what is your disability"
I really appreciate that you made this video! Very well done. I was always taught from a young age to ASK the owner if you could pet the dog , because you don't know the dog and how it behaves. I then learned about service dogs & it just seems better to ignore the dog is there entirely
You are a factually and informed spokes person on this subject. The facts and the laws are very clear, your well made video points out. I have social anxiety, bi polar , blah, blah, more, blah and physical birth defects that are not obvious .(worked as a welder for 31 years) I Have the EMS as a written prescription from my doctor.( I was off the nasty physios meds within a week)My buddy is only 2 years old. He/we are puppy school drop outs . He is not "trained "by someone to assist me . He is a personnel assistant that is, as myself, a constant student of improvement. We are as one.. My need for him is in full compliance with the law. He is in full conformity and qualifications as a service dog and more. The general pubic and the police are impressed with badges and bs medals. I accept and understand ignorance. So... my boy will have an "official looking vest" ,well marked vest to wear in public. Not for us to impress or be on display... as my dog is,and myself above average. My dog is my life assistant and best friend ever. I am gonna have him so well decorated in public only to avoid conflict and questioning. Most humans suck and are undeserving of any explanation, they can kiss my bad attitude. My service dog is an ACD( non-typical service dog). I thank you for facts and info. Thank you. Tony and Jax.
Imagine someone came up to your kid and started calling there name and calling them good boy and started petting your kid... imagine you were that kid... The handler.. do you want to be stressed like that?
I remember I was on vacation once and I was wearing a shirt that said "what's your story" from a storytelling festival I volunteer at every year and my family and I entered a fabric store. We got a few things and the cashier read my shirt. She gave the short version of her story which I thought was pretty cool. I wish that shirt still fit so I could see if someone else would do the same. I like stories and I feel like it makes people more 3D than just people walking next to you. Everyone has a story and that's something most people won't hear, the thousands of people we pass by daily we never talk to despite the fact our species heavily relies on socializing, we may not like each other but that doesn't mean we can't at least know what the person next to us has been through.
Happy Tails yeah I'm not one to pressure people it's just an uncomfortable experience for everyone involved. My little sister has been pressured to give what someone considered an answer to their question despite saying "it's not something you need to know" and "I don't want to talk about it" she doesn't even have a service dog and this was a huge problem for a while. A lot of kids in my town don't really have good stable homes or families which has caused bad problems like underage drinking and smoking or kids suffering mentally.
I'm getting a service dog this weekend (the service dog is to help with seizure disorder (which is mostly medicated but it's good to have backup), autism and panic attacks) and since all of these issues are not visible in everyday life, I've been a little nervous that I would be heavily judged for it, but I'm glad to see that I'm not alone in this. Hopefully everything goes smoothly when I get my dog
Hey! I love your videos ❤. I am sorry that some people say those things about service dogs to you, they are just inconsiderate and rude. I just don't understand how people don't think certain people need service dogs, or think it is okay for them to distract the dog. Caspian seems like an amazing dog! Thank you for helping me learn more about service dogs!
I honestly don't understand why people are so weird around and about Service dogs like just be respect full, to be fare I thought that would just be common sense. I feel like service dogs are really important and they do such an important job.
But I do love your dog so much because when I was little I had a dog like that and he passed away before I went to high school so that was sad but seeing your dog makes me feel better about him, thank you so much!
Once I a store there was an older man in a buggy thing trying to get cat food I asked the man if he needed help and he thanked me he had no service dog but I still wanted to help. I made his day! The cat food was on the top shelf so he could not even reach it.
There is a cute therapy dog that goes to my school for my friend (she has PTSD and can faint at random times). That likes being smiled at. Everyone loves him and the owner lets us smile, nothing more. ♥️ 🐕
A therapy dog is a dog that volunteers take to places to help other people. So if she is taking a therapy dog to school it's so that all the kids can pet him. So your comment doesn't make sense.
I recently befriended an older lady on my bus route who has a guide dog. She's a sweet lady and her dog is amazing, I know the dog's name but I only use it when I ask how she and (dog's name) is doing. I never use it to distract the beautie and we have great conversations. She loves hearing the stories about my mom's dog who isn't a service dog but is just as sweet. I keep my hands to myself and make sure the dog has plenty of room.
Ugh I hate it when people will go up to me and start petting and playing with my dog! I don't have a service dog, but I still hate it when people do this without asking as if the dog is just a public object anyone can touch and use
Thank you for making this video I will show my friends and teach younger kids how to act around service dogs. By the way Caspian (sorry if I spelt it wrong) is such a beautiful dog. His coat is such a pretty color and he seems to get alone great with the other dogs. Love you
I just had a senior couple muffle under their breath saying; "they say, there are no dogs allowed, but she has a dog". I said, he is my service animal, and the lady (who could be my great grandmother) says yeah that's what everyone says! I got so upset, and said why is it that you feel justified saying that to me? I am disabled, and I don't think it's appropriate, and in her exact words, she said to me; "You look fine to me! ". Oooh! I said, you know what, I have paperwork on hand, and my dog is on my Costco ID (we were in Costco), cuz they have verified it already also, would you like to see it? She said yes, as a matter of fact I would. I showed her, and then she apologized, and said well you do look to young to be disabled. I thanked her for the apology, and said you're never too young to be disabled, have a nice day :) This stuff happens all of the time, cuz I live in Los Angeles. People feel self entitlement lol
My grandma was wearing dark sunglasses one day and this boy walked up to her and said "Are you blind?" My grandma said no. He said" You look blind" And his parents finally told him to stop asking her that. Like how rude is that?
Olivia Butcher but... he was a kid and the parents corrected him right? Lol kids don't know what's rude and what isnt til they're taught... I've seen both sides of situations like those, at least it was an opportunity for the child to learn, but at the same time being awkward for you and your grandmother.. I'm glad they at least corrected the boy, and a lesson was learned. I've seen some kids do and say the most horrible things and the parents either ignore it or think its hilarious. Anything but correct them.
I have very severe anxiety, to the point where most things stress me out badly. The only thing I can find comfort in is my dog. Would I be able to have a service dog with me for that, or because it would be an emotional support dog I couldn't bring him with me?
The difference between an service dog and an emotional support dog is training. SD = trained task work. ESA = emotional comfort. Tons of people have service dogs for mental health. Why are they not considered ESAs? Because they are trained to perform a task for their handler's psychological disability. But petting a dog is not a trained task, so if you feel better because you pet your dog, then your dog is an ESA. But if your dog is trained to perform certain tasks that relieve anxiety and prevent panic attacks, then its a service dog. Does that make sense to you?
Some places will not allow an emotional support dog, only service dogs. Depends upon the place, but legally nowhere as of yet I am aware of is required to let you bring in an emotional support animal.
Some people are able to get service dogs based on severe anxiety, but if you took your own it wouldn't be considered a service dog. Just an emotional support dog, because lack of training/performing tasks. Hope that helps answer the question a bit for you, and good luck
Hay happy tails, I have many questions about a service dog I have psychiatric disorders and soon we are going on a wait list but I get teased when I'm on crutches often because people think I'm faking I get dizzy and a few times I passed out because I get so overwhelmed so how should I defend my self? I hope you could respond please do but if you don't 😊 Nat
Hit them with the crutch? I'm kidding. Is this a school or public issue? Best response to that is to ignore them. There a not much you can do to defend yourself from teasing, and usually you can't reason with people that cruel and ignorant.. just try and ignore them and walk away from the situation as quickly as you're able to as far as that goes. 💜
I have a service dog. I constantly have to tell people to not pet him. I've also have had multiple people (sometimes in the same day) that they wish they can take their dog everywhere, and that they should make them a service dog. I mean really?! You really think it's the best idea to tell someone with a legit service dog for a legit reason, that you're going to make your dog a fake service dog?! People are so stupid and inconsiderate at times
You're probably more likely to see a woman who is pregnant than to see a service team daily but neither are unusual. If you were pregnant you would most likely not like it if every place you went, people stared, asked you personal questions, or touched your belly (with or without permission). It blows my mind that people can be so careless in the way that they interact with the world around them. There is nothing wrong with being curious but there is something wrong with injecting yourself into a strangers personal life, activities, etc. Keep the questions to yourself and maybe even think on it for a little bit but move on, after all it is none of your business.
When I was pregnant with my daughter people always stared at me in public and asking me personal questions, or even touch my belly without asking. I've even had some ask me if I'm still with the father or not. People need to learn to mind their own business.
Asking about the dad is way over the line If I was pregnant and someone asked me that I would ask the person if they shave their pubic hair or if they’re circumcised or what their favorite type of porn they like and they might regret that they asked such an intruding question
people relay on service dogs to help them do everyday things and I totally agree with you Megan!!!!! my aunty has a service dog as she is blind and the amount of times people have come over and touched him is unbelievable!!! even when he has his do not touch jacket on !!!!
Excellent video! I especially found it interesting and a super point about not sharing the dog's name. You're a beautiful, articulate young lady. Thanks for sharing your expertise. I look forward to learning from your other videos. 🤗
Thanks for the reminders. I wish everyone had well-behaved, actual animals who work for their handlers though. I know a lady who used to work for me who has a husband that sometimes uses a wheelchair. They got a dog to be a service dog but he's a super hard handful to take out in public. The dog will pull him across the floor in the wheelchair-against his commands-in order to see something he wants to see! We went out of towm with them once and the dog was all over the van, licking me and stomping all over me as he tried to ride in my lap despite my best efforts to ignore him as the owner giggled about how cute he was being. There's also another one in town that's a large labradoodle who behaves the same way. It's a shame that these dogs were placed with people either incompletely trained or the owners weren't trained well enough to develop their handling skills. Dogs like these give all service animals, as well as their handlers a bad reputation. Being able to register a service dog and get a certificate for them online truly is a disservice to the profession of service pets so it's really great to see someone who is under the responsible care of a physician. Keep doing your thing and thanks again for recording this message. Hopefully many people will hear it and spread the word.
I never ask to pet service dogs and try my best not to acknowledge them. I don't have a service dog nor do I know anyone who needs one but I'm glad I saw this video. I never even considered asking half of these questions or why some of these questions were offensive. All in all, definitely answered some questions and more.
I dont have a service animal but I can relate in a way. I'm like a service human to my dog lol. She is deaf and blind (she can see lights and shadows but she mainly relies on memory and smell.) I have a vest that says "I'm deaf and blind. Ask before petting." I have it because she gets scared and confused and sneaking up on her will cause her to jump or flail (sometimes in the middle of the road if im on a sidewalk near the highway.) Sometimes if you touch her without asking permission she will even get snippy because she expects to have an enemy behind her. I CONSTANTLY get people going up to her and spooking her and if im near a highway she could be put in danger and it makes me mad. Many may say "Why even take her out?" I take her out because she enjoys car rides and exploring new smells. I'm not going to lock her up away just because of your non existent manners. I also like to take her around town so she can memorize the layout because she will often run into a pole once in a while. Whether it's a service dog, special needs dog or a normal dog, you should ask anyways or not even ask because you could run into a dog who isnt so nice.
+Chloe Charlie ugh some people are so annoying. I can totally understand why your dog would get spooked. And yes, she deserves to go out. Some people should learn some manners before going out themselves.
i've had parent's friends let me pet their service dog, interact, etc. even i sat down and looked at the guys animal and he just looked at me and told me i could pet her. all of those times, i either asked or was given permission to without asking. you should never ever distract them. also, don't be offended if a handler doesn't allow you to pet their dog. they're doing what's best for their own health.
Thank you for making this video among other service dog related videos you've made! I have a service dog and people always come up to me and just start petting him and occasionally while petting them they will ask what is wrong with me. Like uh what?? That's like grabbing someone's wheelchair then saying hey why do you need this? It is very hard for me to be in public with my dog because he is smaller so people think he is an ESA. It is ridiculous that just because he is not a large dog that people assume he is fake. For some disabilities all the dogs need to have is a brain and a good nose.
To go up to someone with a service dog without permission is just so rude. I mean what if they were blind and the dog got distracted and ran off course. What would the handler do. The person has no rights to pet a dog with a very important job. P.S. I love this channel so much
How I solved these problems: stopped putting the vest on my service dog Jake. Less people bother us. If they ask annoying and rude questions, I just tell them they can watch my TH-cam channel. I always carry state and federal ADA laws and my dog's paperwork. Again, better than explaining. No one is lucky to be disabled! I lost part of my face, my hearing, etc. It's super hard to transition my older service with my new puppy, so it is nice when people are considerate and let my dogs do their job.
I completely agree! I personally don't have a service dog (I have been researching a little as I have really bad anxiety and it seems to be getting worse) but it just seems so rude. Just because someone looks capable and healthy doesn't mean they don't have a disability. Why ask someone what their disability is when they clearly have one? Why put someone who possibly has some form of mental illness in a high stress situation? It's so selfish.
My SDiT looks like a walking billboard 😂, So far the only thing that has happened to me was a lady at lowes who crouched down and said "whose a good working dog, you are, you are!" I just walked right past her 😂
I used to make up a fake name when people asked me what my dogs name was (her name is Luna) like Artemis or Thalia which were both names i might have named my dog.
When I was younger my mom always told me not to pet dogs because I didn't know them. I learned that some dogs were there to help people who needed them.
I was in a store with my service dog a lady started petting the dog, I reached over and started petting her head she pulled back and said what are you doing. I said I'm doing the same thing to you that your doing to my dog. She said well you don't just pet someone's head. I said well you don't just pet someone's dog. Especially a service dog.
spirals 73 It was priceless lol
lol lol lol lol lol lol lol 😂😂😄😆😆😆🤣😄😂 oh my gosh I am dying inside this is so amazing 😉 where can I go to worship you Are a god 😂
I’m totally stealing this the next time someone pets my guy 😂
I'm going to use that!🤣
@spirals 73 I would've been like "There. There." like Baymax
If you "need" to pet an animal, go to a shelter! They need more love (no offense) than a service dog.
+Lyrico AJ that's a good point
This is very true but unfortunately some shelters don't let you pet the dogs unless you plan on adopting
iona scheer than maybe they should look into being a volunteer there.
call me crazy but i always 'ask' before touching stuff that isnt mine...including animals.
service dog or not don't just randomly go touch someone's dog...
+Yuno Hellsing I love this person ☝☝☝
Yuno Hellsing me too!! I asked my friend when i was little to touch her stuffed animals. And ive always asked to touch animals.
Yuno Hellsing same
Absolutely. I get some weird looks when I do so but how do I know that dog hasn't been rescued and is terrified of people, being fussed, plump ladies etc! How do I know that the owner doesn't suffer from bad anxiety and freak out about their dog being touched. How do I know that the dog isn't snappy if startled and touching it won't make it bite me and then get into trouble. How do I know the owner just doesn't want the dog stroked by strangers? Always ask!
me too! if i'm out at the park or public in general i always ask my mom if i can ask the dog's owner first and i never pet service dogs i just admire them from afar.
Imagine how weird it would be if someone went up to a random person just doing their job and started petting them and calling them a good boy.
Tamii the Kitty Sorry this made me laugh it's actually just so ridiculous
Tamii the Kitty I have a service dog and patch that we have for one of his best says working dog please do not pet I don't pet you while you're working and I love it so much lol
Well I've had creepy guys come at me before telling me I was doing a good job (stocking shelves in a grocery store wth)
Unicorn Baby +
imagine how weird it would be if someone doesn't know the difference between a pet and a human
I really don't know why people think dogs are public property. I don't think it's acceptable to pet any dog without permission, but fussing a service dog when it's trying to do it's job is just mindboggling to me. Dogs are not public property and it is not your right to pet them.
Ceitidh Thomas yup, it's also dangerous
exactly, if someone went up to my dog (who isn't a service dog) and begun to pet him uncontrollably I would be annoyed - you can't go up to a person and touch them, so you shouldn't to that to a dog. It distracts them. What if the dog has behavioural issues - ergh!
I used to have a dog that didnt do to well with people he didnt know. So we went for a walk and some random lady came up to him and started petting him and he was growling so i tightened my leash grip and she complained how i was hurting him and thats why he was growling. No lady its cause your rude and dont ask. (He wasnt a service dog)
I almost always ask before petting a dog. By almost I mean I pet some dogs very often (there is a really sweet dog named bucket in my neighborhood). so when I see her I say hi to the owner then the dog and start petting her.
Ceitidh Thomas +
I watched this video because someone on my block has a service dog , and I don't want to do anything to upset or offend them. This video was very helpful , thank you. ☺️
When you said that people said you were lucky to have a service dog last year my classmates brother got cancer and was in the hospital for months and I kept overhearing people saying he was lucky that he didn't have to go to school it's sad and rude that people completely disregard any of the bad things and just jump to conclusions
Agreed.
CS:GO ScripT I can't belive people would say that, so many people die from cancer, I know a family who lost their mother to cancer a few months back and their kids are still so young, I would never wish that sort of thing on anyone.
CS:GO ScripT wow that is just stupid
CS:GO ScripT Oh my god I would punch all of those kids in the face that's so rude why would you think something like that
CS:GO ScripT why would Happy tails say that
Yes, thank you so much. I am a 13 year old handler and people don't listen to me when I say don't pet her, don't talk to her, don't distract her. I have invisible disabilities and my dog has to alert me if something is going to happen or if someone is coming up behind me. What happened once was a worker at a store was snapping and trying to get her attention and I ended up having a panic attack because someone had walked up behind me and said something to me and I got scared.
Hi!🤩
I’m a 13 year old service dog handler too! 💞💕
So what is your dog trained to do? Mind you if you invented you need a service dog do not answer.
I'm 17 and just started and I've had this happen too
Have you heard of Drew Lynch? He is a comedian with a disability and he has a service dog too. He talks about these kind of things in his videos and I think you'd enjoy them. He's hilarious! 😂
just.an.average.Potato I love Drew and Stella
Same! He's so funny and Stella is so adorable.
Stella is such a diva. :)
Stella, the only diva in the episodes ;)
Drews awesome. First saw him on Got Talent and loved his act.
Oh, I laughed when you said "You would never go up to somebody in a wheelchair and ask..." I can't tell you how many people have come up and asked, "What happened to your legs?" or "Are you paralyzed?" or just said "I'm so sorry". But my favorite is probably, "I know it's none of my business, but how'd you end up in a wheelchair?" Starting off by admitting its rude, you gotta love people. While I don't usually mind answering questions, I appreciate the video, it really was very well done :)
+KeroWarrior wow I'm horrified by how rude people are. Do they just grow up with no manners?
KeroWarrior Welcome to humankind's true nature.
KeroWarrior just putting it out there that I am in a wheelchair and I DO mind if people ask me about it. For one, I'm just trying to go about my day, and 2, I'm definitely not trying to have a doctor/physical type of conversation with a stranger.
I'm same... and said in my reply too, and also another reply above this... happens rare days I can use my cane too... and I hate the dreaded question in my chair or with cane/walker; ''so what happened to you'' like it's just an injury and easy fix because I look young or something XD
@Lisa TheCatDude So true! Plus anytime I do answer it, the amount of times people look at me weird and go ''what's that''... then the conversation goes on until they start to give medical advice about herbs and rubbish they think they heard helped a friend with the condition etc and it's kinda like ''ugh this again'', so I feel sometimes it's better to cut it off before it gets too stress inducing or upsetting... plus if I stopped to answer every person who asked that or any similar question, I'd never get anything done and spend all my time repeating the same things to people... lol
Next time someone asked "what happened to your legs?" You should reply with "What happened to your brain?"
"You would never go up to somebody in a wheelchair and ask them 'hey how did you end up in that wheelchair?'". Oh boy, you would be surprised lol. I get asked why I'm in a wheelchair almost every time I go out. I also get stopped by customers at work and they ask too, along with other invasive/rude questions/comments.
+EmilyS I'm so sorry to hear that! That is so rude!
Oh yeah, I was going to mention that that is a terrible example! ;)
I've seen it done before. I normally go up and say hello ask how you're doing and so on. I'm disabled from other issues so I know how it can be and how welcome a friendly face can be. Take care Emily.
I agree. I'm a wheelchair user and able bodied people think it's perfectly appropriate to ask a wheelchair user why they are using a wheelchair. As she said in the video, it's not at all appropriate. It's equivalent to asking someone their medical history or to give all the details of their last physical. So able bodied people, let's not have that conversation in the middle of the produce (or anywhere else) ok? Talking about the weather is a perfectly fine topic of conversation between strangers.
Eyup me too eh... I put it in my reply I just did the same thing... get asked that or ''what's wrong with you'' at least once every time I go out, and why I started my youtube to record it all to teach awareness of why you don't do it xD... I prefer to refer to it as if I were to ask them to strip naked in front of me, as it really is when people ask about your medical history...
I won't lie, as a disabled veteran who has been considered Perm and Totally disabled for over 10 years it's frightening to be adding a service dog to my medical needs. I don't look disabled. I've gotten so much flack for just having a handicapped plate. I even had to call 911 on one occasion because of a very aggressive individual. My disabilities are my own, and private. It's sooo stressful to be confronted and harassed over it. Many times people ASSume, because I'm female that I'm NOT the disabled veteran. I hope I'm not adding to my stress levels, but I also realize the tasks my dog will provide will greatly enhance my independence. Thanks for your videos. :)
+MsPopRouge having a service dog isn't for everyone, even if you need it and can benefit from it. Funny thing, people always assume I am a veteran because I have the dog.
ha ha ha The dog I can handle, the pubic is another story all together.
+MsPopRouge I get that lol
Happy Tails people have done that to me when we had a plan ptsd patch on my guys vest. We’re now getting a patch custom made that says handler has non-combat ptsd
Thank you for educating so many people on this extremely important topic
I agree!!!
Two questions ADA: is this a service dog? What tasks does this dog preform? I say Yes (block, alert and cover) he knows more commands but to stop the conversation. People generally don't know the ADA law. All of this is totally true and totally frustrating!! It's more annoying when you're a new handler. Another zinger is when people go "oh you don't look disabled" really?!? What does "disabled" look like? Oh also had a lady tell my service dog to "sit" and scowled at me when he didn't comply to her command. Seriously, lady it's my service dog, not yours and all your doing is distracting him.
People are so annoying! Why do they think common courtesy doesn't apply to them? 🙄
+RatGirl44 yup -_-
Oh yeah!
You shouldn't pet any animal without permission, service dog or not. The thought of a person not knowing this makes me very upset.
I'm a handler and I hear these questions and remarks all the time! Especially because I have an invisible illness...
My friend has agoraphobia, which i believe should severe social anxiety, if not it's a similar name. Either way she has a service pupper and she was at an airport with her pupper. My friend was clear “please don't touch her or distract her, she's a service dog.” That went up in flames as a man let his child play and pet my friend's dog and at one yanked on her ears. My friend was like “um dude, please get your child to stop messing with my dog” and he was like “oh they love animals it's okay”
So yeah. She wasn't very thrilled.
I don't think she had an anxiety attack or anything but obviously she was super uncomfortable and her pupper too.
In better news, I hopefully am getting rats or guinea pigs soon and I'm really hopeful i can give them a holistic diet, I want to give them the best life I can. So thanks for your help 🖤
Alex Voss why didn't she say "no this is a service dog that can't be distracted or else something bad could happen to me. Plz tell your kid to stop unless you want to pay for the therapy bill"
Because she has severe social anxiety and it's hard to say long winded sentences like that?
I know people who can barely form sentences D:
I am a new service animal handler, and I can attest to how instrumental an adult telling children about service animals are. During a trip to a local mall a few days ago, I was walking past the entrance of a store as a group of about 10 kids were leaving the store with what looked to be a camp counselor. Of course when the kids saw my service dog (who is essentially a working ball of fur) they immediately locked eyes with him and the group began to approach/follow me. To get some distance I made my way into the closest store when I began to hear the assumed counselor usher the kids together, who were now standing in front of the entrance of the store I had walked in, however not allowing any of the kids to approach our team. I then heard the councilor say “you guys see that? That is a service dog. Service dogs are special dogs that aren’t like the pets we have at home, they are working dogs and have very important jobs. No matter how cute they might be, When a service dog is around you should never try to pet it, or get it’s attention, because it’s really important that he can focus on his job”.
This man taking literally less then 5 minutes to explain what a service dog was, and why they couldn’t distract him completely made my day.
If people asks why I have PTSD I’ll just say stuff like I stubbed my toe last night, I didn’t have enough money for the soda machine, I sneezed in Walmart and nobody said blessed me and other things 😊
Why would you ask someone's disability? That's like walking up to someone with burn scars and saying: "Why do you look like that?"- It's rude and heartless
Alexa Hatch people do that too. Some people have no filter or nothing inside them that says, "hmm, maybe that's none of my business. Or hmm maybe that's getting a little too personal."
Wow, even my 7 year old brother knows not to approach a service dog. People can be so ignorant.
And that was a grown woman not listen to a simply, please leave my dog alone.
I have a service dog for a silent disability, and it doesn’t bother me to educate people, but this is an amazing video that should be shown in schools and businesses for training. Good work!
My dog hates being bothered by people, she barks yips and whines. I hate it when people go up to her and try to feed her and play with her. One time a woman came up to my dog and said "hello want some hotdog" I wanted to scream at her. "My dog has health issues so maybe you should ask before possibly killing my dog" but all I said was, "I have somewhere to be"
I know that feeling. My grandfather's dog is allergic to pretty much all foods but a few dog foods. In fact, she throws up some dog food brands. My actual service dog has a problem with scrap food. Meaning: you give it to him, and he'll beg for more. He's a dog. He's a well trained dog, but at the end of the day, he really wants that hot dog.
Ooohhhhh!!! The "your lucky" comment just makes my blood boil... really? I'm lucky that I'm in pain 24/7? That I randomly faint and hurt myself? That I get embarrassed by my illness every time I faint around the public? Yup... I sure am lucky aren't I? Smh...
he said that school was shit, so stop puting words i his mouth
Nichelle Bell you ARE lucky you can take ur pets to places where "others" can't. Animal privilege.
I know this isn't anywhere near as serious, but when I moved away from the only home I had ever known to go live halfway across the world, people did call me 'lucky'. And that just made everything 10x worse, honestly, because I thought that all my sad (even depressed) feelings were insensitive and that I should be grateful for the 'opportunity'-when in reality it should have been perfectly okay for me to feel sad in that situation, especially at that age when I really wasn't ready for such a huge uproot in my life. Anyways, that's the closest I can relate to you. I hope you continue to be strong, live life to the fullest, and ignore ignorant strangers. Your disability doesn't define you.
I know! Like. Oh I'm lucky that I can't go in public without having a panic attack or being pumped full of drugs that make me feel like a zombie.
Michael Hutchinson okay... what you are saying is messed up
generally speaking most dogs that are active and learning and working are more happy than a dog that is sitting in a room all day doing nothing. A service dog actually is a very lucky dog in most ways because they have something to do and usually are shown lots of love and affection by its handler ☺
I love how you explain this. I don't have a service dog but I've witnessed so many things like that, people can be so nosy and cringey omgggg.
I have stage IV spinal cancer, and sometimes I have to use a wheelchair. When I'm in a lot of pain, or if we're going to be some place with a lot of walking, I'll use the wheelchair. Luckily I look really healthy, I have my hair, I don't look sick, I'm not thin, etc. when I'm in my chair, people have asked me what was "wrong" with me, or why I was in my chair, or even worse, when they stare at me, and I will hear them talk to their friend and say "she looks "normal" to me" I hate it so much, that I have refused to use my chair on some days, and I end up being in excruciating pain for the next few days. You'd be surprised at how horrible people can be.
So awful, but relatable... not much surprises me anymore, especially how horrible people can be even if they know your condition. Some people are just shit for no other reason.
talking about teaching about service dogs to children I remember when I was little I saw my 1st service dog to a blind man and my mom simply told me the dog is working and not to bother it.
Hi, I am so thankful that you have a service dog to take care of you :)
It just seems basic common sense to leave a working service dog alone... evidently some people lack this.
I have T1 Diabetes. When I graduate high school and move out I'm going to get an alert dog because my one fear is that I'll be at home, living alone, and go into diabetic shock without anyone around and I die and no one knows for a long while. I want a dog that will get help immediately if I pass out so I have a chance to live. I know this isn't something a 14 year old should think about but it's my life and I want to live as long as I can.
I don't think 14 is too young to be thinking about this. T1 diabetes is no joke, and can cause so much damage in a very short time if you do not keep it under control. I've seen many diabetics have great success with service dogs, even kids. You keep looking into it, you are being very responsible in taking control of your own health.
Happy tails all your animals are blessed to have you as an owner ❤️🍭I really admire you . I have a question I have a herd of 4 rabbits should I feed veg twice a day or once?
Once a day is fine, if you do twice a day just cut back on the serving size.
Happy Tails ok thanks ❤️
Spririt 101 try getting more toys...maybe he/she isn't stimulated enough
Happy Tails when you said people say "Oh you are so lucky to have a service dog" it reminded me of when people would say I was so lucky to get out of Pre-Athletics and getting out of school for many doctors appointments because I had a serious emergency brain surgery which many people did not know because you can not see my scar unless you knew what you were looking for.
Lara MVB carrots are high in sugar for rabbits so I personally feed my rabbit veg once a day and a portion of organic pellets at night.
Omg ilysm you're so right please keep preaching 🙌🙌🙌 I have considered getting a service dog for my anxiety and depression, but we already have two dogs (one is old and kinda mean and the other is blind and they aren't well behaved enough lol) and we have a small house. That's why I have considered getting a service snake because they calm me down and I love them so much. I hope you're okay and safe. You're so brave and I hope you're doing well. I'm here for you if you ever want to talk about your experiences, sickness or whatever because I know that life is hard. Lots of love to you and your pup. Stay strong! 💕💕💕 and know that just because you have a service dog, it doesn't make you any less of a person and have a great day, beautiful!
Thank you! Unfortunately snakes are not legally recognized as service animals. And service animals must be trained to perform a task work, which a snake cannot do.
+Happy Tails thank you so much for the information! I think when I read the article I got therapy and service mixed up, so you're completely right! I still should probably get a service dog because I have a heart problem (kinda my fault, I messed my body up with a lot of terrible things and habits oops). Thank you for informing me, this was really helpful!
I loved this video, this really needed to be said!! I have an invisible disability, and it amazes me when I hear the things people will actually say to me. I used to go to public school, but I missed a lot. One day a girl actually came up to me and said, "How come you get to miss school? You're smiling, you look just fine!!" I wanted to yell at her. 😡 Those people are the reasons why I'm homeschooled now; no manners at all... 😐😐 Even my family has told me how I look fine, and I'm probably faking it.. 😕 I'm so sorry for the way people treat you, it's really disgusting...
For me I taught mine that the leave it command is a name...example his real name is Max but instead of leave it being a command Toby is a leave it command...so when people say Toby to him he backs away.
+lilmami4lyfe867 that's pretty smart
I travel with a guide dog, thanks for bringing up these points, especially the one about people not treating the handler as if they're a normal person, as a person with a vision impairment I get this all the time and it's pretty annoying.
I have an autoimmune disorder called POTS and a dog would really help me, I just haven't got one yet. I personally feel asking questions is a persons way of understanding rather than just assuming. Having a debilitating illness myself if someone asks questions I feel it's best to answer them and spread education
musicwithkelsey I could not agree with you more. What I find sad is how many so called Service Dogs are fake.
GSDmom B If I ever decide to get a service dog I'll definitely be open about it. Sometimes when I use a wheel chair I get those horrible stares because they think I'm perfectly fine and I get no questions. Sometimes I wish I got questions so those glares could be avoided
I follow another youtube channel where the girl has a service dog to aid her with her cystic fibrosis and while shopping this lady kept on harassing her and her dog and it was just completely disgusting especially when she broke out in a coughing fit and she needed the su pport of her service dog (he is a pillar of support so she doesn't fall over as the coughing takes a large effect on her body) and it just made me shake my head so hard TT
Anyways, Caspian is a great dog and if he helps you I'm glad. Thank you for educating us in more depth about service dogs!
Is it the Frey Life?
As someone who has problems, but no service dog, I want to give my view on the "You're so lucky" point.
Generally, it's supposed to come from the view of "You're so lucky to have the dog available to help you", not that you're lucky to need it, because there's a lot of people who can't afford to care for a dog, afford the training, or just simply don't have access. I totally see where you're coming from, but I think you're misunderstanding the intention.
For example, I currently am not allowed a service dog, because our landlord is already bending the rules for my therapy cats, and when we suggested to him that I get a dog to train it for services, he very quickly said "No dogs, no dogs" (my guess, fear of dogs). So when I recently had a panic attack in public, and broke into sobs, I was really wishing I had a service animal there to help me get out of that situation and calm me down. Yes, I was fortunate enough to have my mom nearby to get an employee of the store, but I wasn't able to stop shaking until someone else brought their own dog over to me. And even then, my mom didn't realize what was going on until I was already sobbing, and it still took over twenty minutes for me to calm down.
So in that sense, I think you are very fortunate, and very lucky, to have your dog to help you when you need help.
I don't think you're lucky to be in pain, to have seizures, to have breathing problems, whatever the individual handler's problem might be. It's just like "You're lucky you survived" if you were in a potentially fatal accident. Nobody thinks you're lucky to be in the accident. It's just saying "You're lucky to have that option available". Nobody in the universe thinks you're lucky to be in pain.
This will probably be a really unpopular post, but I didn't see anyone else clearing up what that statement means. There's no reason for anyone to be so livid over someone saying it's good that you have something to help aid your problem. Help is something I never got growing up, and now that my anxiety is so bad that I'm having two panic attacks a month, I'm really wishing I was in a situation where I could afford or be allowed to take in a service dog.
+MizukiUkitake if your landlord is not allowing you to have a service dog he is going against federal regulations for housing and you can actually make a lawsuit against him. It's like not allowing someone to have an oxygen tank in their apartment. The United States government regulates housing.
As for the "your lucky", it comes from people that want to take their pet everywhere. Not at all referring to people that need service animals.
+MizukiUkitake also, your cats are emotional support animals :) therapy animals are animals that you take to visit people through volunteer work in hospitals, nursing homes, school, court houses, etc.
I had the same take on that tbh and in a somewhat similar situation. I hope yours gets better.
Very interesting video as always. Maybe it's a stupid question but I'm curious to know if service dog handlers pet or hug their dogs or if it distract the dog from their work too? :)
Kath Rioux when the dog is working yes the handler can pet the dog. In fact a lot of physical contact is good for the team. when the vest comes off at home everyone can pet the dog. :)
Happy Tails Awesome. Thanks for your answer I love learning new things about animals! :)
As Happy Tails said, yes it's okay for the handler to make physical contact with the dog because it can count as a reward and/or ensure the dog continues to focus on the handler.
If another person comes up to pet the dog then the attention changes.
It's kind of like if you're instructing a child on how to do their homework. It's okay if you do because you are helping the child while also being there to encourage and teach the child, keeping the child focused on you and the task at hand. (homework.)
But the second another child or adult comes in to point out a flaw in the homework or trying to help, they may mean well but now the child has looked away from you and/or the homework and now paying attention to the other person.
Having two people trying to talk to the child can get overwhelming and sometimes even frustrating!
I hope this helps you understand. :)
rєdpαndα ѕkíttlєѕ Thanks for the exemple! It makes more sens in my head now! :)
I'm glad it was of help! If you have any other questions I'd be glad to try my best to answer and I'm sure Miss Happy Tails would be of help as well if you look at some past videos or even other SD handler videos.
I agree so much with your video I have ptsd and its plainly posted on my dogs vest and they still pester my dog when he's working or even worse they come up behind me which sends me thru the roof thanks for what you do keep up the good work.
Cody Price have to tried training your sd to block and alert to notify you of people coming up on your blind sides?
My mother has a spinal disability that developed before I was born and so I grew up with that being my 'normal'. The only questions I outrightly hated was "what's wrong with your mum?" to which I would reply 'nothing' and glare at them...
However even though some people were rude about it, when many asked me why they would do it in private and with a kind of hushed reverence usually with a 'hope you don't mind me asking' or 'feel free not to answer'.
I didn't really understand this approach when I was younger because to me it was like asking why she had blonde hair if I have brown...it was just a normal part of my image of my mother.
The way they asked made me feel like it was something hush hush about her disability, now I understand that many people have different mindsets about their disabilities and these people (often other kids) were just trying to be as polite as possible.
Those people are alright in my book, but the 'whats wrong with her" people are buttheads.
I hope this video reaches a lot of people! I cant tell you how many times people will walk behind my service dog and I talking loudly about my invisible disability.
I have cancer and I went to school to get my work quickly but guess what EVERY SINGLE KID SAID Lucky! She doesn't have to go to school... CHILD YOU DONT KNOW HOW MUCH PAINN THIS CREATES I GET MY CORNIAS REMOVED TOMORROW!
I'm sorry that happened to you. I had to surgery once and was gone for a bit and people said the same to me. But if they had to go through the pain they wouldn't think that. It's a bit insensitive.
It's awful isn't?
It's like you miss school because you're doing crap and then you come back and they're all like 'wow you're so lucky!' and you can only mentally cringe\facepalm
My friend just had a Corina transplant in one of her eyes. She currently waiting for eyesight to go back to normal without blurriness. I can't imagine what she is going through and I can't imagine what your going through. I pray that both you and my friend will heal quickly with complications.
Chantelle AJ kids can be assholes. Just for the sake of being assholes. They're ignorant, let life kick them in the ass and try to not let it bother you...
Also I hope things go well with the surgery and I hate to hear anyone going through that or cancer, I've seen it happen in my family and it's no picnic.
Well said Meagan and thank you so much for the helpful information on service dog 😊❤️🐕
I really appreciate that you made this video. I don't think I've been guilty of breaking any of these rules but, nevertheless, it's the first time I've seen anyone taking the time to teach all of us people who don't use service dogs to know the proper way to interact with people when we see them out as part of a service team. So thank you
Fun fact:If you are in a resturaunt or store or most any public place, if there is staff, then they are able to ask you if it is a service dog and what service it provides.
+tcldoesstuff4fun xXxzZzMoDzZzxXx yes, I've gone over that in a few of my other videos. I don't see how your comment relates to this video.
Happy Tails it only partly relates to people asking what disabilty you have and why you have a sd , but only if it is by staff or owners.
+tcldoesstuff4fun xXxzZzMoDzZzxXx no it does not. You clearly don't understand ADA law. There is a huge difference between asking "what task is the dog trained to perform" and "what is your disability"
+tcldoesstuff4fun xXxzZzMoDzZzxXx it's illegal for business to ask what your disability is
We are so lucky to have these amazing animals in our world even if they are not survice dogs they provide so much comfort and happiness
I really appreciate that you made this video! Very well done. I was always taught from a young age to ASK the owner if you could pet the dog , because you don't know the dog and how it behaves. I then learned about service dogs & it just seems better to ignore the dog is there entirely
You are a factually and informed spokes person on this subject. The facts and the laws are very clear, your well made video points out. I have social anxiety, bi polar , blah, blah, more, blah and physical birth defects that are not obvious .(worked as a welder for 31 years) I Have the EMS as a written prescription from my doctor.( I was off the nasty physios meds within a week)My buddy is only 2 years old. He/we are puppy school drop outs . He is not "trained "by someone to assist me . He is a personnel assistant that is, as myself, a constant student of improvement. We are as one.. My need for him is in full compliance with the law. He is in full conformity and qualifications as a service dog and more. The general pubic and the police are impressed with badges and bs medals. I accept and understand ignorance. So... my boy will have an "official looking vest" ,well marked vest to wear in public. Not for us to impress or be on display... as my dog is,and myself above average. My dog is my life assistant and best friend ever. I am gonna have him so well decorated in public only to avoid conflict and questioning. Most humans suck and are undeserving of any explanation, they can kiss my bad attitude. My service dog is an ACD( non-typical service dog). I thank you for facts and info. Thank you. Tony and Jax.
Imagine someone came up to your kid and started calling there name and calling them good boy and started petting your kid... imagine you were that kid...
The handler.. do you want to be stressed like that?
PuppyGirl TX animals aren't actual children... hence the difference in how some people approach them...
This was an extremely informative video! Thank you!!
I remember I was on vacation once and I was wearing a shirt that said "what's your story" from a storytelling festival I volunteer at every year and my family and I entered a fabric store. We got a few things and the cashier read my shirt. She gave the short version of her story which I thought was pretty cool. I wish that shirt still fit so I could see if someone else would do the same. I like stories and I feel like it makes people more 3D than just people walking next to you. Everyone has a story and that's something most people won't hear, the thousands of people we pass by daily we never talk to despite the fact our species heavily relies on socializing, we may not like each other but that doesn't mean we can't at least know what the person next to us has been through.
+sapphire dicson only if that person wants to share. The point here is choice.
Happy Tails yeah I'm not one to pressure people it's just an uncomfortable experience for everyone involved. My little sister has been pressured to give what someone considered an answer to their question despite saying "it's not something you need to know" and "I don't want to talk about it" she doesn't even have a service dog and this was a huge problem for a while. A lot of kids in my town don't really have good stable homes or families which has caused bad problems like underage drinking and smoking or kids suffering mentally.
I'm getting a service dog this weekend (the service dog is to help with seizure disorder (which is mostly medicated but it's good to have backup), autism and panic attacks) and since all of these issues are not visible in everyday life, I've been a little nervous that I would be heavily judged for it, but I'm glad to see that I'm not alone in this. Hopefully everything goes smoothly when I get my dog
i wish i had seen this video a month ago because i made a complete fool of my self with my friends service dog
im glad you made this video
What did you do
Hey! I love your videos ❤. I am sorry that some people say those things about service dogs to you, they are just inconsiderate and rude. I just don't understand how people don't think certain people need service dogs, or think it is okay for them to distract the dog. Caspian seems like an amazing dog! Thank you for helping me learn more about service dogs!
Thank you for educating me on this subject I didn't know much about it and didn't want to ask any personal questions to be rude.
Thanks this really helped. I love your videos they're really informative😀
+Blue Corgi omg you look like my corgi Clark! 😍😁
Thank you for making this video! So very important! :)
I *love* this!!! Thank you so much for promoting proper adequate around service dogs!
I honestly don't understand why people are so weird around and about Service dogs like just be respect full, to be fare I thought that would just be common sense. I feel like service dogs are really important and they do such an important job.
But I do love your dog so much because when I was little I had a dog like that and he passed away before I went to high school so that was sad but seeing your dog makes me feel better about him, thank you so much!
Once I a store there was an older man in a buggy thing trying to get cat food I asked the man if he needed help and he thanked me he had no service dog but I still wanted to help.
I made his day!
The cat food was on the top shelf so he could not even reach it.
There is a cute therapy dog that goes to my school for my friend (she has PTSD and can faint at random times). That likes being smiled at. Everyone loves him and the owner lets us smile, nothing more. ♥️ 🐕
A therapy dog is a dog that volunteers take to places to help other people. So if she is taking a therapy dog to school it's so that all the kids can pet him. So your comment doesn't make sense.
I recently befriended an older lady on my bus route who has a guide dog. She's a sweet lady and her dog is amazing, I know the dog's name but I only use it when I ask how she and (dog's name) is doing. I never use it to distract the beautie and we have great conversations. She loves hearing the stories about my mom's dog who isn't a service dog but is just as sweet. I keep my hands to myself and make sure the dog has plenty of room.
Ugh I hate it when people will go up to me and start petting and playing with my dog! I don't have a service dog, but I still hate it when people do this without asking as if the dog is just a public object anyone can touch and use
You should bite them.
Yessssss. People please learn something from this.
Thank you for making this video I will show my friends and teach younger kids how to act around service dogs. By the way Caspian (sorry if I spelt it wrong) is such a beautiful dog. His coat is such a pretty color and he seems to get alone great with the other dogs. Love you
“If you’re raised with manners...” best quote
I just had a senior couple muffle under their breath saying; "they say, there are no dogs allowed, but she has a dog". I said, he is my service animal, and the lady (who could be my great grandmother) says yeah that's what everyone says! I got so upset, and said why is it that you feel justified saying that to me? I am disabled, and I don't think it's appropriate, and in her exact words, she said to me; "You look fine to me! ". Oooh! I said, you know what, I have paperwork on hand, and my dog is on my Costco ID (we were in Costco), cuz they have verified it already also, would you like to see it? She said yes, as a matter of fact I would. I showed her, and then she apologized, and said well you do look to young to be disabled. I thanked her for the apology, and said you're never too young to be disabled, have a nice day :) This stuff happens all of the time, cuz I live in Los Angeles. People feel self entitlement lol
+Animal Love Fest omg! you look too young to be disabled?! What an idiotic, arrogant and ignorant thing to say!!!
I agree! It was very upsetting! That's why I was glad to see your video. Thank you for saying something :)
My grandma was wearing dark sunglasses one day and this boy walked up to her and said "Are you blind?" My grandma said no. He said" You look blind" And his parents finally told him to stop asking her that. Like how rude is that?
Olivia Butcher but... he was a kid and the parents corrected him right? Lol kids don't know what's rude and what isnt til they're taught... I've seen both sides of situations like those, at least it was an opportunity for the child to learn, but at the same time being awkward for you and your grandmother.. I'm glad they at least corrected the boy, and a lesson was learned. I've seen some kids do and say the most horrible things and the parents either ignore it or think its hilarious. Anything but correct them.
I'm in a wheelchair and I'm asked all the time , what happened?
Very excellent and informative video. I will be sharing this with my coworkers. Thank you!
I have very severe anxiety, to the point where most things stress me out badly. The only thing I can find comfort in is my dog. Would I be able to have a service dog with me for that, or because it would be an emotional support dog I couldn't bring him with me?
The difference between an service dog and an emotional support dog is training. SD = trained task work. ESA = emotional comfort. Tons of people have service dogs for mental health. Why are they not considered ESAs? Because they are trained to perform a task for their handler's psychological disability. But petting a dog is not a trained task, so if you feel better because you pet your dog, then your dog is an ESA. But if your dog is trained to perform certain tasks that relieve anxiety and prevent panic attacks, then its a service dog. Does that make sense to you?
Some places will not allow an emotional support dog, only service dogs. Depends upon the place, but legally nowhere as of yet I am aware of is required to let you bring in an emotional support animal.
Some people are able to get service dogs based on severe anxiety, but if you took your own it wouldn't be considered a service dog. Just an emotional support dog, because lack of training/performing tasks. Hope that helps answer the question a bit for you, and good luck
Hay happy tails, I have many questions about a service dog I have psychiatric disorders and soon we are going on a wait list but I get teased when I'm on crutches often because people think I'm faking I get dizzy and a few times I passed out because I get so overwhelmed so how should I defend my self? I hope you could respond please do but if you don't 😊 Nat
Hit them with the crutch? I'm kidding. Is this a school or public issue? Best response to that is to ignore them. There a not much you can do to defend yourself from teasing, and usually you can't reason with people that cruel and ignorant.. just try and ignore them and walk away from the situation as quickly as you're able to as far as that goes. 💜
Thank you the advice
I have a service dog. I constantly have to tell people to not pet him. I've also have had multiple people (sometimes in the same day) that they wish they can take their dog everywhere, and that they should make them a service dog. I mean really?! You really think it's the best idea to tell someone with a legit service dog for a legit reason, that you're going to make your dog a fake service dog?! People are so stupid and inconsiderate at times
can u make more rat videos?
You're probably more likely to see a woman who is pregnant than to see a service team daily but neither are unusual. If you were pregnant you would most likely not like it if every place you went, people stared, asked you personal questions, or touched your belly (with or without permission). It blows my mind that people can be so careless in the way that they interact with the world around them. There is nothing wrong with being curious but there is something wrong with injecting yourself into a strangers personal life, activities, etc. Keep the questions to yourself and maybe even think on it for a little bit but move on, after all it is none of your business.
Dana A that happens to pregnant women literally all the time. You make an excellent point though.
When I was pregnant with my daughter people always stared at me in public and asking me personal questions, or even touch my belly without asking. I've even had some ask me if I'm still with the father or not. People need to learn to mind their own business.
Asking about the dad is way over the line If I was pregnant and someone asked me that I would ask the person if they shave their pubic hair or if they’re circumcised or what their favorite type of porn they like and they might regret that they asked such an intruding question
people relay on service dogs to help them do everyday things and I totally agree with you Megan!!!!! my aunty has a service dog as she is blind and the amount of times people have come over and touched him is unbelievable!!! even when he has his do not touch jacket on !!!!
Excellent video! I especially found it interesting and a super point about not sharing the dog's name. You're a beautiful, articulate young lady. Thanks for sharing your expertise. I look forward to learning from your other videos. 🤗
Thanks for the reminders. I wish everyone had well-behaved, actual animals who work for their handlers though. I know a lady who used to work for me who has a husband that sometimes uses a wheelchair. They got a dog to be a service dog but he's a super hard handful to take out in public. The dog will pull him across the floor in the wheelchair-against his commands-in order to see something he wants to see! We went out of towm with them once and the dog was all over the van, licking me and stomping all over me as he tried to ride in my lap despite my best efforts to ignore him as the owner giggled about how cute he was being. There's also another one in town that's a large labradoodle who behaves the same way. It's a shame that these dogs were placed with people either incompletely trained or the owners weren't trained well enough to develop their handling skills. Dogs like these give all service animals, as well as their handlers a bad reputation. Being able to register a service dog and get a certificate for them online truly is a disservice to the profession of service pets so it's really great to see someone who is under the responsible care of a physician. Keep doing your thing and thanks again for recording this message. Hopefully many people will hear it and spread the word.
I never ask to pet service dogs and try my best not to acknowledge them. I don't have a service dog nor do I know anyone who needs one but I'm glad I saw this video. I never even considered asking half of these questions or why some of these questions were offensive. All in all, definitely answered some questions and more.
I dont have a service animal but I can relate in a way. I'm like a service human to my dog lol. She is deaf and blind (she can see lights and shadows but she mainly relies on memory and smell.) I have a vest that says "I'm deaf and blind. Ask before petting." I have it because she gets scared and confused and sneaking up on her will cause her to jump or flail (sometimes in the middle of the road if im on a sidewalk near the highway.) Sometimes if you touch her without asking permission she will even get snippy because she expects to have an enemy behind her. I CONSTANTLY get people going up to her and spooking her and if im near a highway she could be put in danger and it makes me mad.
Many may say "Why even take her out?" I take her out because she enjoys car rides and exploring new smells. I'm not going to lock her up away just because of your non existent manners. I also like to take her around town so she can memorize the layout because she will often run into a pole once in a while.
Whether it's a service dog, special needs dog or a normal dog, you should ask anyways or not even ask because you could run into a dog who isnt so nice.
+Chloe Charlie ugh some people are so annoying. I can totally understand why your dog would get spooked. And yes, she deserves to go out. Some people should learn some manners before going out themselves.
i've had parent's friends let me pet their service dog, interact, etc. even i sat down and looked at the guys animal and he just looked at me and told me i could pet her. all of those times, i either asked or was given permission to without asking. you should never ever distract them. also, don't be offended if a handler doesn't allow you to pet their dog. they're doing what's best for their own health.
Glad I watched this video, I honestly had no idea! Thank you for making this video!
Thank you for your video I think service dogs are really important to their handlers
Thank you for making this video among other service dog related videos you've made! I have a service dog and people always come up to me and just start petting him and occasionally while petting them they will ask what is wrong with me. Like uh what?? That's like grabbing someone's wheelchair then saying hey why do you need this? It is very hard for me to be in public with my dog because he is smaller so people think he is an ESA. It is ridiculous that just because he is not a large dog that people assume he is fake. For some disabilities all the dogs need to have is a brain and a good nose.
a kid asked my cousin what her service dog was for and she ended up having a seizure :(
To go up to someone with a service dog without permission is just so rude. I mean what if they were blind and the dog got distracted and ran off course. What would the handler do. The person has no rights to pet a dog with a very important job.
P.S. I love this channel so much
I ask my new friends what their disabilities are. They like to answer the question. And I’m happy to let people know what my disabilities are.
I agree with this video. How often should i give my lop bunny fruit ?
When you said that people say you should not have a service dog it reminded me of Drew Lynch, and his service dog Stella. He get's told that a lot!
How I solved these problems: stopped putting the vest on my service dog Jake. Less people bother us. If they ask annoying and rude questions, I just tell them they can watch my TH-cam channel. I always carry state and federal ADA laws and my dog's paperwork. Again, better than explaining. No one is lucky to be disabled! I lost part of my face, my hearing, etc. It's super hard to transition my older service with my new puppy, so it is nice when people are considerate and let my dogs do their job.
I completely agree!
I personally don't have a service dog (I have been researching a little as I have really bad anxiety and it seems to be getting worse) but it just seems so rude.
Just because someone looks capable and healthy doesn't mean they don't have a disability.
Why ask someone what their disability is when they clearly have one?
Why put someone who possibly has some form of mental illness in a high stress situation?
It's so selfish.
My SDiT looks like a walking billboard 😂,
So far the only thing that has happened to me was a lady at lowes who crouched down and said "whose a good working dog, you are, you are!"
I just walked right past her 😂
Hopefully you don't mind me asking what a SDiT means?
Service dog in training :)
Lmao technically she helped with the training by giving your sdit a distraction to train to ignore, lol!
I used to make up a fake name when people asked me what my dogs name was (her name is Luna) like Artemis or Thalia which were both names i might have named my dog.
Beautiful names you have great taste!
You tell them. When ever I see a service dog, it normally has a "Do Not Pet" vest on the dog. it seems to help but that's only from my prospective
Hey happy tails but I am so glad that we as people HAVE somthing as simple and as loyal. As dogs to help with disabilities
When I was younger my mom always told me not to pet dogs because I didn't know them. I learned that some dogs were there to help people who needed them.