There are several things that are concerning to us in the canine service world but the #1 thing is all the fake service dogs that are slowly, but surely, ruining it for the true service dogs. Here’s how it happens…
Fake Service Dog. Out of control, tuned out, dangerous behavior.
Real Service Dog is in a store sitting quietly and politely by its handler. It’s ignoring the surroundings, doing its job, and the owner is able to do what they came to do. Fake Service Dog comes in pulling and barking at Real Service Dog and of course Fake Service Dog’s handler is either oblivious to their dog’s behavior or they’re so used to it that they don’t know it’s wrong. (That’s how you can spot a Fake Service Dog…really, really bad behavior and an owner that has no idea. Actually there are several ways to spot a Fake Service Dog but that’s another post). Real Service Dog is now in a horrible predicament…they have to stop concentrating on their handler and start worrying about being attacked by Fake Service Dog. And this isn’t the worst part of the scenario. If Fake Service Dog is able to get close enough to Real Service Dog and make contact there is a very high likelihood that Real Service Dog could be ruined as a service dog. Real Service Dog will be so concerned about being attacked by all the Fake Service Dogs out there that they can no longer concentrate on their handler. They start scanning for dogs to attack them, barking, lunging, pulling and ignoring their handler. Yep, they are now a Fake Service Dog except without the expensive price tag. How expensive? Service dog prices range from $8500 to $30,000.
If you say you have a service dog and you know it isn’t one you are a liar.
If you say you have a service dog and you know it isn’t one you are selfish.
If you say you have a service dog and you haven’t bothered to find out how service dogs are supposed to act in public you are lazy.
If you say you have a service dog and you truly think that service dogs are reactive, loud, messy, and are to be carried then you are delusional.