Fake Svc Dogs a Growing Problem
Clicky I find it sad that people feel the need to abuse the system. One would think they would be grateful they are physically well enough to perform their own tasks. Trained service dogs are s...
Forum Discussion
Some disabilities are invisible, unfortunately. The application process for a service dog such as a Hearing Dog is lengthy (medical forms, references, home visits) and the rigorous training will never end. Constant daily reinforcement. These dogs, certified for public access, work for a living and are not pets even though they are well loved, obviously. They represent an enormous investment of time and training skill.
So when people want to pass off a dog as a service animal, it's like kicking the cane out from under a blind person. It infuriates the service animal "community." Untrained dogs can pee, poop, eat food off a plate in a restaurant, bark and so on. (A certified dog is almost invisible). But the next time someone legitimate shows up, they are given a hard time or denied access.
There are service dogs which work only in the home and there are service dogs which are certified for public access, which takes longer training by certified trainers. Dogs for the Deaf trains both types of dogs and provides them without cost to disabled people, and provides ID cards and paperwork. Their program complies with Assistance Dogs International. Many Good Sam chapters provide support for the nonprofit Dogs for the Deaf, by the way.
So when people want to pass off a dog as a service animal, it's like kicking the cane out from under a blind person. It infuriates the service animal "community." Untrained dogs can pee, poop, eat food off a plate in a restaurant, bark and so on. (A certified dog is almost invisible). But the next time someone legitimate shows up, they are given a hard time or denied access.
There are service dogs which work only in the home and there are service dogs which are certified for public access, which takes longer training by certified trainers. Dogs for the Deaf trains both types of dogs and provides them without cost to disabled people, and provides ID cards and paperwork. Their program complies with Assistance Dogs International. Many Good Sam chapters provide support for the nonprofit Dogs for the Deaf, by the way.
