Service dogs are more visible in public today than ever before. And yet ... a well trained service dog should be INvisible.
Invisible? Not literally, of course. But, yes, invisible in that the public is unaware of your dog's presence unless they walk past you. No matter where you go with your service dog, he should be well mannered, focused on and in sync with you. People who observe you leaving a restaurant should be overheard saying "I didn't even know there was a dog in here." In this video, 17-year-old Annie grocery shops with her 10-month-old Diabetic Alert Dog, Pacey. Note where he is sitting and his demeanor. He is quietly waiting (and watching) his handler.
Young handler. Young dog. Great job!
Invisible? Not literally, of course. But, yes, invisible in that the public is unaware of your dog's presence unless they walk past you. No matter where you go with your service dog, he should be well mannered, focused on and in sync with you. People who observe you leaving a restaurant should be overheard saying "I didn't even know there was a dog in here." In this video, 17-year-old Annie grocery shops with her 10-month-old Diabetic Alert Dog, Pacey. Note where he is sitting and his demeanor. He is quietly waiting (and watching) his handler.
Young handler. Young dog. Great job!
If you are struggling with your service's dog's manners in public, enlist the help of a local dog trainer ... one who uses positive dog training methodologies.
2 comments:
That is very impressive. I'm currently in the process of training my dog to become a diabetes alert dog. I've been wondering lately if he is really this intent on watching me. Is this something that is trainable? Or do some dogs do this naturally?
Kathy - Some dogs naturally watch their handlers. But I always recommend teaching it as a trained behavior ("watch me"). Teaching it allows you to ask for it, get duration on it, and incorporate it out in public - especially in distracting scenarios. My very favorite thing is to see a dog looking to his handler as they walk - for affirmation that all is well. Second favorite: You stop to talk with someone and your dog sits or downs at your side. As you finish your conversation, you look down to find your dog looking at you, waiting for direction.
Woofs n wags!
Dee
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