The Rule for Assistance dogs: Don’t Touch or Distract Them

Whether the dog is in service or in training to serve, the rule of thumb is: don’t touch or distract them. This is because interacting with a dog that is working or training could put the other half of their team — the owner — in harm’s way.
It could also interfere with the dog’s focus and inhibit their ability to pick up commands.
In case you’re not sure of proper etiquette when you encounter an assistance
dog, the following are some do’s and don’ts…

DO speak to the owner/handler rather than the dog.
The assistance dog and their handler are a team. If you want to talk to them, always speak to the person first rather than automatically approaching the dog. Remember, the animal is working, and her human’s life could depend on her staying focused on her job.

DON’T touch the dog without asking permission first.
Touching or petting a working dog is a distraction and may prevent them from tending to their human partner. The dog may be in the process of completing a command or direction given by their human, and you don’t want to interfere.

Fortunately, most service dogs are trained to stay in work mode until they receive a release command from their handler. That’s why many assistance dogs are able to ignore outside influences.

DO keep your own dog a distance away from a working dog
If you happen to have your dog with you when you encounter an assistance dog team, don’t allow your pet to approach them without first talking with the handler to see if it’s permissible.

Other animals are an obvious distraction to working dogs, and in a worst-case scenario, there could be an altercation between the two animals.

DON’T offer food to an assistance dog
According to Canine Companions for Independence, “Food is the ultimate distraction to the working dog and can jeopardize the working assistance dog team.”

Not only are food and treats a potential distraction, but many assistance dogs are fed a specific diet and often on a specific schedule.

DO treat the owner/handler with sensitivity and respect
Asking an assistance dog’s handler personal questions about his or her disability is out of bounds. It’s disrespectful and an intrusion of privacy.

Assume the assistance dog team can handle things themselves. If you sense they could use your help, ask first. And don’t take it personally if your offer is rejected, as there’s usually a good reason.

DON’T assume a napping assistance dog is off duty
All dogs nap, including working dogs. When their handler is sitting or standing for some length of time, it’s perfectly natural and appropriate for an assistance dog to catch a few winks. They are still technically at work, however, so all dos and don’ts remain in effect.

DO inform the handler if an assistance dog approaches you
If a working dog approaches you, sniffs or nudges you, etc., politely let the handler know. Resist the urge to respond to the dog — the handler will correct the dog.

DON’T assume assistance dogs never get to ‘just be dogs’.
Working dogs typically get plenty of R&R and playtime. When they’re home and out of their “work clothes,” they’re free to behave like any other dog. Since the jobs these wonderful animals do are often challenging and stressful, their handlers recognise they need plenty of downtime and exercise.

All of our BRAVEHOUND veterans and trainers carry ID cards.
ID cards have a QR code on the reverse linking to our website for verification.

Public access and the law

Businesses and organisations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their assistance dogs into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go.

The Equality Act 2010 laws apply to all businesses open to the public. The Equality Act 2010 defines an assistance dog as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

If they meet this definition, animals are considered assistance dogs under The Equality Act 2010 regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by local government.

Assistance Dogs UK →
Gov UK →
Equality and Human Rights Commission →