Trained Service Dogs versus Fake Service Dogs

Service dogs are like any other dog cute and adorable, most of us want to just go up and pet them.  However, you can’t or shouldn’t.  A service dog is working for their handler and should not be disturbed.  Any petting or distracting of a service dog could potentially put his owner in danger.  Distracting a service dog could prevent the service dog from recognizing signs or behaviors from their handler that could be life-saving. The service dog's attention could be drawn with just a hand wave or just say a word to them which could cause them to miss a trigger or scent their owner.  It is important to remember that a service dog is not a pet but rather a medical necessity and has a responsibility and loyalty to his handler to keep him safe and secure.

Each service dog’s training is specific to the handler’s needs; hearing the door knock, when someone is calling them, when the fire alarm is going off, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack and etcetera.  Pending what the service dog is being training for there are diabetic service dogs, seizure service dogs, seeing-eye dogs, mobility service dogs and so one.  Each will be trained for the specific condition of their handler.  

If you are to come around or in contact with a service dog it is best to:

Communicate eye to eye with the handler, not their dog.   Do not just approach the dog and pet without requesting, however, it is best just not to pet the dog even though it is hard to resist.    Please if possible allow the service dog to pass with room; even though the disability may not be visible there is a disability there.  If you are uncomfortable or their dog is in the way, please let the handler know so they can adjust their service dog. 

It is best no to do the following when a service dog is present:

Again, do not pet without permission.  Do not distract the service dog in any matter.  Do not feed the service dog.  Do not ask questions about the handler’s disability it may be an uncomfortable situation for them to discuss. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law that prevents discrimination against people with disabilities and their service animals in public and private places. Even though ADA does not require you to register your service dog, the state laws may vary and have further regulations for you and your service dog, so it is best to research for your specific state or a state you will be visiting so that you and your service dog will be in regulation.

The ADA provides protections for you and your service dog, but does not require you to register or to certify your dog as a service animal. This federal law states that you can bring your dog with you into a business, including restaurants, movie theaters, retail stores, hotels and taxicabs. These businesses cannot exclude you or your service dog or be able to treat you differently than any other customer.  However, business owners can ask you: If your dog is a service animal required because of a disability and what tasks the service dog is trained to perform for you.  However, a business owner cannot ask you to describe the nature of your disability, demand proof that your dog is a service animal, ask for medical documentation of your disability, or request that your service dog performs a task.    If you are traveling with a service dog there are other specifications that may be requested such as: asking you for proof of your disability or for proof that your service dog is a trained service dog under the ADA and the Air Carrier Access Act.  Some of the documents that are acceptable are: proof of your disability and requirement for a service dog with a doctor's letter.  Obtain documentation from the training organization such as the certification or identification card from where you obtained your service dog from.  Before traveling on any public transportation it is best to review their requirements on their website as well as call the airline, train, bus and etcetera to let them know a service dog will be with you. 

Service dogs can be any dog that passes the requirements to be a service dog and the training.  Service dogs are not breed specific so it can be a pug, pit bull, Rottweiler, German shepherd, Labrador retriever, Boston terrier and etcetera.  When you see a service dog with the service dog vest on be open minded and realize that dog and handler when through a lot of training hours to achieve that vest and privilege to have the security to be able to go out shopping, fly, eat at a restaurant, and so on. 

If you were to witness a ‘service dog’ that is out of control and the handler is not doing or cannot do anything about the dog is most likely not a trained service dog.  Other signs of a non-trained service dog are if the dog is not housebroken and urinates or defecates inappropriately.  The dog is whining, barking, growling, or making other noises.  Picking up or stealing food, unless tasked for by handler’s requirements.  The dog is pulling on their leash/harness unless the dog is performing a mobility task for their handler.  The dog is wandering away from their handler.  The dog breaks from a stay position or is anxious, agitated or aggressive.  If the dog is ungroomed, smells or appears uncleaned.  The dog is easily distracted, jumping, scratching or engaging with other dogs, children or people.  The dog is in a stroller or shopping cart, the dog is not able to perform their duties being restricted and not being at their handler’s side. 

Not to say these dogs are bad dogs they are just not service dogs and should not be passed as one because of the repercussions of what could happen if an improperly trained is approached and reacts.  There is a law to protects those who really need the service dog.  A lot of time, training from the handlers and trainers are put into each of these service dogs.  Each service dog is required to be re-certified each year to maintain their certification.  Being a service dog is a lot of responsibility taken on the part of the handler, trainers, training facilities and service dogs not to be under minded but those who just want to have their dogs with them.  Be respectful to those who truly have the disability, whether the disability is scene or not, if your dog is not a certified service dog by the appropriate training facilities take the time to get them trained or leave them at home.  Hopefully, within time there will be a national registry in which legit service dogs will be easier to be identified and handlers of fake service dogs will be held accountable.   It is sad and upsetting when a legit service dog and handler are handled rudely and disrespectful because of the few that abuse the law.  Please be more respectful.  Thank you.  

#veteranservicedog #veteranservicepug #pug #pugnation #pugworld #pugservicedog #pugs #veteran #certifiedservicedog

Other resources available:

http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

http://www.ada.gov/svcanimb.htm

http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/standards/assistance-dogs/standards-for-dogs/training-standards-for-service-dogs/

Some Human Foods are Toxic to our Pugs, Be Careful...

Every pug loves to get table scraps and it is hard to say ‘No’ to that little pug face staring at you while you are trying to eat.  However, did you know there are many human foods that are toxic to pugs are could cause internal damage or death. 

Here are some of the human foods that are toxic:

Grapes and Raisins – they are poisonous and can be toxic within a few hours.  Your pug will have diarrhea, vomit, could be wobbly, not able to urinate as normal.  Could cause severe damage to kidneys or even lead to death.

Avocados – there is nothing noted specifically on what happens but could lead to loss of breath, fluid accumulation in chest, vomit, diarrhea, and heart problems.  The lack of oxygen could lead to death.

Onions – they destroys red blood cells.  Onions causes your pug to have a rapid heart rate, be lethargic, weak, vomit, diarrhea, and blood in their urine.  Could cause damage to kidneys and could lead to death.

Tomatoes – are poisonous and are dangerous over a long period of time of being eaten by your pug.  They could cause your pug to have tremors, seizures, heart arrhythmias, dilated pupils, colic, diarrhea, vomit, and coma to possible death.

Mushrooms – be careful of the wild mushrooms also.  It is mainly the cap of the mushrooms but in general mushrooms are very poisonous and considering the mushroom is pending the symptoms which could happen.  White mushrooms are not as dangerous.  Some symptoms are nervousness, bloody diarrhea, anxiety, restlessness, wheezing, slow heart beat and death.

Fruit pits – such as peaches and nectarines, they have cyanide and can cause obstruction in your pug’s intestines which lead to death within days. 

Various nuts from walnuts, pecans, Macadamia, pistachios, and Brazil – all have low levels of poison which pending how much your pug eats is pending how sick your pug will get.  Symptoms could be vomit, bloody or blackened stools, lethargy, liver failure and death.

The list above is just a few of the many toxic foods there are many more such as chocolate, garlic, chives, seeds, and etcetera, so it is best to not feed your pug human food unless instructed by a veterinarian, pet nutritionists or you have done extensive research for the right foods, the right amount, and how it should be served (cooked, raw, dehydrated).  Any type of food change with your pug it is best to check with your veterinarian. 

PLEASE, any intake of any toxic foods or plants you should take your pug immediately to the nearest veterinarian for emergency care. 

#pug #Pugs #pugworld #pugnation #toxicfoods #dangerousfoods #veteranservicedog #nohumanfood 

Halloween Precautions…

     Halloween is thirty one days away but many costume contests are in between now and then, we are reminded to be mindful on how to dress your pug.  First of all, please dress your pugs in a dignified manner.  Sizing is important, you do not want the costume to be too tight because they will make your pug uncomfortable and could cause your pug to act out.  The costume should fit appropriately so your pug is comfortably and able to still run and play around.  So no oversize costumes either because the costume could get caught and cause harm to your pug.  Dress your pug according to the weather, if you live in a warm climate you do not want to dress your pug in an abdominal snowman suit.   It is obvious if your pug is dressed to warmly they could overheat causing a heat stroke or worse.  When your pug is wearing their costumes make sure they are breathable, do not over heat, and are comfortable enough for your pugs to be comfortable.  Also be mindful about the amount of time your pug is dressed up.  If you are entering them into a contest or in a parade tried to hold off dressing them until the time of the contest/parade, this will allow them to play and enjoy themselves. 

     Another thing with Halloween approaching with parties and gatherings please be aware that your pug is unable to get into the candy, chocolate and other candy is deadly to pugs  so do not leave it where they can get it.  When answering the door for those trick and treaters make sure your pug can not get out.  It will be hard to see them with all the movement and activity.   Do not leave your pug out in the backyard unattended.  You never know who can get back there or if your pug can get out.  Keep your pug in a safe place where you are aware of where they are at and will be able to check on them.  If you have having a Halloween party make sure your friends and family members are respectful to your fur babies – no human food to be given to them without your permission.  Watch those little goblins a.k.a. the children are not feeding candy to your pug.  Make sure you have the time to comfort your pug with all the activity and your attention elsewhere you do not want your pug to feel unappreciative or unloved.  Give some of your time and attention to your pug.    

Be safe, be on guard, be proactive, and have a Happy Safe Halloween!!  

#pug #pugs #Halloween #HalloweenPrecautions #costume #pugnation #pugworld