We’re not sure about you, but any time we see a cute and cuddly dog come our way, we would throw ourselves over a row of chairs or through a crowd of people, just so we can give the little guy a nice belly rub.
If you’re the same, we’re guessing that you often experience two very common conundrums:
1. The owner doesn’t want you to stroke their dog, so you’re left feeling sad, unfulfilled, and ready to track down the next friendly dog.
2. The approaching dog just happens to be a service dog who is wearing a jacket that says “DO NOT PET. DOG ON DUTY.”
When it comes to the second scenario, things can start to get a little bit confusing. Of course, you wouldn’t want to break the working dog’s concentration, but what if it’s a special circumstance? For example, what if the service dog approaches you and its owner is nowhere to be seen?
This situation, personally, has never happened to me, but it’s one that I'm happy to know more about now in case it happens in the future. In fact, this knowledge is so important that it could just end up saving somebody’s life.
What to Do When an Unattended Service Dog Approaches You
First things first, let’s take a brief look at what these dogs are actually trained to do.
Contrary to what many believe, service animals aren’t regular pets that have crafty owners who have managed to fill out the “right” paperwork, they’re animals that have a very important job to do.
According to Service Dog Certifications, these canines offer a wide range of support to their owners, ranging from simple tasks such as retrieving mail or carrying medicine, to vocalizing a special bark that lets 911 operators know that something is wrong. Generally speaking, those who benefit most from service dogs are those who suffer from psychiatric illnesses, those who are hearing and/or visually impaired, and those who suffer from autism.
Most often, service dogs will only leave their owners in public when something is going very wrong. For example, a service dog might leave their master when he or she is suffering from a dangerous medical event, such as a seizure. When this happens, the dog will go off to find the nearest person and use body language to communicate to them that they need help. From there, the human will see that the dog’s owner is in need of medical assistance, and they can call 911.
Of course, this is what would happen in a perfect world if everyone knew exactly what to do when a service dog approaches them. Unsurprisingly, the number one thing NOT to do is to reach out and start cuddling the dog as this interaction can confuse or agitate them. This could make them lose track, meaning that their owner might not get the help that they seriously need. That's why if you ever see an unattended service dog, never touch it or do anything that may hinder their job. Instead, simply look around for anyone that might be in need of assistance.
Source: tiphero
Images: depositphotos
These Record-Breaking Dogs Will Amaze You!
From a dog that's over 3 and a half feet tall to a dog that can ride a scooter at an incredible speed, everything you're about to see is sure to amaze you!
What is the Connection Between Dogs and a Long Life?
As if we need more proof that dogs are amazing, a new study confirms owning a dog is linked to living longer.
How to Keep Your Mind a Little Sharper at Any Age
Everyone has a tendency to be a little forgetful. Here are 7 exercises that will help keep your mind sharp at any age.
Why You Should Never Drink Too Much Water
It’s always important to remember not to get dehydrated, but you need to know that there is such a thing as overhydration, and it can be very dangerous too.
7 Great Apple Cider Vinegar Uses for Your Dog!
Not many people are aware that you can use apple cider vinegar for their dog. Here's how!
13 Times Dogs Didn't Know What the Heck was Going On!!
These dogs are so confused it's simply hilarious!
6 Common Mistakes You're Likely Making When Cracking Eggs
These are the biggest mistakes people make when cracking eggs.
Book Recommendations: 10 of the Best Reads for Dog Lovers
If your best friend is a dog, then you’ll this list of the best book about dogs.
Worried About Rodents? 5 Signs You Have an Infestation
If you are unsure whether or not rats or mice have made a nest in your home, then the warning signs below are bound to give you a good indication.
20 Great Kitchen Tips That'll Save You On Money and Effort!
Make your kitchen that much more efficient and less time consuming with these 20 great tips that might change your kitchen experience forever.
The Ultimate Guide to Using and Creating Sherry Vinegar
Not only is sherry vinegar delicious, but it also has many health benefits too. Find out more here.
Remove Blackheads From Your Skin Using These Sure Methods
Blackheads make our skin look terrible when it can easily look nice. Here are 6 efficient ways to rid yourself of those black dots right at home!
5 Life-Changing Tips for Investing In Your 50+ Years
Looking to secure your cash as retirement approaches? Check out these top five investment accounts for individuals over 50.
Eating Out? How to Pick the Healthier Meals
If you're looking to stay on a healthy diet, we have compiled some recommendations for you regarding what to look out for in various international cuisines.
12 Fabulous Uses for Socks That Have Lost Their Mate
Here is a terrifically useful list of 12 handy ways that your odd sock or stocking can regain her purpose, get ‘out there’ and reinvent herself.
After Watching This, You'll Stop Pouring Fat Down the Sink
Pouring grease down your drain can do real damage to your pipes and the sewer system. Here's what you need to know.
15 Time-Saving Cooking Tricks to Make Your Life Easier
Try out these various food hacks that are clever and easy and are sure to change the way you eat.
DIY Secrets: Make Your Own, Home-Made Ziploc Bags!
This video will teach you how to make your own home-made Ziploc bags.
Dermatologist Shares Tips on Applying Makeup to Aging Skin
As we age, our skin changes and with it, the way we apply our makeup. Learn some tips on how to do this from dermatologist Dr. Cynthia Bailey.
WATCH: Grow Your Very Own Tomatoes Using This Method
Watch this video to learn how to grow your very own luscious and juicy tomatoes from the comfort of your own home.
How to DEEP CLEAN Your Windshield Perfectly
Clean windshields are not just nice to looks at but also important for your safety! So if it's time to give your windshield a scrub, check out these important tips.
10 Popular Beauty Products That Are a Waste of Money
Some beauty and self-care products are just a waste of your money, and all 10 of these popular items are better off in the trash...
How to Clean 'Dry Clean Only' Clothes at Home
Dry cleaning can be a huge hassle, as well as quite the expense, which is why it is so much better to do it yourself at home...
How to Choose a Moisturizer That Will Actually Work
Choosing the right moisturizer can be tricky. To make things easier, we listed the most important ingredients to look for in an effective moisturizer.
10 Quick and Easy Solutions to 10 Common Cleaning Problems
We have searched high and low to bring you ten easy solutions that solve a number of everyday household cleaning issues. You are sure to find these useful!
Be Warned! This Battery Could Be a Danger to Your Home
If you use 9V batteries, you need to be aware of this vital information.
This is the Right Way to Load a Dishwasher For Best Results
What's the best way to load your dishwasher? Find out in this guide.
The 11 Best Places to Retire to in 2024
Before you is a list of recommended places to retire to in 2024, all of which offer mix of affordable living, quality healthcare, vibrant communities, and diverse cultural experiences.
Never Put Your Phone in These 8 Common Places!
If you care about your cell phone and your health, then make sure you never leave your device in any of these places.
Got an Egg Slicer? Here's What You Can Use It For
Creative ways on what to do with your egg slicer. Impressive!
Here Are 10 Foods You Should Never Keep in the Pantry!
Are you the type of person who stores most of your food in the pantry? If so, you really must read this as there are foods that should never be stowed there!
These Cool Charts Will Make Your Christmas So Much Better
These cool charts will make your Christmas so much better.
12 Unusual DIY “Hacks” People Used to Improve Their Lives
Take a look at some weird and unusual "inventions" made by people to solve their everyday problems.
Here’s Why You Should Start Saving Pasta Water
What if we told you that you have been flushing something many chefs call ‘liquid gold’ down the drain all these years?
These Tips Will Make Your Grocery Shopping a Breeze!
Grocery shopping alone can be a stressful task. Learn the tricks of how to do your shopping with ease, even if you have kids around.
DIY Body Oils: Nourish Skin with These 6 EASY Recipes
Nourish your skin with these amazing homemade body oils.
If You See a Baby Choking, Do You Know What To Do?
If you see a baby choking, do you know what to do? This guide explains.
Can't Name that Color? Just Use Our Handy Color Guide...
No more arguing about what color it is, from now on you have all the colors at your fingertips...
Look At the Eyes: How to Tell When People Are Lying
According to NLP, one can know whether a person is lying or not only through the eyes. Learn how to do this with the help of this guide ...
7 Unique Bathroom Cleaning Tips You Really Need to Know!
We bet you didn't know that you can use black tea, vinegar & even your vacuum cleaner to make your bathroom cleaner than ever before!
These 27 Household Hacks Will Make Housework a Breeze
Doing housework can be such a drag sometimes, but these 27 household hacks are here to help!
Can't Seem to Find a Good Pillow? This May Be Your One
You may be on the verge of settling for a pillow that is less than optimal for you, but we can suggest an alternative - buckwheat pillows.
8 Surprising Ways Vinegar Can Help With Pet Care
From being a natural flea remedy to cleaning the aquarium, vinegar proves to be an excellent option for taking care of your pets.
Locked Your Keys inside Your Car? You Need This Hack!
If you've locked yourself out of your car, this neat trick will help you solve your problem.
Shoe Discomfort? 10 Ways to Tie Your Shoes that Offer Relief
By lacing your shoes correctly, you can reduce pressure on certain areas of your feet and enjoy a more comfortable run in any pair of shoes
Body Wash vs. Bar Soap: Which One Should You Choose?
Body wash or shower gel? Which one do you prefer? If you’re uncertain, we’ll help you find out when to use each one.
Wasting Time: 5 Misconceptions About Time That Delay Us
How to use our time in a way that will help us to bring happiness and success.