USA Service Dog Laws // Why do PUBLIC ACCESS ISSUES happen? Why are there so many fake service dogs?

[@MommingwithMigraine]

This topic is a FINE LINE. I'd love your thoughts on ways legitimate service dogs can be vetted (even if just their behavior), but without compromising ease of access for their disabled handlers! Let me know your 2 cents in the comments 💜

[@mariposavioleta9007]

I worked in retail before my disabilities and chronic illnesses changed all of that. Back then we had all the training (that was required here in Canada) for serving those with disabilities and had a situation shortly after. My friend has a service dog and has the vest and all of that so was able to talk to her about the situation. There was a restaurant in our town that refused a man with his service dog and was demanding papers to prove it (which is also not allowed here) they whole media circus that happened and the situation when people found out they didn't need to show papers was let's say interesting. No more than 2 weeks later I was working (food store) and this lady comes in and had her little dog that was causing problems. As soon as someone said something and asked nice and polite as you were talking about in the video. The lady flipped out saying we're not allowed to ask any questions when we actually are allowed the same questions as in the US. I asked my manager if I could take a minute to text my friend who gave me all the information we needed about the situation and agreed that from the way that dog was behaving it sure didn't seem like it was a service dog. I mean we went through all of our regulations here and talked back and forth since the lady threatened to go to the media and blast us for not letting her dog in the store and then ended up slipping up that it wasn't but since it was the dead of winter she stopped on the way home and didn't want to leave it out in the cold. When she slipped up I kindly told her that she should never do that because of how it affects those who truly need to have a service dog. This is something I'm also passionate about. I applaud you for making this video knowing the double edged sword that it is. I believe that it should be behaviour and possibly a vest that's not something that anyone can buy off of Amazon. I do realize this might cause problems for some but I think that it might help curb the fakers out there. Like you said it's hard to say for sure but behaviour is definitely something that would work and if they're in training then I'd think most handlers would have something like a vest that says training to help people understand that behaviour is a little off and maybe even do what they would to show the dog that it's not ok to do whatever the thing was that was not ok. I hope that makes sense

[@Rose-hb6mc]

Not super parallel but this reminds me of veterans with PTSD having to PAY to renew their cards just to POSESS their medicine they need. And then there's the people in high school who fake anxiety to doctors so that they can try to get a med card. There's no actual way to verify if certain subjective conditions are 'bad enough' and (in this situation) they only really added a yearly fee to hold a card practically anyone claiming 'anxiety' can hold. People who get fake med cards see it as a fun party, not medicine. People see service dogs as a fun cute dog and not an actual necessary healing coping strategy. YOU DON'T NEED TO BRING YOUR 4 LEGGGED FRIEND IN THE STORE unless you have certain conditions that could stop you from entering the store entirely or cause issues while in there. It's not about a fun trip to the store with your dog, it's about being capable of going to the store and eating and living despite the fact that you cannot function normally in this situation. The issue with illegitimate service animals sometimes is that the owners entirely think/pretend they're actually legitimate, but deep down think that service animals are for fun and comfort. They think that their slight anxiety, while real, is just as bad as the anxiety of people who literally can't leave their house. I feel like if they had a card for trained service dogs, you'd probably have to pay to renew those too and you'd just be paying for access, which feels bittersweet because very rarely SOME people with service dogs don't have any access issues due to an obvious physical issue (smh invisible illnesses :/ ) if proving the dog does tasks is required, someone could easily pretend that their animal's 'task' is to like, snuggle, or rub their face with their paw. EVERYONE has anxiety, some people use the fact that, anxiety CAN be physically disabling in SOME PEOPLE, as reasoning to say 'you dont know how bad my anxiety is you're not the service dog police'. Usually I'm not one to judge but I know one girl who said she got a service dog for social anxiety, after she literally made fun of me for being socially incapable of going to the grocery store and beach and I KNOW she is not socially anxious herself. At least to the point where she didnt understand my incapability to go public places. At the end of the day, if there was a certification many people would claim anxiety and other invisible disorders that are difficult to verify. Maybe train their dog with tasks just so it can go everywhere with them. If there was a certification people with dogs who wanna bring them places would be like 'if i pay 100$, and am able to lie for an hour that my dog helps me with depression or something, I can bring my dog into restaurants'

[@coda3223]

Appropriate dog/horse behavior is the ONLY vetting needed (as the law already stipulates). Anything more than this risks violating the disabled handler's privacy rights, and/or introducing additional barriers and costs to an already very costly "medical equipment" option that most insurance companies don't actually reimburse for. If businesses were just educated on the law, they would expel misbehaving dogs, regardless of service claims from the handler and would be well within their rights to do so. "It is reasonable to expect that the service animal should remain in physical or voice control of its handler at all times, that the animal not defecate or urinate inside, and that the animal not bark excessively, be disruptive, run to people or jump on them, or act aggressively toward people. Keep in mind, however, that sometimes it is a service animal’s job to warn its handler of surroundings or impending events, and it might do so with a bark or a growl." - Washington State Human Rights Commission's "Guide to Service Animals" (Other states often give similar examples of what constitutes "not under handler's control" and "direct threat to health and safety of others" as outlined in the ADA (Title III 36.208). I think a case could easily be made that if an insufficiently trained dog lunges, growls, barks, or pulls towards another SD (and their handler) in a way that the handler is not able to eliminate, that it is both not under the handler's control and that it is posing a direct threat to the healthy and safety of others (both the SD and its handler), and an indirect threat if the SD is trained to alert to medical issues that could cause a serious injury (such as falling due to POTS, migraine, seizure, etc.). I'd be interested if anyone knows of any cases that have set precedence along these lines. (Crowdsourced shepherding of case law regarding this type of situation?) If a dog is well-behaved, well-groomed (i.e. not excessively smelly, not carrying parasites), and the handler is controlling the dog as a service dog handler would... then who cares if the dog is actually a service dog being handled by someone with a disability? Occasionally, a disabled handler might ask someone else for help in maintaining their dog's training when they are recovering from a surgery, illness, injury, etc. or a disabled handler is attempting to generalize training to public access - why would we want to prevent/punish this situation because it's not specifically outlined in the law? Instead we should just assume the well-behaved dog is a service animal until its behavior demonstrates otherwise - then *promptly ask the handler to remove the dog*. (To be clear: I'm saying if the dog is so well-behaved that it's indistinguishable from a service dog, then why do we care if it's actually mitigating a disability in that moment? It's so much more important to protect the rights of disabled people than it is to police behavior that is technically illegal, but not functionally going to cause any problems. I do find it unethical and morally distasteful - but I don't think that warrants adjusting the law or even attempting to do anything about it, because you rarely know if someone has a disability by sight and trying to vigilante this behavior can lead to people with invisible disabilities being attacked more often.) I don't see how this is an issue with the law, when it appears to me, that it's primarily about the public (especially businesses) being poorly educated about the ADA, and especially misinformed about service dogs.

[@coda3223]

@@mariposavioleta9007 Disabled people already have to deal with enough extra barriers and costs to living our lives (not to mention the straight up infantilization and invasion of privacy other people think they're entitled to do to us)... The onerous for preventing untrained dogs from causing problems shouldn't be hefted on our shoulders as well (as requiring a specific vest or test would). Placing the burden of proof on disabled people, rather than the burden of education about the law on the rest of society is ableist (though I'm sure you weren't intending it that way).

[@mariposavioleta9007]

@@coda3223 I 100% agree and know this because I deal with it myself and did with my mom for almost 20yrs while I was her caregiver before my own disabilities.

[@chyrlwillis9422]

We are in the process of owner training my daughter's service dog. We take the responsibility very seriously, but during the pandemic he has gotten very rusty in his public access skills. We moved during the pandemic which aggravated the situation. We had an incident with him where he barked at another service dog repeatedly. Afterwards we pulled him from public access while we worked on his manners. He has now made progress to the point of going back into public access. My point is, dogs in serious training can have a bad day, have to back up in their training process. There is a lot of judgement in the service dog community about any dog that has a single incident in public. These dogs are flesh and blood. Not robots. You can't throw away years of training over one moment that is not repeated. Having said that, handlers have a huge responsibility to control their dog if it has a bad day and make sure any issues are handled and not repeated before taking the dog in public again. We are working with a pro service dog trainer for my daughter's dog. Training these dogs us a marathon and a lifetime commitment. Thanks to all the responsible handlers out there.

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

There's a difference of a dog in training and a fully trained dog

[@wildlifesymphony]

Yes. My current service dog is low key afraid of other dogs due to being attacked and then fakes continually reinforcing that she NEEDS to be afraid of any other dog in a store. At home I foster troubled dogs and rehab them, she's great there. No fear because it's my domain and she knows I can and will pin any dog to the ground if they get out of hand. With other dogs out and about... she boofs(low bark) once to alert me there's a dog, because she depends on me to control any dog near us. I'm working that noise out of her and training a silent alert to help with any misunderstanding. But that fear is there. Even when it's a real service dog, they have to pass each other and the other dog not "come at her" to prove to her she doesn't have to worry. She still wants to leave the immediate area. But when we've had to handle a situation, she stays behind me in sit stay with me ready to pin/punt any dog coming for us. What I hate is these are the only interactions off my property with dogs during covid! She missed socializing in play dates during covid and now has no wish to start play dates. But it's kinda sad she's afraid of any small dog that isn't my chihuahua. She's a GSD.

[@FlawlessImperfectionBeauty]

We’ve all had setbacks in training, and you’ve done well taking it seriously and addressing them. When we were first training, I decided to test my dog in going to the emergency room with me for the first time. I felt terrible and he hadn’t had enough exercise that day, so I already knew he had too much energy and it wasn’t a good night to test it. A very creepy man came in, and just wouldn’t leave me alone. The desk lady asked him to keep to himself, but he didn’t listen. I was talking to her and this creep walked up behind me and besides even Covid- he laid his HEAD on my shoulder and made a disgusting comment! Baron BARKED at him, I was shocked, they kicked the guy out and also asked me to put my dog in my car. I was angry and upset, but agreed, he never should’ve barked, even though the guy was way out of line. I was discouraged, but went back to training and stepped back to really address unexpected experiences. Baron needs to know he doesn’t need to protect me, I needed to make him more uncomfortable in training so he’s prepared, but that guy was WRONG. In hindsight, though it was awful, it made address and train better to prevent reactive barking. People are just insane, lol!

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

Just speaking about allergies... I was an x-ray tech at a hospital for 20 plus years and I have a horrible allergy to cats. Periodically a patient would come to the department for and exam and if I started to have a reaction I had no choice but to ask the patient if they have a cat and inform them that I was allergic and would have to get another tech to perform their exam. I apologized for the inconvenience and most patients were very sympathetic and understood they may have to wait a few more minutes. It happens and I know having an x-ray could be considered far more detrimental than shopping but hey...we all have to shop at some point in our week right? I mean...groceries, shampoo, clothing...all necessities of life. As a worker/employee it is important to inform your supervisor/boss about your allergy in case the need arises for you to make a hasty exit. Contingency plans are great to have in place for just such an emergency.

[@michaelkurtz1967]

In an ideal world where people were caring and considerate of others that we would be nice. In coporate America allergies are thought of humorous inconveniences instead of life threatening events. Even many insurance plans do not cover allergies. People taking prescribed drugs are ridiculed for being crack heads and drugs addicts. People with food allergies are prescribed as having eating disorders. People looking for a open stall in the bathroom are said to be on the hunt for partners. Supervisors will make you appear weaker and less intelligent to others if given free access to medical records. Anything to make themselves look better. All about the advantage to get a raise, lease car and coporate freebies. Need to evaluate the company really. Regards

[@ericaaubie860]

There is one thing I don't like is there is people with services dogs that feel they don't to have to put their dog on a leash. I feel any dog not on a leash is a safty issue. This dog not on a leash can knock over a child, a senior, or even bite someone. Another thing a dog off a leash can attack another dog. Atleast on a leash you have control, and can stop a fight. Some people who have service dogs act like they are entitled, and they are not! It is a privilege. I also don't believe they should be training their dog in middle of the isles in the store! Train your dogs at home!

[@mom.p3818]

Girl, you nailed it. I have a service dog (just like Buddy) that I bring everywhere. I also have a chihuahua service dog. Both of them do completely different tasks. The big one is a mobility dog. He can work off leash perfectly. Always is right next to me if I need assistance. His handle on his harness is within reach at all times. I have had another "service" dog longe at me and hurt him. I know what your feeling. It does actually hurt my feelings when I'm asked to leave a business because of a dog fight that I never started. To make matters worse, the lady with the other dog got to stay. My dog NEVER even bit hers. I don't know what state you live in, but I just went straight to the top of the pecking order. I was that person that called the governor and told him my rights were infringed on. Then I called the district office for the store and let them have it too! Stand your ground! LOVE your videos! Ya!

[@juliafig17]

Another example of a way a “pet dog” can be dangerous to a service dog, is lets say a guide dog is guiding a blind individual near a flight of stairs in a building and a “pet dog” lunges at the guide dog, the guide dog could lose focus and potentially cause the blind individual to fall down the stairs. Another example not necessarily related to access issue is if a service dog is helping there handler cross a street and a “ pet dog” lunges it can potentially cause the dog and handler get hit by a vehicle if the dog and handler are forced to lose focus on paying attention to their surroundings.

[@Kijahlovex]

Same goes for medical alert. If another dog or person distracts the service dog, there’s the possibly the handler’s condition is life-threatening and the missed alert could lead to the handler’s death. I know a handler who had a NDE because of a fake…so scary

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Plenty of issues with other disabilities not just guide dogs

[@juliafig17]

@@NoThankUBeQuiet yes I know, that is why I only said guide gods once. The reason I mentioned guide dogs are because I plan on getting one as I am legally blind and I have many friends who have had close calls and accidents because of “pet dogs”.

[@salo6724]

In Switzerland, and I had to look this up even though I have a family member who's in line for getting a service dog, there are official documents for your service dog. This makes it possible for employees to check your legitimacy without having to ask anything about your disability. However, it also means you can only have a service dog if you've gone through the official training facilities. Luckily, service dogs' training is financially supported so you don't have to pay on your own, but it still means you can only get a service dog for a limited number of disabilities. For example, autism service dogs were until last year only trained for children, and now there's a first pilot project training a mere handful of autism service dogs for adults. It's definitely still the case that you rarely see service dogs in Switzerland, and those you do see are almost always guide dogs for the blind. The more I learn about the topic, the more questions I have. How many disabled people would profit from a service dog but cannot currently get one in our country? Are fake service dogs a problem here as well? Are there any ways to train your own service dog and get them officially recognised?

[@kendrawilliams3639]

Such a great video. As someone who is training a service dog (with the help of a trainer), the amount of time and effort is significant. It is so hard to go places and have my dog distracted by fake service dogs. My girl is still in training and we aren’t able to do as much public access training because of the pandemic, so it is really challenging. She is still very young, so it requires lots of practice to get to the level of a true service dog. I hate that the fakes cause me fear and worry that they will undo the training I have spent so much time on. Thanks for all the information you provide on service dogs. It has been very helpful to me

[@Urgelt]

Well, Jen, you did a fine job of explaining the problems surrounding disability rights and service dogs in public spaces. Let's zoom out. Obviously we all would like to forbid and punish antisocial behaviors. Well, *most* of us would like to forbid and punish antisocial behaviors. The antisocial actors probably feel differently. So we legislate laws covering every possible antisocial behavior. We leave no wiggle room anywhere. Now we have to figure out a way to enforce all of those laws. How many laws? Millions. Hundreds of millions. There will be conflicting laws. Can't help it. Nobody can harmonize and systematize that many laws. Which means that enforcement will be utterly discretionary. We'll be handing law enforcers arbitrary powers. There's a name for that kind of society. It's called a 'police state.' Zoom back in to the service dogs issue. Your video demonstrates how the various individual rights people have under the law are conflicting. Disabled persons have their rights - but the rights under the law are a bit on the vague side. Stores, in principle, have the right to bar fake service dogs and their handlers - but they *don't know* who is really a violator. If they bar someone improperly, they will be liable for it. Could get sued. And just how much discretion can you ask of a minimum wage worker, anyway? Barring people is a grave decision for a store to make. So we legislate the heck out of the whole issue, require all kinds of certifications and categories, make employing service dogs (real ones) harder to do and much more expensive, and place enforcement powers into the hands of police. We've just added a whole slew of laws for police to enforce. They're having a lot of trouble keeping up with the laws already on the books; arbitrariness is already a problem with law enforcement. Look at how many cops will seize cameras from people in public spaces, despite laws forbidding it. The cops are going to screw it up. *They* aren't experts in this subject, and it's complicated. A ten-minute review at the precinct isn't going to cut it, and they have too many laws to know anyway. Nobody will want to throw cops in jail for getting a service dog enforcement complaint wrong, so - no consequences for cops who *do* screw it up. So law enforcement becomes *more arbitrary.* We're one step further down the path towards a police state, where what cops say is the law, and their word on it can only be overturned after expensive and time-consuming litigation. If we're lucky. Zoom back out again. *Is it even possible* to outlaw all antisocial behaviors? No. If we try, we will fail, and we'll end up handing too much discretionary authority to police. Like it or not, we'll have to continue to navigate through public spaces where *most* people are minding their own business and complying with laws as best they can, with some horrible antisocial jerks sprinkled in. We *will* encounter those jerks, they *will* offend us, and we're going to have to suck it up and take one for the team most of the time. Now if a fake service dog bites a real service dog, *that* can be criminalized. That's an actual injury, brought on by the neglect and legal noncompliance of an antisocial jerk. Call the cops, get the incident documented, press charges. Civil litigation is also an option for the offended party. If the service dog is ruined for the work, the offended party could try to recover damages. That isn't a happy outcome, obviously. Like you said, just how many service dogs can a disabled person train? Particularly if the disabled person is suffering from a progressive disease or condition. But there are legal remedies, even if inconvenience is extreme. We have the option to pursue them. But if we legislate the hell out of all of this, outcomes will probably be worse. I think we have to ask ourselves if a police state is really what we want in the US. A fair number of us would be just fine with arbitrary police powers and an authoritarian state, but you can count me as among those who think that living in such a society would be very unpleasant. More so than putting up with antisocial jerks in the first place. There *are* lines today which those jerks can't cross without putting themselves in legal jeopardy. So long as they don't cross those lines, I think we have to tolerate the fact that they exist and are annoying. Opting for the status quo isn't the easiest thing for an advocate to do, but in this case, that's the answer I recommend. The status quo requires disabled persons to indulge in a certain amount of paranoia in public spaces. They have to act defensively, always on the lookout for fake service dogs who might ruin their day, or worse. This isn't fun, and it isn't easy. I would characterize this defensive stance as a critical life skill disabled persons need, in order to navigate the public with their disability. If you're getting this right, a certain level of self-satisfaction is warranted. You're succeeding. Alas, success on one day doesn't guarantee success on the next. Constant vigilance is required. We do the same thing when driving automobiles, don't we? Antisocial jerks drive cars, too. We drive defensively because it improves our own chances of survival. And every once in a while, antisocial jerks are caught doing something they shouldn't, and they face penalties for it. I recently watched a video where a commercial truck driver decided not to let anyone pass him on a 3-lane highway. He swerved back and forth, nearly causing several collisions. He was reported via cell phone. It took over 20 minutes, but police arrived on the scene eventually, observed him breaking several laws, and tried to pull him over. He refused and a chase went on for another 20 minutes, with more cops getting involved. I think they stopped him with a spike strip. He was hauled away in handcuffs. The jerk inconvenienced a lot of people with his antisocial behavior, but he crossed the line. He'll never again drive a commercial truck, at least. Guys like that exist; and when we're in public spaces, defensive paranoia is a survival strategy. No amount of legislation will be enough to let our guards down. Cheers!

[@aaronwolf1045]

I think there also needs to be accountability surrounding SDiTs. My state allows dogs in training full public access, which means the handlers could be puppy raisers or trainers as well. I do think there needs to be more awareness about when to tell if a dog is ready for public access and when dogs should be washed. As a puppy raiser and future handler, we were taught that if you are training in a new environment and the dog is acting inappropriately, to leave and work on some different training points in pet friendly areas. One of the dogs I puppy raised was unable to be trained out of his prey drive/reactivity and I had to recommend he go to an ESA home. It is devastating for an owner trainer, especially with the sunk money and time, but it is not fair to the dog or others to continue working them.

[@ashleyburhans565]

As someone who worked in the service industry for a long time, I have personally always been annoyed by the blatant way some animal owners take advantage of the current system. However, only once have I ever felt as an employee (who is undertrained and underpaid) that it was clearly appropriate to ask a customer and their animal to leave (it’s pretty risky from a liability standpoint). The reason I did speak up though was because another customer was in the store with a VERY WELL trained service animal and this untrained dog came in with their owner and was being allowed to pull at its leash and bark uncontrollably about two feet away from the service dog. Because of your videos I knew that that behavior was dangerous and entirely inappropriate and I approached the man and asked him to either get his animal under control or leave the store. He seemed annoyed, but didn’t put up a fight and left. It’s frustrating that there aren’t clearer lines to help protect legitimate service dogs and their owners though:(

[@mariposavioleta9007]

Here in Canada that's part of our laws and if another person comes in with another animal we have to notify them that there's another service animal inside and then go to the other one to notify them as well. That way everyone with a service animal knows and everyone can be on the lookout so no one is caught off guard.

[@AdrienneZazulak]

WELL SAID!!! Molly Burke did a similar video recently, only it was more about her being denied access. I'd love to see your reaction to that video if you're up for it!! (like if you want to see this people!)

[@ariannakanekoa]

Totally agree!! My pup was attacked and now gruffs (low barks) at other dogs now out of fear and tucks his tail. So for the moment he is back in training.. we have a wonderful trainer confident he can break what's going on as I have no option to start over and train another dog. On the bright side he has been for the past few weeks back to ignoring and we are slowly going into pet friendly stores to work! I hope people can get educated on everything cause it truly is a shame about some things happening in the US with fake service dogs.

[@DaniAlexandria]

In Ontario you need a doctors note and the fakes are still so rampant here. People LOVE to get those fake IDs online so when I show up with my note employees are like “what is this?” And then I have to argue with them for 20 minutes. It’s so time consuming and annoying.

[@Dan_The_Dude]

In BC (Canada), we do have a registry and official public access test through the Justice Institute. It was implemented to try and reduce fakes, and I don’t think it’s mandatory, but tbh I think it just adds to the confusion about what the laws are - especially because it’s only provincial

[@cindyb8193]

I ended up taking the JIBC public access test to make my life a million times easier.

[@RiverWoods111]

When I had my service dog he would regularly in stores get attacked by other dogs/"service" dogs. It happened so often that he started to become defensive of other dogs. It was so frustrating because for me he was my stability, and I needed him to keep me upright and to not fall. Copper was trained professionally and placed with me at no charge, but as you said, there is no certification. At this point, I don't have a service dog, and I haven't decided if I will get another one, because of the access issues and the fake service dogs/animals. It is hard because to have a dog who could alert me before a migraine or when my balance isn't quite on point, or in the night if I am about to have a seizure would be really awesome again. It is also hard because my family doesn't support me in the idea of me having a service dog, even though I live alone and I fall down all the time and have seizures at night and migraines chronically.

[@DaniAlexandria]

In terms of the falling have you tried an Apple Watch if an SD isn’t possible. You can set up a fall alert and it can call help for you if you were to fall or start having a seizure

[@MNSweet]

I have felt the same way you feel. I support a federal registry. I've educated any employee that would listen. Most don't care but I'll just blame their minimal wage. My SD does get distracted by other dogs but with a few "ignore"s and maybe a redirect corrects him. The other day in Disney another guest was asking me questions and I'm sociable and my SD just rocked it at his first crate and left so I was in a good mood to answer some questions. I started with the there are no federal registries and he wears boots because I don't want to walk barefoot out here so I don't expect him to. Then I did my tester question: "If I may ask which one of you would need assistance" They answered with exactly what I expected; Oh we were just wondering if we could do it but we don't need it. So I told him it's a $500 fine and up to 2 years in jail. Is that true? Well, it is for anyone who knowingly impedes an SD from performing their job in most districts but what matters is to know they think there are consequences for faking. So ya I support and will give my time to anyone else who needs it to get a registration system for service dogs. Make it part of the department of the Interior or even the Department of Housing. Just put a deterrent in place and give it teeth not just all "bark" /rant

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

Felt*

[@MNSweet]

@Ausgar-yc1yl, thank you. The spelling and grammar were fixed. Now that 2 years have passed Grammarly is integrated into my phone and it's easier to catch those mistakes. "Felt" was just one of many in that comment.

[@Laura0IN]

As someone that has an invisible disability, no SD, that has good days and bad…more bad it seems in the last 5 years…I definitely feel for you. I recall the first time my daughter took me out to a store other than Walmart, where I needed a wheelchair. It was just prior to the holiday season, early Nov, but the store was busy enough that we took ado their wheelchair. Until we got to the checkout. There was a very tight walled in area used for most of the public, but my daughter decided with the instance of other customers around us, to wait and then do directly to the low cashier since she was pushing my wheelchair. The clerk immediately started yelling at us saying we were cutting in line and needed to go through the maze of wall to be checked out. It took her and two other kind customers 3 mins to shrink the chair enough that they could get it aligned to go into the narrow alley. We almost didn’t get it turned at the end and out off the alley at the other end. We also did NOT wait for the low counter and I was glad my daughter was who I was with as I could not see from the wheelchair anything that was going on with my purchase. Worst thing was this clerk appeared to be either an assistant manager or a manager! Employees definitely need training in courtesy and should be encouraged to do things like put on a blindfold and be led around the store trying to shop, or in a wheelchair…for at least a little basics of what those with a disability have to struggle with when they might shop with them. It might help them be more understanding when someone, even with an a not so common disability, requests help with something.

[@israel963]

Yeah… TBH, you can see it from a mile away… And any real SD handler is going to love you to death for asking, “Is your dog a service dog?” and “What tasks does it perform?” - because that’s the easiest thing in the world to answer for a real SD handler. A dog that’s misbehaving, boot it. Simple as that. It’s not complicated… If my dog is acting up I’m going to be out before anyone can say something and dealing with the issue, or asking management if they can help me train through it (typically because of a bad interaction with a customer from a previous visit and they already know about it…)

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Totally true. That feeling of "HOLY COW YOU KNOW THE 2 QUESTIONS!! This is gonna be a good day!"

[@israel963]

@@MommingwithMigraine EXACTLY!

[@TheAngel0298]

I really appreciate you making a video like this. I do not have a service dog or a disability that would require one, so I really had no idea how seriously impactful these things could be. It's really eye-opening. Thank you for remaining respectful of everyone, even those in the wrong, and teaching, at least me, and important lesson.

[@erictaylor5462]

20:00 The real problem with making it a crime to fake a service dog is, enforcement. To be convicted of a crime the State has to *PROVE* you committed a crime. How can you prove that a person has a fake service dog? How can you prove it is not really a service dog that has had its training neglected? Even if the crime got someone 20-life, it would still be very hard to enforce the law. Before I became unable to work, I was fired from jobs, or just didn't get jobs because of my leg. This is 100% illegal, but it was always on me to prove why I lost the job, or I didn't get the job. All the employer has to do is say, "We found someone else who was more qualified," or in the case of being fired, all they have to do is say, "Work was slowing and he had to be laid off." That's the real trick, I wasn't ever fired outright, I was "laid off". The ADA laws can be really hard to enforce. But considering the harm caused by fake service dogs, I think it should be a felony to do it. Then at least, you can really nail someone when you can prove they broke the law.

[@cassandrabaker8060]

I was talking about this with my partner yesterday. My idea was - I have something on my driver's license saying I need glasses to drive a car. What if doctors wrote "prescriptions" for service dogs and there was a paw print on your driver's license or state ID/medical ID? The issue is the state would have a list of disabled people - but technically they already have that with medical records anyway.

[@shawnahaddan3674]

Cassandra Baker then you have the issues like mine. My doctor's statement was literally," You don't need a letter. If they can't see your wheelchair that's their problem." So how do we resolve the issues of letters for ESAs and not service dogs?

[@cassandrabaker8060]

@@shawnahaddan3674 If it were the law then hopefully doctors would write the letters

[@mariamorganti8371]

@@cassandrabaker8060 There would be an issue with this though, if your doctor writes a prescription for a service dog that puts an insignia on your license who is "filling" the prescription? That implicates your doctor if you decide your pet dog will make a great service dog. If you get that prescription who is deciding that the dog you end up with qualifies as a service animal, a doctor sure can't make that judgement.

[@Scarletlight525]

Where I live there is an official testing process and a registry... But access issues still happen because it costs alot to get a legit service dog this way ($12.000 and up) so they are few and far-between. The most well-known service dogs in this country are guide dogs, but even they are often denied access because they are not legally protected as disability aids/equipment which makes it hard to get a law suit for discrimination going, even if a business denies acess referring to fear of dogs, allergies or whatever. There is an agreement in place between the national association for the blind and visually impaired and the association for asthma and allergy sufferers, that any clashes should be solved individually and in consensus between the two parties, but a lot of places don't even know tht this exists and assume that allergy sufferers have the right of way.

[@hailyjohnson407]

It frustrates me as an employee at a grocery store, and a person educated on service dogs. It's so hard though because some service dogs could be medical alert dogs as buddy is, and those dogs could really be any size. I've seen a handful of very well trained diabetes alert dogs that are chihuahuas or other small dogs. But sadly because any size dog can be a service dog, you can't determine if it is a service dog or not based on size, but it is less likely if it is a small dog that it is a service dog. It's so hard to change the laws in a way that doesn't cause harm to someone with a disability. I think perhaps the best way would be to require a public access test for a service dog to be allowed in public, but to make it accessible to low income owner-trained service dogs is maybe for a government subsidized test to anyone who requests the fee be waived? That still leaves some room for abuse in the system if those who have the extra income to not pay for the test, and for well trained pets to get certification when they are not service animals, but at least there would be less of a chance for poorly trained dogs to be passed off as service dogs. It's not perfect, but I think it would at least put a little bit of a barrier in place to prevent fake service dogs, and hopefully not put the person with a disability any additional financial strain.

[@skymccleland7667]

I would honestly be in favor of a legitimate certification process. Alberta has a certification that allows owner-training, and it's basic stuff every service dog should have- obedience, a task, and appropriate public behavior. I've seen a few service dogs who were supposedly task trained who didn't have basic obedience or even leash manners. It would definitely make me feel safer and I think it would prevent access issues and help to prevent issues with fakes if legitimate handlers did have something they could present, but it would have to be something that is easy to get, not expensive, and accessible. I don't believe there needs to be extensive vetting such as a diagnosis, doctor recommendation, observation, etc. Healthcare is already lacking accessibility in the US, and I feel that it would just add to it. I really love the honor system, but I'm so sick of it being taken advantage of and being barked at, growled at, chased, and followed by random dogs with no manners in stores. A couple months ago we were chased down an aisle by a little dog on a Flexi lead in Walmart! I think it's beginning to get to the point (at least in some areas) where the safety of real SDs are being put at risk.

[@dancedivaforchrist]

I saw a dog being carried around in a backpack like carrier that claimed the dog was a service dog. I really questioned whether the dog really was working or not though… multiple people walked up and started petting the dog without asking and the owner was eating up the attention. All I could think is that when service dogs are working that is distracting and dangerous. So even if the owner didn’t feel comfortable saying something, I would think they would visibly be frustrated or at least non-appreciative of the attention!!!

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

Small alert service dogs CAN be carried in a bag or arms.

[@dancedivaforchrist]

@@Ausgar-yc1yl I get that, I know there are not restrictions on how the service dog is transported. It just seemed circumspect that it was being carried in a way that did not allow for alerting the handler.

[@Aka_Vanii]

Loved the Umbridge reference 😂 I totally agree with the points you made. Just commenting to let the algorithm know, that more people need to see this.

[@TopOtheMorntoya]

Honestly, something like a DMV for service dog licensing would solve so many problems. Kind of amazed it hasn't happened yet.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

I'm a little surprised too. I think it's for more people to have access to SD's, but as a non-handler I always just assumed there was one!

[@gulplastgaffel]

@@MommingwithMigraine This is what we have in Sweden. You take a test every year and if the dog and handler-team passes it they get to *borrow* an official vest and a special license and id. Also, a dog that shows ANY kind of aggression is not qualified to even take the test. You also have to do regular vet check ups to make sure that the dog is able to work!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

@@gulplastgaffel That seems sooooo much safer for the pups.

[@coda3223]

@@gulplastgaffel It also sounds like a much bigger burden for disabled handlers.... Sweden is pretty ableist already though (eugenics), so I can't say I'm surprised.

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Do you know how many poor people can't get to the dmv? Like I like the idea but it has the same issue.

[@Kijahlovex]

THIS! My old therapist has two therapy dogs in her office and she told me that one of them is “sometimes” a service dog. Like..your dog is either an SD or isn’t..she also tried telling me ESA & SD are the same. No! Also you can tell if an SD is legitimate by their behavior. Are they heeling? Are they focused and checking in? I also went to Walmart (without my SD because Walmart is a nightmare and I’m always afraid he’ll be attacked) and a fake came in behind me. They were carrying the dog which was fine and is allowed (see the ADA’s note pertaining to DAD and similar dogs) but then they put him in the cart. So I went to the greeter and told her and handed her an ADA law card so that she knew what she could stop them for and what to ask. I also told the people with the dog that service dogs or any other dogs don’t belong in carts. He said “oh” and took the dog out. That dog was also wiggling about and barking incessantly. They were asked to leave by the greeter. I also left because it was way too overwhelming. I’ve luckily never had an access issue with my boy. Everyone has loved him and most have been respectful and admired from a distance.

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

This was a great video Jen. I am giving a talk in one of my college classes on the differences between service emotional support and therapy animals, as well as the fact that service dogs are the only ones that have public access rights and explaining why it’s so important not to take advantage of the system and break the law by pretending their pet or emotional support or therapy animals are service dogs because it has the potential to place but the lives and working abilities of Real service dogs and their handlers in training. You were right by the way, I did a research project for my freshman college English class about service animal access laws and there was a section of the ADA website which mentioned how it was up to individual state laws to determine whether or not miniature horses would be allowed to be considered service animals in their states.

[@kristiebaker7125]

Love this video. 30 year service dog handler myself. Thank you for your passion and clarity. Just one clarification. Dogs do not have access rights. People have access rights to have their dogs with them. If your non disabled family or friends are transporting your dog say to a vet.or groomer they can not bring the dog into a non pet friendly business along the way as they are not the disabled handler. Kris in Orlando

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Ah yes, an important distinction, thank you.

[@CanadianMum444]

Thinking of you always Jen. I will never understand why having a device dog has to be so difficult cuz of general public places and others opinions. I’ve had a gosh awful 3 months of hombound causing life stopping migraines. Yesterday I was wishing I had the ability to have a service pup . But my life situation is not conducive to this currently but I’m so sorry you gotta go through this total crap⚠️ Here in Canada this is happening too it’s despicable and dangerous etc! ♥️♥️ 🐶♥️

[@zelkywarehouse7460]

I actually kicked someone out the other day from my job who had a fake service dog. Had to educate my employees a little about it. Lady threw such a fit too..... sorry, your dog urinated on one of my games (arcade), was wandering and barked at anyone who walked by. She tried shoving an I.D. card in my face but thankfully I knew better and informed here that true service dogs do not have I.D. cards and do not behave in that manor and she would have to take her dog outside. She wasn't very happy but I received applause from the rest of the customers when I finally got her to leave. People are ridiculous. I'm looking forward to your video about new diagnosis. For unknown reasons I seem to be emotionally invested in your diagnosis journey and I wish you nothing but the best along the way, that one doctor was a total ass.

[@catthouser9032]

Your channel has helped me on so many levels. I have PTSD and I get migraines like three weeks out of the month. I don't get the Migraine Jen type. I just get extreme head exploding pain. I am medication sensitive sooo the doc and my therapist suggested a service dog. You speak the truth about the challenges of having a dog. A programmed dog cost like $30,000 - $60,000. So that is not an option for me. I worked with a rescue in my area to get a dog that bonded with me and could be trained easily... thank you to Grass Roots Rescue. Training is not so easy. I don't know how to train a dog. And if you go to a local trainer for just obedience training it is extremely expensive. So, it is me that is the issue more than my dog. I have been training myself to train my dog. Most days I am out of spoons so it is really hard. This is not a smoothe process by any stretch. My dog has a few issues from being a rescue dog. So working on that too. She is super cooperative and wants to be with me every minute and please me. She knows at least a dozen commands now but has many to learn. I try to take her to places where she can be in public but are not a big challenge for her or to the people around her. As she gets better trained I will go to bigger places. I don't ever want to be a reason people with more severe disabilities than mine get denied access to places. Here is another issue I didn't anticipate. I seem to meet people who get great joy out of antagonizing my dog. Must like to see service dog fails. There are people that love to hassle you and your service dog for no reason. I even got kicked out of my doc's office .."We don't allow ANY dogs in here". We were sitting quietly waiting. This was the very doc's office where the dog was recommended. Some days I wonder if is helps or hurts to have a dog. It's all so hard. So I often sit in my house with my dog because going out can mean hassles and with PTSD I don't need the extra anxiety. This service dog system really is terrible for people who need help.

[@sonlightgardens1181]

There’s an online academy called My Dog And Me LLC that helps owner trainers. They also have a KZbin channel with some helpful info. I have my SDiT enrolled and it’s been a huge help. The curriculum is very user friendly and self paced, with access to the trainer and coaches whenever needed.

[@catthouser9032]

@@sonlightgardens1181 Thank you so much. This will be a big help.

[@allosch9]

If you want to carry some sort of 'SD ID', instead, carry a print out of the two questions that are allowed to be asked and other ADA info regarding public access, including a link the employees can go to to educate themselves!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

That's what I've got! I've never used it. Some people keep a stack of business cards so the person can keep a copy =P

[@MommingwithMigraine]

That moment when you give yourself a merch idea

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

My plan (for when I get a SD - I'm currently in the application process) is that if I don't feel like taking the time/energy to educate, or if someone asks for an ID, is to hand the person an ADA law card (hopefully I'll be able to muster at least a small smile, so that the person doesn't think I'm slapping them in the face by handing him/her the card) and (if the situation permits) just keep going on my way without a word; obviously, my exact response will depend on the particulars of the situation, but that's the tentative general plan at this point. I picked up a pack of law cards a few years ago, so I have them for when the time comes.

[@jmc0024]

In New Zealand, we HAVE to have a certificate for your dog, and you have to go through heaps of stuff such as a doctor's referral to even consider having a service dog. Then, we have to go through 1 of 7 establishments that train service dogs OR pass home trained service dogs. Both handler and dog have to go through tests to be qualified. This is a bit rigorous and can be a long process but it definitely helps with weeding out the fakes cause it's pretty expensive to get one. It's a shame there's nothing similar like this in America. Anyways absolutely love your videos, I suffer from migraines too and your videos help a lot!

[@kavitadeva]

Hi. I used to volunteer for the ADA re: Service Dogs. And it's a huge problem because there is no registration, there is no licensing there's nothing that shows you have a legitimate Service Dog that does Tasks to mitigate your disabilities. This problem is so bad. I live in Southern California and everybody goes online and for $150 you can buy a vest with patches on it, get two cards, Handler and canine working dog cards. there's also a certificate of legitimacy with a Federal Government seal on it and it's meaningless. Meanwhile they can go anywhere they want and they have dogs that are unruly. obviously not Service Dogs but here comes the big problem. I lived in a small town once and they insisted that I had these cards that you can buy on the internet for $26 for two cards. One with your picture another card with your service dogs picture. Well I told the lady that those are not real that they are bogus. She said you don't know what you're talkin about you cannot shop in this store until you show me those cards and a certificate. I did not know what to do. So, I had to get the cards just so I could shop in the only Market in town. What is a person to do? I think first off 2 Doctors letters should be a must to prove you need the services of an Assistant Dog. I had to do that with my first SD. I have to bring those letters to Animal Control in the city I live in. once I brought in those letters they gave me a tag that said service dog with their phone number and everything about animal control and service dogs. That I think is a very good beginning but it doesn't show what the dog has been trained to do for you. It just shows that you need a service dog. So it's all crazy we need to come up with a system that's simple yet gets to the truth of the matter. Thank you for bringing this up.

[@davidvogel6359]

Sounds like the lady that demanded the fake id needs to be sued so she learns what is legal.

[@kavitadeva]

@@davidvogel6359 its not so simple. I wish it were.

[@davidvogel6359]

@@kavitadeva no, i agree it is not a simple thing to solve but where do you start? That behavior has to stop. Maybe a fine for using a fake service animal?

[@theboss6033]

I'm excited for the video revealing the new diagnosis. Especially as I am on a journey of my own to hopefully get a new diagnosis. I just got a spinal tap ordered by neuro this morning and I'm honestly both very nervous and excited about the possibility of finally getting some answers about these worsened headaches and migraines

[@MommingwithMigraine]

My fingers are crossed that you get answers! If your neuro didn't talk to you about the risks of taps, please look into them before you make a decision on moving forward. In some patients, it can cause a leak that persists and can be difficult to treat. That's not everyone though! You have to weigh the options for your own case.

[@thesinglemomlife2662]

Are they suspecting Psuedotumor Cerebri/Idiopathic Inter-cranial Hypertension by any chance? I’m seeing Neuro on Wed. because my rheumatologist said he thinks I have it. I’m also being worked up for EDS, which seems to be a common primary reason for IIH.

[@erictaylor5462]

12:30 Both Molly Burke and Joy Ross have had their service dogs retired and are in the process of getting new ones. Not only is it very emotional, they are both very close with their dogs, the process takes weeks, and that means weeks without the help their dogs provide. So not only is there a lot of money involved, there is the time of limited activity that can't be done because of the lack of help from the animal. And in the case of medical alert dogs, there is the real danger of failing to realize you are having an episode that the dog alerts for. What could happen to you, Jen, if you faint in public without warning? What might happen if you get a migraine without warning?

[@RiverWoods111]

It can take up to years to get a new dog. It has been since 2014 since I retired my dog. Part of that is the expense of getting the dog and having the dog. I do have a little dog that was my parents that alert for hearing purposes and doesn't go out in public, but I don't have the mobility do that keeps me from falling. I would also like for a new dog to alert to migraines before they start and some other stuff that I have going on.

[@pattimessenger6214]

The term “comfort animal” used in a way that is intended to give the owner permission to take their pet with them to places where animals aren’t permitted.

[@coda3223]

The ADA 2010 guidelines specifically state that "comfort animals" do not have public access rights under the ADA. People who fall for this are simply uneducated about their state and federal laws.

[@RiverWoods111]

@@coda3223 Yes and there are companies who are preying on people convincing them if they just spend this many $$$$$$$ they can take their dog in anywhere they want with no training. Fucking pisses me off because those dogs used to attack my service dog all the time. I no longer have him.

[@ae31860]

As another service dog handler I too have pondered this topic. I FIRMLY believe (ya... "spit in one hand and put your belief in the other, and see which hand is actually holding something"...) that service dog LISCENCING should be linked to disabled/handicapped parking placards... Where goes one the other should follow.

[@davidvogel6359]

Except if you don't drive? Then what?

[@Rose-hb6mc]

What if you can drive fine and physically move fine but have debilitating agoraphobia that requires a service dog to go out in public?

[@davidvogel6359]

@@Rose-hb6mc yes, i was only commenting about linking the service dog license to a handicapped parking placard.

[@ae31860]

@@Rose-hb6mc a psychiatrist would likely need to diagnose you. There would probably be a specific process. Yes, that is a potential issue.

[@ae31860]

@@davidvogel6359 have you ever heard of state issued IDs? And just because someone else is driving does not negate one's need for a handicapped placard - they go with the driver not the car.

[@yellowlabs3388]

As far as allergies, my husband is deathly allergic to them, but I need my service dog. So, what we do is groom and wash lyra weekly, keep our home extremely clean, feed her supplements to help with the dander/hair & there are certain surfaces she is not allowed to be on. If we can make it work, then businesses shouldn't have a problem making accommodations for both sides. People need to stop gatekeeping disabilities and work WITH each other.

[@johnsadler6534]

The best one I heard was " the dog can stay, but you have to leave ". The law allows a business owner to arrest for trespass, even though the service dog can stay.

[@leelindemann7729]

Jen-In Missouri the laws are much looser (broader) than ADA laws. Therapy dogs and SAR dogs as well as SDIT all have access rights. So each person should look up their state’s laws if they really want to know what’s what. States cannot make stricter laws than ADA law but they can make looser/broader ones. These changes in MO law are fairly new-so checking often is not a bad idea.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Thanks for clarifying that!

[@Kijahlovex]

Federal trumps state

[@leelindemann7729]

@@Kijahlovex Thats a much better way of saying what I was trying to say. Thanks!

[@ServiceDogAcademy]

Where are you finding that Missouri allows SDITs? The last time I checked, we had no rights in Missouri. I train a lot at Six Flags in Eureka and all over St. Louis.

[@leelindemann7729]

@@ServiceDogAcademy 209.200. Here’s the link from the MO disability portal and there VERY well put together ADA info pages and the additional MO law: disability.mo.gov/files/Service-Animals-Allowed.pdf Definitions. - As used in sections 209.150 to 209.204, not to exceed the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the following terms shall mean: (1) "Disability", as defined in section 213.010 including diabetes; (2) "Service dog", a dog that is being or has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Service dog includes but is not limited to: (a) "Guide dog", a dog that is being or has been specially trained to assist a particular blind or visually impaired person; (b) "Hearing dog", a dog that is being or has been specially trained to assist a particular deaf or hearing-impaired person; (c) "Medical alert or response dog", a dog that is being or has been trained to alert a person with a disability that a particular medical event is about to occur or to respond to a medical event that has occurred; (d) "Mental health service dog" or "psychiatric service dog", a dog individually trained for its owner who is diagnosed with a psychiatric disability, medical condition, or developmental disability recognized in the most recently published Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to perform tasks that mitigate or assist with difficulties directly related to the owner's psychiatric disability, medical condition, or developmental disability; (e) "Mobility dog", a dog that is being or has been specially trained to assist a person with a disability caused by physical impairments; (f) "Professional therapy dog", a dog which is selected, trained, and tested to provide specific physical therapeutic functions, under the direction and control of a qualified handler who works with the dog as a team as a part of the handler's occupation or profession. Such dogs, with their handlers, Service Animals Allowed Page 20 perform such functions in institutional settings, community-based group settings, or when providing services to specific persons who have disabilities. Professional therapy dogs do not include dogs, certified or not, which are used by volunteers in visitation therapy; (g) "Search and rescue dog", a dog that is being or has been trained to search for or prevent a person with a mental disability, including but not limited to verbal and nonverbal autism, from becoming lost; (3) "Service dog team", a team consisting of a trained service dog, a disabled person or child, and a person who is an adult and who has been trained to handle the service dog. The key phrase: “Service dog", a dog that is being or has been individually trained “Is being” denotes a dog that is in training. That language is in all the categories of the definitions.

[@kathrynmcclatchy]

100%! As a disabled handler for over a decade, I can't believe how this is still a GROWING problem. My SD has been attacked three times while working in public by fake 'service dogs.' Business owners need to know, at the bare minimum, that if a dog is disruptive, aggressive, or destructive, EVEN IF it is a legitimate SD with a disabled handler, it can be asked to leave. I keep copies of the ADA SD handout for businesses with me every time we go out. So many people just don't know.

[@wildlifesymphony]

One of the big things that has helped with fakes in my area after we opened up the stores to not fighting every service pair was educating the store managers on their stores rights, and really making sure they understood our rights vs theirs. It's worked so great! There are limits that their corporate office sets.... But over all its rare to see unleashed dogs, which really scares my dog and I who looks for a leash... We saw a little one the other day and I told the closest manager and they were like "don't worry, I got this". XD Well behaved peep, but no collar or leash? Nope. But yeah I took time with store managers and they had me outline what they should make sure their workers knew... Very rare to have an issue/when there's an issue they how to quickly tell what's wrong and handle that dog. Generally they see my dog hiding behind me in distress, and me blocking her from the other dog snarling.

[@NYMusic89563]

I am a waitress. There is a lady who brings her lap dog in the restaurant. The thing sits on the booth seat and begs for food. Literally put it’s paws up on the table while I was at the table. Of course we can’t really do anything about it. I agree we need better laws protecting disabled people.

[@xopocketfox]

In that case, you can do something about it. The dog needs to be on the floor. Especially if it has its paws on the table, the management needs to ask her to put the dog on the floor or leave. Its a health hazard at that point. There is absolutely no task that requires her dog to have its paws on the table.

[@dees3179]

Another element to consider is the section of service dog users who for a variety of reasons are not able to articulate on the spot why they need a service dog. So any law that required that response would be inappropriate. (I’m talking about challenges such as muteism…..which I’m sure has been renamed but I don’t know what to, please update me, or perhaps severe social anxiety manifesting in inability to interact with a stranger in that way).

[@Honkey-Donkey]

Exactly.

[@li-la-lomeyutar8825]

Public registry can help. A list where a handler declare his team, that can be accessed by the public. However the declaration is to a official representative (whether on a local, state or national authority). Its easy to lie to a random store clerk, it may be harder to lie to a state official. Especialy if you can have some sort of liability, in case you were found out. Still an honor system. Still free. But with added liability. The public access to the list allow recognition and support.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Very true - more difficult to lie to authority, especially in writing, plus there's public record of it. Definitely an interesting idea. Thanks!

[@coda3223]

Some people have disabilities that limit their ability to speak to others, write, or make phone calls. In addition - what other additional barriers are likely to pop up for making a declaration when there's a pandemic? Does the registry include personally identifiable information? Would it include information that could be used in identify theft and cyber attacks? Would it include home addresses? These all add risk to disabled people being targeted for violence (beyond how we're already targeted for violence). How does an employee look up a service dog team? What sort of errors is this form of validation prone to (i.e. teams being denied access based on a typo)?

[@RiverWoods111]

@@coda3223 Can an employer then use the list to eliminate hiring disabled people? Also what would the charge be, because if there is a charge then you are taxing disabled people.

[@li-la-lomeyutar8825]

@@coda3223 I hear you. My disability pretty much prevents me from doing anything that needs bureaucracy. And I had friends who were blind from birth, and relatives who needs hearing aids. The list I thought of, should be an online registry you fill out without the need for legal help. And you can use speach-to-text. How it an help? You can tell peaple to check you out on this list, which can help them relax. How can it help deter impostors? They wouldn't bother register themselves, or they can be found out. As I said, it will still be an honor-based system. But as Dan Arieli showed (and nevermind the current uproar on his data acquisition), honor can be increased under certain conditions, that you can create in such a registry.

[@li-la-lomeyutar8825]

@@RiverWoods111 Nobody needs to mention the list at an employment interreview. And really, a disabled handler of a service animal can hide it long term? I wouldn't assign anything new to charge imposters with (beyond what is already in place, if anything is). Just shame, I guess.

[@juliebey8240]

You are awesome Jen. Very thorough and concise in your explanation. It’s too bad that the bad apples ruin it for you

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Thank you, and I appreciate hearing your feedback!

[@kellianne2306]

This whole topic is why I am terrified to try to go down the Service Dog road. The concerns of potentially being turned away, because of my dog, makes me hesitant to make the jump (besides the obvious high price tag). I frequently get hemiplegic migraines (you touched on them briefly, in a past video) and it messes with my speech….like a lot. I can’t imagine trying to explain my rights, in that condition. It makes me fear that a service dog would end up as more of a hinderance, in public, than a help, and that’s a crappy feeling. For now, it’s going to be and my fat-pawed cat (who I swear can sense my migraines), hunkering down when I feel bad.

[@Inciliusnebulifer]

Honestly dont always base your decision on YTers opinions. Ive worked a SD for nearly 3 years outside of Houston, Tx and Ive run into a total of 4 fakes. None have been aggressive, just clearly untrained. Ive had access issues only like 3 times and none have been total denials, education and calmness smooths everything out. All my access issues were back when my girl was in training and wore a "pretty" galaxy vest, now she wears either a professional vest of a guide harness and access issues are pretty much in our past( though Im always prepared with law cards and a calm demeanor). Honestly Ive been more disturbed by the plethora of owner trainers who use some truly disturbing training methodology : using an E collar to excess on a very high setting in order to discipline the dog rather than training the dog and using it to communicate or putting inappropriately sized equipment on a small dog thats not able to work painlessly

[@dianewalker7006]

The ADA is good in some regards and then crappy on others. Service Dogs are one of the areas in which they fail the disabled community in that it's way too easy for someone to fake having one. Agreed there is got to be a middle ground. I think there has to be a way of figuring out the fakes and then applying a hefty fine and/or jail time to them. Maybe then it would be easier for disabled handlers. Those with disabilities should not have to fork out thousands of dollars on a dog that is trained, and medically needed. I have many disabled friends, and I know of one (whom is Deaf & has Usher Syndrome), that uses a legitimate service dog, whose run into similar issues with other dogs that are "service dogs" (fake). As for the ADA, I have other issues with them as a whole, due to an experience last summer in terms of trying to get videophone access and an interpreter (as well as other things), for my Deaf friend's father (whose also Deaf) , but this comment would be super long if I went off on that tangent rant. Anyways there has got to be a way to figure out how to validate service dogs without breaking the bank and weed out the fakes.

[@luv4all43]

Awesome video! I saw someone who had a dog in a Walmart basket with a vest on. I’m sure it was a fake service dog! Since when does a dog that is suppose to do you a service hang out in a basket?! I heard the dog barking also! I think they need to truly put something in place for real service dogs to only be allowed in stores. They need to start turning people away at the door. Emotional support dog is not a service dog.

[@Dan_The_Dude]

“Don’t go faking service dogs” [to the tune of TLC’s Waterfalls]

[@MommingwithMigraine]

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

[@erinsmith4119]

I feel like an official ID would be good. A free test of access training through the government, nothing more. It would leave things vague and accessable but mitigate many of the dangers.

[@RiverWoods111]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ You are talking about taxing disabled people. It wouldn't be a small fee and it would add levels of complication and dollars to people who truly need the service dogs

[@alliebrown4790]

@@RiverWoods111 i think they said a free test. If it was legitimately free that could work.

[@kaze3487]

I'm in the process of getting a program dog, and these videos are so good to watch and learn from! Thank you! Do you have any tips for fundraising? Cause yeah, disabled people don't have thousands of dollars lying around (but I also don't have the ability to owner train)

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I'm currently in the application process (I don't have the ability to owner train, either), and my plan, after talking to both my parents and a couple handlers, is to enlist the help of some of my aunts, because at least 3 of them have done multiple marathons. Some of the ideas I've/we've come up with so far are bake sale, posters, food stand at the annual neighborhood-wide garage sale event, fundraising page, raffle/auction, letters (my aunt said that letters brought in the most money), and a few others that I can't think of off the top of my head.

[@cavlizzy]

Great topic! Curious..... What do you do about places like Pet Co, Pet Smart, etc... that allow ALL pets inside? Are these places that you just don't take Buddy? and not risk it? I'm sure there are other locations that are "pet friendly" as well... but these were my best example. How do you handle that?

[@xopocketfox]

Hi there, not Jen but I do have a service dog! I don't take Loki to PetCo/PetSmart because of the unpredictability of the other dogs. If I'm looking for pet friendly training sessions, I'll go to Lowes or Tractor Supply. They both allow pets but there aren't nearly as many pets in those stores so I'm generally able to do a training session in peace.

[@thesoapcrate596]

Sadly a lot of things come down to basic common sense and respect. To many people lack both of those things and that makes life difficult. I do think to some degree we need something to properly ID real service dogs and help eliminate fake ones. I know a few people in my town that have fake ones and their dogs are NOT safe dogs.

[@nataliechristensen420]

Also I wanted to add that on a state level is where you can see if in training service dogs have public access rights.

[@RiverWoods111]

The state doesn't override the federal government. The state can't require any type of certification or make a test or anything that the Feds don't allow on the federal level. States that on the ADA level.

[@nataliechristensen420]

@@RiverWoods111 you are correct. But they can decide if they want service dogs in training to have public access. In the ADA every state can decide that for themselves. Some states don’t allow it others do.

[@erictaylor5462]

Due to the wide spread abuse of people claiming they have a service dog when it is not a service dog that service dogs should have an ID? After all, if I am a business owner and I allow a "service dog" to come in who hasn't had the training of a real service dog, and that dog causes problems, I would then not believe that service dogs are specially trained. This is especially a problem if someone does have a fake service dog ID. As no real ID exists, there is nothing to compare the counterfeit ID, and thus no way to tell a counterfeit other than it exists. If you don't know there is no such thing as a real service dog ID, you probably won't know it's fake.

[@haleyrox444]

Thank you for addressing this from one service dog owner to another.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

My pleasure! I'm glad you're alright with the job I did. I never want to speak on behalf of the whole group, but I do want to represent things well.

[@kinseybay97]

When I was working at petco as a dog trainer a customer came in with a 6mo chihuahua that she had just adopted from a shelter and I asked if she needed any help. She was looking for a flexi lead and we got to talking and she was excitedly telling me how she's going to be able to bring her "service dog" everywhere now at which point I noticed the little red vest that said ESA... I explained to her the laws and a service dog takes 1.5 -2 yrs of training before they move from SD in training to SD and an ESA does not qualify for public access and she was furious with me. She was yelling at me telling me I was wrong and showed me the ID card from one of those fake sites and didn't want to listen when I told her it was an illegal scam. My dog training mentor trained her own service dogs and we would do specific SD training outings so I know my laws but also how fakes can be detrimental because she had a dog wash after it was attacked by a fake at a college campus.

[@RiverWoods111]

I have gotten yelled at by so many people with fake service dogs and or ESA dogs. I am pretty sure that even a lot of the ESA dogs are fake too. My dog now alerts me to hearing issues and is definitely an ESA for me. I don't take him in public as he is not trained properly (other than the chiropractor who loves to see him each week) All dogs are allowed at my Chiropractors office though!

[@allosch9]

Does having your dog wear a vest send a similar signal as showing an ID that a labeled vest is required for a service dog to be legit? I see the many other benefits (dog associates it with working in public mode, mobility assistance, may make people not try to interact with the dog, etc), but am just curious your and everyone's thoughts, as this popped into my head while watching. My answer would be yes it is similar, but the benefits outweigh the negatives

[@DaniAlexandria]

IMO there are so many types of vests and designs (even down to a thick collar that says service dog) that I honestly don’t see a need to work your dog naked. I understand that there may be a freak emergency but I also feel like you could always have at least a leash wrap in you car or bag

[@mariamorganti8371]

I think there are very few situations where I could understand a handler working their dog unvested (hot out and going for a long trek? going for a run with your service dog and stopping into a cafe before heading back?). It isn't required, but at the very least a leash wrap or collar that identifies them as one would help alleviate public confusion. Personally I wouldn't work my dog without his gear because he knows the vest means he is "going to work" and has to use his public manners (as opposed to his working from home manners), the clear wording on his vest helps with people somewhat, and his vest also carries a few important things like medication, poo bags, and emergency information. I think the difference between a service dog wearing a vest and someone showing off an ID card to gain entry is that vests are used to help the disabled handler and the service dog go about their business with less interruption from the general public, but ID cards started popping up with "registries" and those other money making scams.

[@allosch9]

@@mariamorganti8371 Very good point on the differences there! Thanks!!

[@johntorruella9163]

I agree with all you said. I have a service dog also. I have been training him for two years and just now feel comfortable taking him out with me. The reason fake service dogs. I do not want to add to the mess. I have been asked for Id been confronted buy people who don’t think dogs should be allowed any place. I don’t know the answer either guess we have to tuff up. Thanks thanks for being brave enough to make this post. , confronted by people accusing me of having a fake dog

[@bookraccoon]

My friends went to Pride and one of them brought a friend from outside the group, who brought his service dog. I have no idea what the dog was there for, and obviously nobody was going to ask. According to my friends (I couldn't come that day, they told me all this after), the dog was jumping up on them and their stuff. The handler is 16, he has not had this dog for long. I also have zero clue what his disability is. But this dog was clearly not trained properly, it wasn't ignoring anything or anyone. I can't say it was fake, I have only ever had a short text conversation with the handler, but even if it was real it was clearly not ready to be out in public, especially at such a loud, crowded event. It makes me especially mad because of all I'm learning from you and Buddy. If I ever meet this guy I might try to subtly find out more and bring up your channel and this video to peacefully resolve this.

[@BoredMonkey-xj7qt]

I was told that the only two questions of place can ask are 1.). Is that a service dog? 2.) does it perform a task or service? And that they are not allowed to ask what task does it perform.

[@debbie5872]

You are so right, these fake service dogs are going to make it harder on us with legit Service Dogs!!!

[@mariahicks6708]

There is actually online employers and employees pamphlet to actually teach them how deal with service dogs

[@alliebrown4790]

I’d love to know where to access that. I am just starting to service dog process now and access issues are why I waited so long to start. If I could give that pamphlet to stores or other places where I had access issues that would be great

[@starrmeadows7033]

I had 4 different businesses to not allow access because of my service dog. I filed a report with the ADA they told me to hire an attorney. I don’t have the money to do that. Walmart refused me access because vest was not blue. I don’t understand why service animals cost so much. If a person needed a guide dog depending on where they are trained depends on cost $150 for 1st dog $50 for replacement or dog is FREE.

[@lsheridan4388]

Could it be a general description be… the ability to provided independence to the handler. Without the service animal independence would be limited or non existent.

[@PenelopePeriwinkle]

I’ve seen many out of control pets being passed off as a service dog. My service dog that I trained, doesn’t bark and her attention is fully on me. I’ve had people take photos of me with my service dog. I have PTSD so my disability is invisible too. Dogs don’t need to have a vest. I don’t like to announce to people that I have a disability.

[@chandahagen5119]

Our Target is actually pet friendly because it doesn't have food. So keep that in mind. Also businesses do have rights and are able to kick out misbehaving dogs, SD or not. I educate businesses on disability etiquette and Service Dog laws and their rights. As a 20 year SD handler and long term wheelchair user education is key. There is pretty clear guidance on this. So keep that in mind also...

[@MommingwithMigraine]

I think we can agree that the behavior expectation for a dog in a pet friendly store is different from a SD in a non-pet-friendly store. Our Target is not pet-friendly. What is/should be considered misbehavior for a dog in our store? At what point can a dog get kicked out for not being up to Service Dog standards, and is the law too lenient at this point?

[@chandahagen5119]

Anything that is disruptive to the business or the patrons. So being at the end of the leash can be a tripping hazard. Noise disruption. Lunging at another dog or human. Eliminating inappropriately. Anything disruptive. Or dangerous. But the business must allow that person to do something about the disruptive behavior before they just kick them out. A warning in a way. If the person can’t get the dog under control then they are out. Well the dog needs to be out. The person can come back without the dog legally. I know many real trained service dogs that have had oopsies. A bout of diarrhea in an airport. A sudden bark. As long as the person DOES something about it then we should be kind. If the person with a disruptive dog doesn’t even care then NO. Gone. I also never call dogs ‘fake’ service dogs unless the person clearly admits they have no disability. All other dogs I see in stores that aren’t obviously trained service dogs I call ‘untrained dogs’. Unfortunately a lot of people aren’t bringing untrained dogs into public on purpose. They often don’t have the skills or the resources to train the dog properly. It’s unfortunate for us who do. But as long as that dog isn’t disruptive and they answer the two questions properly it’s kinda not our problem. It becomes our problem when the dog is disruptive or interfering with our dogs. Which is where education comes in and actually how I got into the business of educating. But since the laws really do not state exactly what ‘trained’ looks like a small dog on a string that isn’t bothering anyone and the person says they are trained to assist their disability should be left alone. Because it’s not disruptive. Yes, it’s an honor system. But one that has protections in place for the business and also us. I understand that it’s all pretty complicated. And that is why I do education. There is NO available training for businesses for this really. Unless they take it upon themselves to hire out for this training. The ADA gives guidance for businesses on the two questions, what they can ask. But they don’t give much guidance on what the answers they should be expecting are. Same with disruptive behavior. Not much guidance. So I just took it upon myself (after 15 years of experience running a nonprofit related to SDs and working with lawyers that interpret the laws) to start educating businesses. I work on a sliding scale. Small ma and pa and I’ll do it for free. But corporation and I charge $250 and hour…sometimes it’s up to us unfortunate. Hope that helps.

[@coda3223]

@@chandahagen5119 I love the way you're explaining/talking about this! This! THIS! I love the distinct choice you make when labeling dogs in public based on their behaviors ('untrained dog' instead of 'fake service dog'). It seems like a very important distinction about what evidence you actually have to base such a judgement on (i.e. you can see the dog's behavior, but you can't see a person's disability) and is less likely to encourage others to harass disabled handlers and their SDs. Education is the key to addressing the issues of untrained dogs in public and any further laws or policing of other's behaviors only serves to violate the autonomy (rights, privacy, access, etc.) of disabled people.

[@sarahkwast1250]

I have two comments, but will try to be brief. I am a writer, so forgive me if I am not as brief as I should be. ☺️ 1: Unfortunately, since lockdown, a lot of legitimate home trained service dogs are going to be struggling with manners in public. We got my latest service dog as a 10 week old pup two months before lockdown. Since I wasn't allowed to go into stores, or even regular doctors appointments, she didn't get to even START her desensitization training until she was a year and a half old. She is nervous around other dogs, she doesn't understand what children are, and she barks at anyone who talks to her because she thinks they are going to give her attention. I immediately correct her every time, but she is still learning. She does still do all her tasks and will ignore EVERYTHING and focus on me if I am having a bad POTS episode or a panic attack is coming on. But if I am doing ok, she spends her time out getting to know the world outside our home and car. Since that is how you desensitize a dog, through exposure, I can't just keep her home until she learns how to act. I also can't have people bring their kids and dogs to my yard to get her used to them because I am very high risk and can't afford to get every flu or virus going around. It is also not possible to take a group dog training class in my area because there are not enough people with adult dogs wanting to do training yet. I did private classes, but that doesn't help with dog socialization. We have started asking children to give her treats when we are out, if their parents say it is ok of course, so she isn't scared of them. We are also going to dog parks and sitting in the car by the fence with the window down so she can see, hear, smell and even 'talk' to dogs in a safe way. I am not saying every dog that acts up in public is a legitimate service dog. I am just saying it is even harder to recognize fakes right now. I have asked the ADA for some kind of official documentation many times, but they "are not able to require any form of registration and still keep a persons disability invisible." Their words. 2: My dogs (I currently have a team of two small dogs) are able to recognize two types of panic attacks. They prevent one and make the other go away very quickly. They also let me know when it is not safe for me to stand (POTS), if a room is too warm (POTS), if I need to sit down (POTS), and if someone is coming up behind me in public (to prevent a panic attack from being startled). There is no way a list of acceptable tasks could exist. These dogs are just too darn talented at finding new ways to assist their people. 😄

[@TinyPigy282]

Do we know the reason why there are no official documents? Because surely it would make sense for there to be a specific document to state it's a service dog for that person etc. A bit like a drivers license or birth certificate.

[@Honkey-Donkey]

It would be a logistical nightmare and I believe it would cause even more problems (if you've ever filed for disability then you'll get the idea). Plus I feel it would infringe on my privacy (medically speaking). Things are the way they are for reason but I suspect that won't be the case for a whole lot longer, it can't. It's a complex situation and there isn't a simple answer, no matter how much I wish for it. In the end someone's toes are going to get stepped on and I fear it will be the handler's. Just my opinion.

[@TinyPigy282]

@@Honkey-Donkey I understand. Even without disability, documents can be a nightmare

[@rosebenton1126]

I talked to my doctor at my appointment the other day about a service dog. He said it would be a good idea in the future as my disability gets worse. I have a 4 month old puppy that will be the perfect size but I don’t know. I don’t have the money for a program dog. I spend tens of thousands a year on medical bills. I am worried about how I would train him for public access.

[@kaze3487]

There are handlers who do a combination of owner and professional training. You could look into a hybrid model, ask trainers around your area. Much cheaper than a program dog

[@sonlightgardens1181]

There’s an online service dog academy in the US that helps owners train their own dogs, called My Dog And Me LLC (she has a KZbin channel too with some helpful info). I have my SDiT enrolled, and it has been a huge help! The curriculum is very user friendly and self paced, with access to the trainer and coaches whenever needed.

[@rosebenton1126]

@@sonlightgardens1181 thank you I will have to look into it.

[@shawnahaddan3674]

Access issues are a headache. I just got asked for paperwork again. In a state that allowed SDiT full access

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Ohhh so frustrating 😞

[@shawnahaddan3674]

With allergies accommodation is the answer currently.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

@@shawnahaddan3674 Correct.

[@mariposavioleta9007]

@@shawnahaddan3674 I'd say there's got to be something else because I'm someone with severe allergies as well as disabilities. That shouldn't be the thing to stop you from access. I mean think about it with a severe shellfish (life threatening) do I tell stores they can't have them or tell them to keep all the yellow jackets out of the store because they might kill me? No I make sure I have my EpiPen and deal with it. If I had the money even though I'm allergic to dogs and cats I'd have a service dog for my disabilities as well but I can't afford the costs of owning an animal.

[@shawnahaddan3674]

@@mariposavioleta9007 The situation would likely be that you and I would be seated in different sections. Or across the space to accommodate both parties. That is what is stated in the ADA FAQ.

[@BoLovesSkateboarding]

Fake it to make it!!!

[@ashleya2576]

If a service dog gets attacked in any store the owner will have to pay for vet bills and a replacement dog

[@rebeccakoch5713]

Hey, ya'll I'm a little confused about something...Do I need a doctor's note recommending me a service dog (specifically a psychiatric one) and if not is there something specific I might need a letter for (such as flying) (I've heard the rules are different for PSD's)? I already know that you don't need any kind of identification and stuff like that but I'm just talking about a doctor's recommendation letter and if I'm gonna need something for flying.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

(Assuming you're in the U.S. - if you're not, I'm afraid that I'm not familiar with other countries' laws) Regarding flying, I know a doctor's note at least used to be required with a PSD, but I feel like I remember something about when ESAs changed to being considered "pets" that PSDs no longer needed a note to fly because they got lumped in with all other SDs. I think. So I would double check just to make sure. I do know for sure that if a PSD does another type of task besides psychiatric (for example, mobility, medical alert, medical response, etc.... the possibilities are endless), then they already couldn't require a doctor's note for flying even before the ESA/PSD rule change, because it would be considered a "multipurpose" SD (not sure whether that's an official term stated somewhere in the law or not - it has been a long time since I've read the actual laws - but it is a commonly used term to describe SDs who do more than one type of task) rather than a PSD, even if all the dog's tasks are psychiatric except one. Wish I was well enough versed on PSDs to be able to answer your first question, but I'm afraid I'm not - what I can say is that it probably depends on whether you're going through a program (all the programs I've applied to - I'm in the application process right now - required some kind of doctor's recommendation), through a trainer (from reading some of the other comments on here, it sounds like at least some trainers require it, but that might vary from one to the next, I don't know), or owner training. I'm sorry that I don't know enough about PSDs to give any more specifics than that, so hopefully that helps at least a little bit.

[@rebeccakoch5713]

@@SnowySpiritRuby That did help a little thank you. I am owner training him and he will only do pyschiatric tasks...I think I will get a doctors note just in case.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@rebeccakoch5713 I forgot to mention that, depending on your living situation (I think it's mainly if you're renting, so if not, might not be a problem), you might need a letter for housing; employment is another thing I'm not 100% sure on whether you might need one - it's been too long since I read the actual laws (I forgot about those two last night when I wrote that). Glad my limited knowledge was able to help at least a little.

[@thorarisan]

I'd love there to be a licence for the dogs behaviour. Not anything to do with the task the dog does, but a minimum behaviour in public training. That way real dogs are made more legitimitet without having to figure out what tasks are "legitimitet" or not.

[@BlueBabyAkaAj]

I think service dogs should be licensed for free, by showing the tasks the dog does like at the DMV. A public access test as well. And maybe medical paper work of why. They should have an ID. That shows a picture name state service dog and official stamp. For free. Our tax dollars can pay for this. The USA should do better. I'm too nervous to get a service dog.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

For dogs who can demonstrate tasks on command, that would be a very viable option, especially the fact that it would be 100% free (zero cost being a huge part of it having the potential to work well). I'd be worried about dogs whose only task(s) is/are medical alert, though, because they can't necessarily demonstrate them on command.

[@nicolejewett4122]

Check out the UK assistance dog laws, it’s managed very well,although there are some fakes they are easier to spot etc

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

for allergies, dogs should wear things like a surgical suit to keep the fur in. I also think if possible people should use poodles or short haired dogs. I try to teach my dog some SD tasks in case I ever like break an ankle or something. But I'd only use it around the house and maybe at work if I got permission. Though I could probably use a psychiatric dog. And let's be real half of the time its because I don't wanna get out of bed to shut a door But I never would unless a doctor suggested it or things got worse.

[@MyblindLife]

service dogs should not be picked up, they should be kept on the floor out in public all the time (in the US)

[@AM-tc2ff]

Simple topic but lots to cover this is a amazing vid

[@MommingwithMigraine]

True! Seems straightforward but there are so many interwoven parts to the discussion. Thanks for the kind words, it really makes my day when I do well for you guys 😊

[@patriciabellah9392]

So I am at the end of training with my SDIT. I have been fortunate that the store around here are ok and even helpful with the training. That being said I have built up there trust in me to the point that they know if there is a mess up i.e. not proformed command it will be delt with immediately and corrected. Thats the big difference I have seen In SD's SDIT's immediately corrected Fakes not corrected or not corrected properly.

[@iw9783]

SO nice to know I am not the only one who can have a fiery/snappy day 😭. Amazing video once again. ❤️ Migraine Ismay.

[@anna121ist]

Anything “off focus” yes including pulling- gets the dog & handler removed. Yes that might mean someone with a legitimate service dog is asked to leave if the dog is having a bad day- BUT you can come back on another day. It’s safer that way for everyone. & this is coming from someone with cerebral palsy using a power wheelchair or forearm crutches for all nobility & considering getting a service dog for carrying stuff etc…

[@xopocketfox]

I'm against this. I've had service dogs for most of my life now. These are dogs, not robots. Dogs are like kids. They have good days and bad days. I'm a T1 diabetic. If I have to leave a store every single time my dog is distracted, I'd never get anything done, especially if I'm working with a very young dog who is still learning. I stay on top of my dog and if he messes up, I correct him and we move on. Its all about consistency. But if I'm consistently leaving every time he makes a mistake, he'll quickly learn how to train me to leave the store. So, no ... Not anything off focus gets the handler removed. This is real life, not kindergarten.

[@allosch9]

Reminds me of the dog I saw pee on the carpet while waiting in the CVS pharmacy line last week. My assumption was not a real SD or handler should have given an opportunity to pee before going inside, but you never really know

[@riptobias]

I am not a service dog handler/user of any kind, nor am I American, but I do have some thoughts on this: First of all I do think there should be a "behavior test" the animal needs to pass, with a certificate, to ensure it's actually trained to handle being out in public. Secondly, I don't see the problem with also stating on this certificate what the animal is supposed to be trained to do, but the former should at least avoid a "clash" with another animal or person. Maybe they should also be required to have a mark, to be easy to spot. Thirdly, staff should be able to approach a handler to report a problem, without that necessarily being grounds to kick the handler out: "Hey sir/ma'am, we were told your dog distracts the other one in the store with disobedience. You're not being reprimanded or kicked out unless it causes real trouble, but please do be extra mindful of your service animal, given that there's another one present. Thank you. Have a good day!" Easier said than done, I'm sure, and the idea has its problems, but evidently so does the status quo...

[@MommingwithMigraine]

I'm quite a fan.

[@riptobias]

@@MommingwithMigraine The latter also gives room for the handler to comment, spreading awareness of the fact that a service animal is not a robot, may have an "off day" and how to work around that - whether you're the handleror someone crossing their path. It creates potential for a dialogue, give and take from all sides

[@suemer3885]

It seems to me that a big part of the issues would not exist if: A people were less entitled, selfish (I want to go with my pet dog wherever I go so I'll break the law), B where more responsible, I know it can cause big problems to a disable person to take a not trained dog to a places where they don't suppose to be. C be more understanding, I'm allergyc to dogs (not highly allergyc) if I had a health problem with a dog being near me, I would talk to the disable person and the people of the restaurant to be moved (me) to another table, no problem, I understand it would probably be easier for me to move. I'm tired of people that thinks they have the right to do whatever they want... without thinking all the problems they can be causing to other people.

[@jeanmorgan5410]

Looking forward to hearing about your new diagnosis

[@haydencb1689]

I actually got here on time, lol Lots of appreciation from Spain

[@MommingwithMigraine]

I'm not very consistent with my timing, it sure doesn't help =P Love and hugs!

[@alshirley3444]

I am in Canada and my dog is emotional support dog. I have taken him into stores, but he is there in my giant bag keeping me calm. however I have only done this a handful of times. stores freak me out. I shop online now. I agree there needs to be some guidelines, nothing in concrete because that excludes so many, But government guidelines that countries and states provinces counties and cities can go by just the basics to be expanded on later. But what those basics are that is a huge question. Oh heck no dogs in grocery stores that are not service dogs that is a no big hard no

[@Elizabeth-tf9gb]

I just got my new SD prospect a couple months ago he will be trained to carry 2 small oxygen tanks for me

[@yosef5276]

Mini horses are no longer covered I believe

[@rivertheservicedoodle1730]

I get my service dog in 2 months I’ve had my diagnosis for a year (he will be 6 months old I have to finish his training but he will be able to go into public) so I’m getting nervous. And weird task that my autism service dog has is mobility.

[@danahkosma2886]

You taught me so sooooo many things throw your videos!! Thank you so much and keep the amazing job up, you go girlll❤️❤️ #kissFromGreece

[@francescoleman-williams911]

Genuine naive question: if an emotion support dog helps someone with their illness/disability (eg help prevent meltdowns etc), any thoughts why they should be separated from service dogs in law?

[@francescoleman-williams911]

@@maggiethedruid9010 thanks for your reply. I suppose that’s what I was thinking… you say “most aren’t well trained”, but then some are?… so the whole thing is a grey area… I was wondering if there were any other reasons as there seems to be such a clearly defined line in the video but… is it really that well defined in reality?!

[@lauravanniejenhuis4476]

This a tough one, some sort of system like permits people use for handicap parking might be an idea. You need to have a Dr sign some paperwork for those but they aren't charged for. Training remains an issue to tackle but this problem is complex, maybe by making people have to have a permit to be a handler is a place to start weeding out the people who just want to take the dog everywhere with no medical need. I feel like once a person has to take some level of responsibility to get some documentation like that most people would also take training more seriously.

[@Rose-hb6mc]

If it was free every single person with a dog would go to their doctor and claim they have anxiety so they need a service dog. People take advantage of the fact that for some people, anxiety CAN BE SO BAD YOU CANT LEAVE THE HOUSE OR FUNCTION, but don't experience that themselves. Everyone would be like f- it, it's a free appointment. Waste the doctors time so that it takes longer for people who NEED appointments to get them. Would create a bit of verification and a sort of road block but barely, lots of people have no trouble lying to a doctor to get free stuff. Just look at all the people exhaggerating their anxiety to get a med card when really they just smoke for fun.

[@nataliechristensen420]

Public access problems happen on the daily. And it isn’t the easiest thing to deal with. When the dog isn’t causing any problems they should be allowed in. But some people just don’t want to allow it. Mini ponies are apart of it. I know at least in idaho they are revising the Ada so that it is more clear and concise. I know part of it is with ESAs. I’m not sure what else

[@coda3223]

Idaho can't revise the ADA (because it's federal law) - but I'm guessing you're talking about how Idaho is shaping their "Public Accommodation" law to fill in some of the gaps that ADA doesn't specifically give guidance for or specific rights to public access (as is the case with ESAs and as Idaho calls them "assistance" dogs).

[@nataliechristensen420]

@@coda3223 yea that is what I mean. Idaho is revising how the deal with it