Thread: A Service Dog is trained to completely ignore another dog when we are working. We should not engage, sniff, greet, or acknowledge another dog. I will walk right by another dog w/o looking in thier direction. This keeps me focused & Mom safe. #working #Dog

Many times I am working and we are with another service dog team. We have to remain professional at all times. When we come across another working team both of us SDs will stand next to our handler w/o engaging the other dog. This is a very important skill to master in training.

This also means if we come across a pet dog we will also ignore them. This is why you should never approach a Service Dog if you are walking your pet dog. It is best if you can make room for the SD team to pass safely w/o your pet trying to say hi to the working dog.

Sometimes pet dogs think we are being submissive if we don't engage and the pet dog will try to attack us. We do not understand dog aggression and will not react most times. So a pet dog could hurt us really badly. This could end my working career or could even be fatal.

I have been attacked more than once by a pet dog or an untrained dog wearing a service dog vest. This is also why you should never try to pass off an untrained pet dog as a service dog. One dog broadsided me and knocked Mom & I completely into the street. Fortunately, we were ok.

Sometimes if a service dog is attacked then they will become fearful of other dogs/even aggressive toward other dogs. This means the service dog will need to be retired. A working dog CAN NOT be aggressive. This means the handler is w/o their assistance & years of training ruined