Fake Service Dogs

I've seen a trend lately in which people are designating their dogs as service dogs in order to be able to take their dogs places where dogs are not normally allowed to go.

There was an article on this recently in the Wall Street Journal, entitled "Leapin' Lizards! Service Animals Are Multiplying Like Doggone Rabbits: Skippy the Iguana Keeps His Owner Calm, But Therapy Dog Maxx Is an Impostor."

I am opposed to breaking the law, and I'm opposed to bringing dogs into areas that have been deemed to not be safe for dogs. On the other hand, there are many places where dogs should be allowed, but dog haters have made it impossible for dogs to be there.

When you take a dog into an area where dogs are not normally allowed, you are increasing the danger to the dog, to the property of others, to other animals, and to other people. For example, let's say you put a "service dog" vest on your dog and take it to a shopping mall. I'm betting your dog is NOT well trained or mannered enough to be in that environment. I've had to explain to people that it is not safe to put a dog on an escalator. I've had to explain how to manage a dog properly in a restaurant. And I've had to explain how to manage dogs in crowded public areas. Service dogs and their owners are selected and trained to handle these situations. The average dog owner doesn't have a clue. And if an accident occurs, you can bet that the judge won't be so kind to you if something bad happens.

That doesn't mean that I think dogs should be excluded from shopping malls. I think that a well behaved dog, with a trained owner, would be just fine in that environment. I think that businesses would be wise to be more dog friendly. I think it is ridiculous that dogs are excluded from restaurants for health concerns when half of America has a dog in the kitchen when they cook and eat, with no one getting sick from the dog's presence. It is also ridiculous that dogs are excluded from our National Parks.

In the meantime, obey the law, and train yourself and your dog. This is NOT a game, and someone, or your dog, could get hurt.