topic Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG? in Community Chat

A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

Tinkrbl44 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 21:34:34 GMT

I always thought Service Dogs were highly trained, very special animals. People should leave them alone to care for the disabled person they accompany in public.

Last week while shopping at Target, I passed a woman who came around the corner with a shopping cart and a German Shepherd dog (on a leash) wearing a beige covering on his back that said Service Dog. (I can't be sure, but that covering just didn't look like other coverings I've seen.)

As the dog passed me, he pressed his cold nose at the side of my leg ... I kept moving because you're not supposed to distract these dogs, but was surprised this could even happen. About 30 seconds later, the dog barked at ... I have no idea what.

How odd! Could this have been a service dog in training? Or was this a "fake" service dog?

What are your thoughts on this?

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 21:42:44 GMT

@Tinkrbl44

As a former dog trainer, that doesn't sound like a 'trained' service dog to me, they're trained to concentrate on their owners and ignore other people, sights, sounds, etc.

People who just want to be able to take their dogs anywhere and everywhere 'legally', can buy those vests and service dog credentials online pretty cheaply.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:28:15 GMT

There are plenty of fakers out there. We have kids who worked at Target several years ago and saw it happen. Not much can be done about it. If you confront the owner, they'll retaliate with harassment charges. Unfortunately rules and laws don't seem to matter to a lot of people these days.

We know a couple who have a service dog for a legitimate reason. Their rule is when the dog is harnessed, you leave her alone, do not talk to her or reach out to pet her. Once the harness comes off, people are welcome to engage. She's a really good dog.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

just bee — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 21:51:28 GMT

Let's just say there's a "variety" of service and emotional-support animals out there.

Like any occupation, some are professionals and some are not.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

Patriot3 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 21:56:28 GMT

I don't know anything about service dogs other than you are not supposed to approach them or pay any attention to them. But are the owners given a "license" or something to prove they are indeed service dogs?

If not, I think there should be a law.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

On It — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 21:57:12 GMT

That certainly sounds like a fake. When we lived near San Antonio, a couple would bring the puppies or young dogs in training to the grocery store. They had little vests that said service dog in training. I never once heard one of them bark or saw them divert their attention from their trainers.

I rarely see a service dog where we currently live. There was one in New Mexico who could sense a seizure if his owner was about to have one. He alerted on a stranger at the grocery store. Shortly after the stranger seized. It is amazing what these dogs can do. It is unfair to have them impersonated.

People are such narcissists these days. Their attitude is that if they want to do something it is OK. The rules just do not apply to them.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:00:36 GMT

@just bee

There's a big difference between a trained service dog and an emotional support dog.

Only an animal trained as a service dog legitimately gets to wear the service dog vest, emotional support animals wear a different vest, deeming them an emotional support animal, not trained for specific tasks for their owner.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

just bee — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:01:14 GMT

@On It wrote:
That certainly sounds like a fake. When we lived near San Antonio, a couple would bring the puppies or young dogs in training to the grocery store. They had little vests that said service dog in training. I never once heard one of them bark or saw them divert their attention from their trainers.

I rarely see a service dog where we currently live. There was one in New Mexico who could sense a seizure if his owner was about to have one. He alerted on a stranger at the grocery store. Shortly after the stranger seized. It is amazing what these dogs can do. It is unfair to have them impersonated.

People are such narcissists these days. Their attitude is that if they want to do something it is OK. The rules just do not apply to them.

@On It

It's a free-for-all out there.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

Kachina624 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:03:08 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 There are fake "service dogs" everywhere. You can buy certificates and paraphernalia online. People do this so they can take their dogs where dogs are normally forbidden. I've heard the airlines have cracked down on such frauds. I wish other place would challenge the owners. I suppose they're afraid of getting sued but I don't think a legitimate owner would mind.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

just bee — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:03:55 GMT

@KingstonsMom wrote:
@just bee

There's a big difference between a trained service dog and an emotional support dog.

Only an animal trained as a service dog legitimately gets to wear the service dog vest, emotional support animals wear a different vest, deeming them an emotional support animal, not trained for specific tasks for their owner.

@KingstonsMom

Yes, absolutely.

And there's still a variety of dogs out there who are professionals and those who are not.

Can't blame the dog.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:04:54 GMT

@Patriot3

Yes, legimately trained service dogs do get credentials, but people can buy fakes easily online.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

CelticCrafter — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:05:35 GMT

@Patriot3 wrote:
I don't know anything about service dogs other than you are not supposed to approach them or pay any attention to them. But are the owners given a "license" or something to prove they are indeed service dogs?

If not, I think there should be a law.

It's against the ADA laws to ask to see documentation.

Why do you think you see so many dogs where they shouldn't be.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

Roscoe the Rascal — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:06:01 GMT

Who cares is my thought. If a person needs a dog then they need a dog. Trained or not for a job. My husband was in the service and his buddy was a big help to him and not trained to be his buddy. Just was. He sure misses him too.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:10:53 GMT

@just bee

Nobody is "blaming the dog", both have their own purpose, it's more a matter of unscrupulous people who try to cheat the system differentiating the two, IMO.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

Jacie — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:18:54 GMT

Once again, there are idiots who have to abuse anything to get what they want.

I find this one egregious because there are some people who legit need a service animal to get through life. Whether it's physical or emotional, they are needed. Do they papers to show they are "legal" for say, air travel?

Shame on those who just want their pets with them "because".

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

just bee — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:19:07 GMT

@KingstonsMom wrote:
@just bee

Nobody is "blaming the dog", both have their own purpose, it's more a matter of unscrupulous people who try to cheat the system differentiating the two, IMO.

@KingstonsMom

And don't forget therapy dogs.

I love dogs. I don't have a problem with dogs in public. I brought my dog to Home Depot today to buy plants. Dogs are welcomed there.

My dog is trained and well-behaved. He is an exemplar citizen with common sense and he can be trusted around people and other animals.

Unfortunately, I cannot say that about every dog out there. My boy has been attacked by several dogs recently and I have to wonder about the people who are choosing to be responsible for dogs and are not.

In short, socialize your dog.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

kate2357 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:20:25 GMT

The emotional support dog/pet would be fine if it really was for that purpose ... but as others have said, people fake it so they can bring their dog/pet everywhere. It's when it moves to the unsanitary places people put their pets that annoy me. For example, they put their pets in grocery carts where you put products, they put them on the pull out trays on planes where they serve food or you place your tablet/book etc. , they bring them into carpeted areas, like say a casino or restaurant ... and yes, I've seen dogs go pee on the carpet and the owners just watch and let it happen.

Businesses are unable to do much to stop people who think they are so clever about breaking rules. Rules are obviously for other people ... not them. You see it every darn day, in big and small ways. People have totally forgotten and/or no longer care about getting along in a "civil" society. It truly is the wild, wild west out here and it's every man for themselves.

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

just bee — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:28:31 GMT

@kate2357 wrote:
The emotional support dog/pet would be fine if it really was for that purpose ... but as others have said, people fake it so they can bring their dog/pet everywhere. It's when it moves to the unsanitary places people put their pets that annoy me. For example, they put their pets in grocery carts where you put products, they put them on the pull out trays on planes where they serve food or you place your tablet/book etc. , they bring them into carpeted areas, like say a casino or restaurant ... and yes, I've seen dogs go pee on the carpet and the owners just watch and let it happen.

Businesses are unable to do much to stop people who think they are so clever about breaking rules. Rules are obviously for other people ... not them. You see it every darn day, in big and small ways. People have totally forgotten and/or no longer care about getting along in a "civil" society. It truly is the wild, wild west out here and it's every man for themselves.

@kate2357

You live in Albuquerque, too?

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

Mz iMac — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:45:44 GMT

When in retail stores, I always carry my dog in a doggie pouch. Especially in grocery stores.

Most times folks think it's a baby pouch until she pokes her head out!

Re: A "FAKE" SERVICE DOG?

Iwantcoffee — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:55:25 GMT

There is nothing odd about a dog barking. A service dog is still a dog