Redditor Asks If It Is Acceptable To Request That A Service Dog Owner Take His Dog Further Away

"I"m not comfortable, this guy is doing nothing about his service dog literally on me."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• May 6, 2023

Service dogs play an essential role in the lives of many individuals with disabilities. These specially trained animals assist their owners with various tasks, from opening doors to detecting seizures.

However, sometimes, service dog owners can exhibit unreasonable behavior. Some service dog owners may fail to acknowledge the boundaries of others when it comes to their dogs.

They may not realize that not everyone is comfortable around dogs, even service dogs. Additionally, they may disregard other people's requests to keep their dogs under control, whether it is because of fear, allergies, or personal space issues.

In some cases, service dog owners may also disregard established guidelines for service dogs. For example, service dogs should be trained to be calm and well-behaved in public places.

However, some owners may allow their dogs to misbehave or ignore their dogs' disruptive behavior, such as barking or jumping on people. Such behaviors by service dog owners can lead to negative experiences for both the owners and their dogs.

They may create conflicts and misunderstandings with other people, and they may even undermine the public perception of service dogs and their purpose. Service dog owners must understand the importance of responsible behavior and proper training for their dogs.

They should also be aware of the rights and needs of other people and ensure that their dogs do not pose any risks or discomfort to them. By being respectful and considerate, service dog owners can ensure that their dogs are helping to make a positive impact in the community.

OP went to a busy restaurant with three friends and sat next to a man with a service dog on the bench. OP asked the man to keep his dog off the bench, but he refused.

OP got frustrated, argued with the man, and left the restaurant. Their friends were unhappy with the situation, and OP wondered if they acted poorly.

I asked the guy if he could keep his dog on the ground

I had made a mini scene and just removed myself from that situation

Trained dogs do not have problems getting under the owner's chair

It is understandable to prefer not to eat in places where pets are present and unknown.

It may have been better to involve an employee or manager after the person refused to move their service dog

Service dog most are trained to lay under the table

Anyone with a legitimate service dog is well aware that they are not allowed on the bench, chairs, tables, or other furniture

I have never in my life seen a service dog in a restaurant sitting on furniture

It shouldn't impeding others

Animals are still animals, even service animals

The restaurant should arrange a table for them separately to ensure their comfort

Ask someone else to sit next to your dog while they eat is unacceptable

It is important to acknowledge that trained service dogs should not be causing disruption or impeding others' comfort, and most service dogs are trained to remain under the table. It is also understandable that some individuals may prefer not to eat in places where pets are present and unknown, but it is important to note that service animals are not considered pets and are allowed in public places under the law.

However, service dog owners should be aware of their dogs' behavior and ensure that they do not interfere with the comfort of others. In this particular case, it may have been more appropriate for the OP to involve an employee or manager in the situation after the owner of the service dog refused to move it.

It is not acceptable to ask someone else to sit next to their dog while they eat, as it is not fair to others. Overall, the restaurant should make every effort to accommodate the needs of all customers, including those with service animals.

Providing a separate table or seating area for individuals with service dogs can help ensure their comfort while also respecting the needs of other customers. However, service dog owners must act responsibly and ensure that their dogs do not disrupt others or impede their comfort in public places.

Damjan