Hidden Problems with Fake Service Dogs.
A few times I went into stores with My service dog Co-Jack always with his vest on and our Service Dog ID card just in case someone asks for my card. One day we were in Best Buy because I wanted to get a new video game, well when my Dad and Me were checking out we saw a guy that brought there small terrier inside the store with a little vest on just like Co-Jack's but it didn't say service dog on it. The employees were all saying how cute he was and not saying anything about asking if he was a service dog. At first I was just thinking the dog was a service dog that didn't have a vest on which isn't against the law so it's fine, until the terrier started flipping out and barking at Co-Jack. I then knew that his was a fake service dog. Co-Jack kept his cool standing next to me and just looking at me, He was probably thinking, " Mom make this crazy brat stop barking at me". The owner looked at me not correcting his dog and was just staring at me, probably embarrassed that he was caught. He finally snapped back to reality and payed his bill and walked out. Then I heard these two employees talking to each other saying while looking at me and Co-Jack, "What about that one should we say something". The second employee looked at Co-Jack and saw all his badges and said, "That one is fine".
Fake service dogs have been a problem to the Service Dog community. Every service dog owner has encountered one of these instances and have to deal with the consequences from it.Fake service dogs cause problems by giving a bad experience to business make the person that actually has a real service dog have problems when they go into the same store since the business has lost respect for service dogs.
These dogs are definitely easy to spot from the legitimate service dogs. Here are the signs:
Fake Service Dog Signs:
Don't usually wear a vest or any identification that the dog is a service dog.
Barking or growl at people or other dogs
Poop or Pee in pubic places
Owner is more laid back about dog's behavior in store. and isn't correcting dogs behavior
Sitting on a chair or being held (if small dog). Service Dogs are meant to be on the floor.
The dog isn't listening to command's from owner.
Fake Service Dogs will mostly will act like the dog you see at home. A real service dog will not get distracted easily by and will not look for attention. They should be by the owners side at all times unless doing a "Stay" command, but is usually in the same area as the owner. Here is a guide to what service dogs should be acting.
Real Service Dog signs
Most owners put a service dog vest on there service dog or have there service dog handler id. Just in case so they can prove they have a real service dog so they don't have to fight to stay in the store.
Very quiet dogs. They don't bark or growl to protect. You wouldn't even know they were there. If the dog is worried such as if the owner is anxious it may give a small bark to let the person know to back away from there owner to give them space.
Will not Poop/Pee in public places.
Owners of service dogs always are watching there dogs and are quick to correct any little mistake the dog makes to make sure he's ready when there owner needs them the most.
They are usually found under the table laying on the floor by owners feet. Never on a chair or in owners lap.
The dog should be very diligent in listening to owners commands. If dog is slow on answering to command, Owner should check environment to see what is making him reluctant and correct what the problem is.
The problem with fake service dogs is that they are everywhere and it's becoming a big and serious problem. Why is it happening so much or do we see a cute little Yorkie walking around in a store once in a while? it's because the owners of the store are limited on what to ask the owners of service dogs. They can't ask for your Service Dog ID since it's against the law. and they can't ask anything about your disability. They can only ask "Is your dog a service dog and what tasks does it perform". At Five Guys I went to regularly asked me for my card when I went in and I was shocked at first but happy that he asked. Because after he checked my card he knew I was legit and didn't have to worry about me or Co-jack wrecking the place. I didn't get asked again after that time. The ADA should be changed to allow employees to ask for identification because it's the only way to find the Owners that are ruining the service dog community for people that actually need these very special animals.
This video shows an example of a Fake Service Dog.
