Should You Pet That Guide Dog?

Assistance Dog Etiquette: It is often hard to resist petting a cute, floppy eared dog when you see one. So, what do you do when you see a guide dog curled under a restaurant table, or walking along side a person who is blind or visually impaired? The Pennsylvania Association for the Blind encourages following these guidelines when encountering these specially bred and trained dogs;
– Don’t touch, pet, talk to, feed or otherwise distract the dog while
he/she is wearing a harness.
A guide dog is a highly trained dog that acts as a mobility aide to the blind and visually impaired. When a dog is in harness, they are “on duty or working” and must concentrate for the safety of his/her owner or handler.
– Don’t attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding, do
not attempt to hold the dog’s harness or give the dog commands.
A dog or handler may be in an unfamiliar situation that requires their full attention. Grabbing a harness or leash can disorientate and confuse the team. The handler will give the dog commands when necessary and will ask for assistance if needed.
– Don’t walk on the dog’s left side.
Walking on a dog’s left side may distract or confuse the dog. Instead, walk on the handler’s right side and several paces behind him or her.