| Fall 2004 Featured Website Article |
| No Dogs Allowed! BY ROBIN POOL, CDBC |
Few things can raise the anxiety level more for an assistance dog handler
than the three words “No dogs allowed!” However, there are some
strategies that may help minimize confusion about your assistance dog. The
use of a cape, a harness, a backpack, or other identifying information may
help by making it visually obvious that the dog is not a pet. Remember to
make sure that your assistance dog’s equipment fits well and is in good
condition.
Even if your dog is wearing a cape or harness, business owners may ask
you if your assistance dog is a pet. Some business owners may not be
aware of laws regarding the use of service animals in places where pets are
not allowed. Use a calm tone of voice to give information. If you have a
serious access problem and need legal advice, consult with an attorney who
is familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act and service animal-
related laws.
than the three words “No dogs allowed!” However, there are some
strategies that may help minimize confusion about your assistance dog. The
use of a cape, a harness, a backpack, or other identifying information may
help by making it visually obvious that the dog is not a pet. Remember to
make sure that your assistance dog’s equipment fits well and is in good
condition.
Even if your dog is wearing a cape or harness, business owners may ask
you if your assistance dog is a pet. Some business owners may not be
aware of laws regarding the use of service animals in places where pets are
not allowed. Use a calm tone of voice to give information. If you have a
serious access problem and need legal advice, consult with an attorney who
is familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act and service animal-
related laws.
It is especially challenging to address questions about your assistance animal
to someone when you do not share a common language with the other
person. Remember to stay calm and consider that people from different
backgrounds may have different experiences and different attitudes towards
dogs. Additionally, becoming angry or emotional is likely to make
communication more difficult with someone whose English is limited. Slow
down your rate of speech, and simplify your word choices.
Meaningful gestures and written information may aid communication as
well. Organizations like the Delta Society and the International Association
of Assistance Dog Partners provide information about assistance dogs in
other languages. If you live in a culturally diverse area, consider carrying
some of their materials with you.
to someone when you do not share a common language with the other
person. Remember to stay calm and consider that people from different
backgrounds may have different experiences and different attitudes towards
dogs. Additionally, becoming angry or emotional is likely to make
communication more difficult with someone whose English is limited. Slow
down your rate of speech, and simplify your word choices.
Meaningful gestures and written information may aid communication as
well. Organizations like the Delta Society and the International Association
of Assistance Dog Partners provide information about assistance dogs in
other languages. If you live in a culturally diverse area, consider carrying
some of their materials with you.
| Identifying equipment such as this cape from The Raspberry Fields (see page 16) and an ID tag can help make it visually obvious that your dog is an assistance dog. |
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