Therapy dogs in shops and restaurants

[Humpback21]

Where I used to work we had a rule of no dogs except assistance and guid dogs etc. in the last few years at that job we get dogs coming in as “therapy dogs” with coats for the dog saying therapy dog.One lady would bring her big dog pulling on the lead I questioned her and politely said no dogs allowed she claimed it was a therapy dog but it didn’t like to wear its coat and collar. I recently saw a dog outside the supermarket with therapy dog written on its coat waiting with its owner and all their shopping. There are no dog charity’s that train dogs to be assistance therapy dogs. I know of charities that bring therapy dogs into hospitals and care homes. Are people really buying fake coats for their dogs so they don’t have to part with them. I’m all for dogs and am a massive dog lover but surely dog owners have to realise that a trained assistance dog in a public or private space is trained to be

You can get assistance dogs for anxiety disorder like PTSD. Or for anxiety related to autism.

I don't see how it's different to a guide dog or hearing dog.

I don't think You'll get much support here

It is different if the dog has had no actual training and the person hasn’t been assessed as needing that assistance. It’s not the same having a guide dog as putting a jacket on your pet and claiming it’s a support animal.

I mean, I don't understand how it's less legitimate than a guide/hearing/disability dog. As long as they have proof like paperwork or a vest. I can understand why one might have difficulties without proof. I can see why a dog might not want to wear its vest, but also that person could be taking the pee.

No idea. There’s various assistance dogs though, so not sure how you would know of why you think it’s your place to comment really.

Dogs are allowed in lots of shops so ours come in with us. Theres not many shops here that don’t allow them, it’s very dog friendly.

Interesting that you say you’re a dog lover

It is isn’t it. 😂😂😂

Should I get my bingo card ready?

They really are.

Assistance dogs - which are not just guide dogs - must be trained to do physical tasks to assist the handler.

For example, mine tells me about my blood sugar levels, he also does deep pressure therapy if I have muscle spasms, and will (when I use a manual wheelchair) hold the weight of the chair briefly as I readjust hands on slopes/kerbs. He is worth his weight in gold as I can have symptomless hypos and I can go realllllllly high without feeling it too.

They do not have to be supplied by a charity, they do not have to wear a jacket either (though I think they should).

There is no such thing as public access right for 'therapy' dogs - these are dogs trained to do stuff, taken to hospitals, care homes, schools etc. As they do not have public access rights, theres no legal guidance on them wearing identifying jackets etc.

I would expect anyone seriously working an owner-trained assistance dog to know that assistance dog is the correct term, so them saying its a therapy dog would immediately raise red flags for me.

Assistance dogs should be well trained (and there are no protected rights to public access for trainee dogs!), however some of their training may not look like 'well trained dog' to the casual observer.

My dogs indication that my blood needs checking is to stand with paws on my knee and shove his face in my mouth and not get off no matter how much I protest, until I get my test kit out.

A friends dog practices trained disobedience - so if she asks her to go somewhere but the dog detects a problem (allergen in this case) the dog will refuse the cue and insist they turn around and leave via the nearest exit.

DPT looks like my dog is having a cuddle, though one would think its a bit clearer if hes lying on top of me and im on the floor, sometimes hes just laying up my body whilst i am reclined in my chair. He wont stop until the spasms fade though.

If you're in doubt - ask politely what tasks the dog is trained to do (not all, just examples). Not 'what conditions you have' mind.. just 'can you give me an example of the tasks your dog might do for you' - simply giving a person confidence to go out by being there is not a task!

Dogs in shops/food places/supermarkets, so what.

This is becoming an obsession now .

@Humpback21

Where are you getting your terminology from?

Do you mean assistance dogs? Service dogs?

As I understand it, a trained service dog for mental health or autism is trained to specifically offer comfort to their owner when they are distressed . I think unemotional support animal may fulfil the same role but it isn't official and there isn't training. So it's a pet that offers support for their owners. Which is good but without training we have no way of knowing if this dog is going to behave appropriately in a public place.

my friend with CPTSD has her dog wear an Emotional Support Dog vest, and certainly is a great support to my friend, but as far as I know isn't officially trained or designated . She is a good dog so it's not a problem but the issue is when anyone can get a vest and put it on a dog that may be a terrible menace in public.

@WiddlinDiddlin Your dogs sound amazing.

*dog sounds

The autism ones are only recognised for children (at least was the case when I looked at this last) in the UK.

If a dog is pulling/ misbehaving it is not a registered service animal.

Went to an eat festival, where I live and guess what LOADS OF DOGS. They even had food stall just for dogs.

My DD's friend has a therapy dog. She had certain breeds recommended for it to pass. There were checks before her GP would do the paperwork, she also had her CPN involved. The dog has been as much as a lifeline to her as a guide dog is.

A food stall for dogs, I love that.

Our local cafe and pub both have a menu just for dogs.

@vodkaredbullgirl 😍 That tail

@Humpback21

assistance dogs are specially trained and registered https://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/the-law/

pitting a jacket on a fog and telling folk it’s a therapy dog is not the same thing.

People pretending their pet dog is an assistance dog is unfortunately not new but is happening more as people are now used to assistance dogs meaning more than guide dogs. I had it once a decade ago when I worked in retail. The dog was poorly trained for a pet let alone an assistance dog and the owner didn't have a clue. But it's a very difficult thing to challenge as people will just claim discrimination.

YANBU I love dogs but even i think the pendulum has swung too far

There was butternut box stall, stall for veg and fruit baked treats and also another that sold treats.