HELLO, I'M TEO THE ASSISTANCE DOG!
I’m here to help my human cope with everyday situations that can be
challenging, or even dangerous. My job is important and often requires
full concentration to protect and support my owner. But do you know what makes it
hard sometimes? When people around me disturb me, pet me, or talk to me
Dog Ten Commandments
I know most of you mean well. However, it’s important to remember that distracting service dogs can have serious consequences. That’s why I’ve put together a simple list of rules for how to properly treat service dogs and why.
Let us work
Stories of assistance dog trainers and owners
Assistant dog Jessie
and trainer Zuzana
I was just practicing public transport with Jessie when an elderly lady got on the tram. Jessie immediately took an interest in her. She started hissing loudly at her, “You have a sign on your dog’s collar: don’t pet it, I’m crying, right?” and Jessie started petting it. The helplessness in a situation like this is unbelievable. I always imagine what consequences such behavior can have for our clients. Some have autism spectrum disorder and a similar situation can trigger a seizure. If you have a compulsive urge to pet someone else’s dog, always ask its owner first.
Guide dog Tery and Mrs. Tereza
with visual impairment
I live in a big city with my guide dog Tery. Our problem is mainly other dog owners who feel that they understand dogs sufficiently and professionally. They don’t understand why they can’t pet a stranger’s dog if it is trained. They often don’t even realize why they should call their dog when we walk by. They often don’t respect that I am dependent on my Tery. I can’t see them or their dog. And when Tery stops leading me because they start petting her, it is very dangerous for me.
Assistance Poodle Poppy and Péťa with Autism Spectrum Disorder
I have a female Standard Poodle, Poppy. She is the assistance dog of my five-year-old son, who suffers from autism. Poppy is connected to her son by a shock absorber belt and works with complete concentration. Together they form a harmonious and loving team. But when we arrive at the playground, chaos ensues. All it takes is one of the children to see Poppy. He starts petting her without restraint, hissing at her and trying to get her to play. This triggers an avalanche of other children who flock to Poppy. I tried to explain to the mothers present that Poppy is an assistance dog and has an important role that she needs to focus on.
Unfortunately, it was not without problems and some mothers reacted negatively. They did not understand why their child could not pet Poppy. “What’s wrong with that?” they said, as if it were something incomprehensible. Similar situations have taken their toll. Now, when we go for a walk and head towards the playground, Poppy steps out of her role as an assistance dog. Instead of concentrating, she wants to run towards the playground. The children call her from a distance: “Poppy!” and shout commands like “To me!” or “Come here!”, which she knows well. For my son, this is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. The shock-absorbing belt that connects him to Poppy is more of a complication at such times.
Arinka and Kája, an assistance dog with autism spectrum disorder
We were on the bus together with my autistic son Kája and our assistance dog Arinka. Arinka sits calmly next to Kája, fully concentrating on him and helping him to make the journey in relative peace. Suddenly, a stranger approaches and is about to pet Arinka. It all happens in a split second – I don’t have time to react or warn him. But I know what will happen next. Kája can’t handle it when a stranger touches his assistance dog. And that’s exactly what happens. As soon as the person touches Arinka, Kája has a seizure. She starts screaming, cursing and desperately tries to run away.
Assistance dog Gita and Mrs. Petra with post-traumatic stress disorder
The day has come when I have to overcome my fear – fear of people, travel and enclosed spaces. Today I have to go to the store. My hands are shaking as I get dressed. I put on my assistance dog Gita’s harness. It is clearly written on her vest: “Do not pet, I am working!” I try to calm down and we head to the train station together. When the train arrives, it brakes sharply. The sound is unbearable for me. I cover my ears, but the anxiety is already coming. My hands, legs and whole body are shaking. I get on anyway. I sit in the seat reserved for the disabled. I stroke Gita with a shaking hand and focus only on her. I try to calm down.
Suddenly I hear a clapping sound and peripherally I see hands reaching out to Gita. “Wow, that’s a beautiful dog! This is definitely not yours, is it? You must be practicing it for someone else, right?” I feel my chest tighten and my legs shake even more. A panic attack comes on in full force. I can’t breathe and I start hyperventilating. I feel like I’m going to suffocate and die. I can’t even make a sound. So she keeps stroking Gita as if it’s okay. I sit there, paralyzed, with one wish – to disappear. But the train has already left and I have nowhere to run.