[nagdu] Lines in the sand?

[Julie J]

This is an excellent question!
Things I absolutely cannot tolerate are continuous barking, growling, 
aggressively lunging, relieving inappropriately and total lack of grooming.

I think dogs are dogs and they are going to have an off day.  I don't have a 
problem with a dog who lets out a woof on the rare occasion.   It happens 
and I don't see it as a huge deal if it is only one or two and the handler 
is doing their best to manage the situation.

Aggression, I'm talking about outright readiness to hurt someone is not 
acceptable in a service dog.  I can't think of a situation when it would be 
okay.   I think any dog that exhibits aggression should be immediately 
removed from working as a guide dog.

Relieving inappropriately is another thing that absolutely drives me insane. 
I understand that dogs get sick and that is not what I'm talking about.  I'm 
meaning dogs that consistently relieve indoors or worse males who mark their 
territory while in harness.

Gross neglect of the dogs grooming is totally preventable and in complete 
control of the handler.  There is no reason that a dog with fleas or other 
creepy crawlies should be taken into public.

Oh and one more...I am not very impressed with handlers who let their dogs 
run amuck.   When you're eating at a really nice formal dinner and find an 
escaped  dog begging or helping themselves to food from tables, well, it's 
just not cool.   I think the dog should always be on leash or otherwise 
confined when in a public place.

All JMHO of course
Julie