[nagdu] Badly behaved dogs was Re: FWD: Arizona - URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT; HB2179 AMENDMENT MAKES SIGNIFICANT CHANGESTO RIGHTSOF PERSONS WHO USE SERVICE ANIMALS

[Julie J.]

Here's what I'd do in the  case of a badly behaved dog in public.

I'd move away from the other dog if at all possible. Maybe just the extra 
space will help the other handler get their dog under control. Or maybe they 
will notice me moving away and use that as a clue they need to do something.

If it was someone I knew, or we encountered each other repeatedly and the 
behavior was a reoccurring event, I might say something to the effect of, "I 
notice your really struggling today.  Is there anything I can do to help?" 
if they seem relieved or open to the help.  I would share what has worked 
for me, making it clear that I get where they are and there's no judgment.

If it was some random person I've never seen before and I'm not likely to 
encounter them again, there's no way I'd confront them.  If I felt 
endangered or if I thought someone else might be in danger, I'd report the 
incident to the management, a nearby employee or the police, depending on 
the specific situation and which was most appropriate.  I am not the guide 
dog police.  I wouldn't appreciate it if some random stranger came up to me 
asking for paperwork or asking me a bunch of questions.  I'd feel like they 
were some sort of control freak, stalker person.

At a national convention, I went to step onto an elevator with my guide when 
another guide already on the elevator went cujo.  I just backed up and 
waited for the next available elevator.  I have no idea who it was, if it 
was a common behavior for that dog or if the team was just having a really 
bad day.  conventions are pretty stressful.

Julie
Courage to Dare: A Blind Woman's Quest to Train her Own Guide Dog is now 
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