Paw Patrol

You don’t want to touch the dog without asking permission first. This is a distraction and may prevent the dog from helping its human partner. Be aware that the dog is working and may be in the middle of a command or direction from its partner. Most dogs need to be told a command to switch from work mode to interact with another person.

Many people who use wheelchairs and other equipment feel like their wheelchair is a part of their body. You don’t want to touch a person’s equipment, like a wheelchair or crutches, unless they’ve given you permission.

You can admire the person with their assistance dog from afar but if you’d like to learn more, you can approach and speak to the person directly. Most handlers do not mind talking about assistance dogs and their dog specifically if they have the time. In fact, they often enjoy it! But be sure to ask before petting or speaking directly to the dog. The dog needs permission from its human partner before interacting with you.

Please don’t feed the dog. It may be on a special diet. Food is the ultimate distraction to the working dog and can jeopardize the working assistance dog team.

You can admire the person with their assistance dog from afar but if you’d like to learn more, you can approach and speak to the person directly. Most handlers do not mind talking about assistance dogs and their dog specifically if they have the time. In fact, they often enjoy it! But be sure to ask before petting or speaking directly to the dog. The dog needs permission from its human partner before interacting with you.

That’s a great question! Canine Companions assistance dogs spend two years training to become expertly trained best friends to kids and adults with disabilities. These amazing dogs are trained in over 40 commands. That means they can do more than 40 different things for their human partner. They can open and close doors, carry lunch boxes, pick up books and pencils and other things kids might drop and so much more! To learn more about what these dogs can do, visit our dogs page.

Just like asking to pet the dog, you don’t want to touch the dog without asking permission first. This is a distraction and may prevent the dog from tending to its human partner. Be sensitive to the fact that the dog is working and may be in the middle of a command or direction from its partner. Most dogs need to be told “release” from work mode to interact with another person.

While it’s very kind to want to help someone with a disability, always ask whether they want your help first. If they do want help, ask how you can best assist them. If a person doesn’t want help, don’t worry! People with disabilities like to do activities independently, just like you!