As a guide dog owner I am very happy for people to make a fuss of my 4 legged friend, Trigger when he is not working. He is a wonderful dog and deserves to be fussed and played with as all work and no play makes Jack (sorry Trigger) a dull boy.
When working however it is imperative that Trigger and other assistance dogs are not disturbed. Distracting a guide dog can lead to me or another guide dog owner becoming intimately acquainted with a lamp post or the back of a number 7 bus, a fate which I am, you may be surprised to learn somewhat anxious to avoid!
The problem which I and other guide dog owners have is that many people see a cuddly dog and their immediate reaction is to call out to the animal or reach out and stroke it. I have lost count of the number of occasions on which I have politely had to request people not to distract Trigger when working due to the obvious dangers which can flow from doing so. Most people understand my explanation. However a minority either lack (for whatever reason) the ability to comprehend or, quite simply don’t care. One gentleman in my locality always greets Trigger when he is working and will often stroke him. I have explained, until I am blue in the face why he should not do this. However he still persists. What is one to do in such a situation, grin and bare it? Perhaps I should dress Trigger up to resemble the Hound of the Baskervilles. Would that act as a deterrent do you think?!
As I said above, I am very happy for Trigger to receive attention when he is not working. I do, however wish that the gentleman in my area would desist from distracting my (working) guide dog.
K Morris - Poet 
Unfortunately many people have started using service animal exceptions as a way of bring their pets into areas where animals would not ordinarily be allowed. As a consequence the distinction between working dogs and pets is weakened.
I have read about this happening in the United States but am not aware of it taking place in the UK. The Equalities Act (2010) allows guide dogs and other assistance animals to enter shops, restaurants and other places not usually permitted to admit them. As I understand it anyone attempting to pass off a pet as a working guide or other assistance animal would be committing an offence, is that not also the case in the States? Kevin
In the US there is no definite standard for service animals and pretty much anyone can certify any animal. Individual trainers have their own standards, but there is nothing to prevent a person from claiming to be a service dog trainer and handing out certificates for cash with no real work done with the animal. I know a trainer who is working with a professional association to set definitive nationwide standards, but it’s a slow process.
Lets hope that definitive standards come into operation. Not having them risks the work of (genuine) assistance animals being undermined. Thanks for your comment. Kevin
MishaBurnett makes a good point, but the trouble is you’ve explained and explained without success.
I’ve always understood the rule about a working guide dog. What is it with some people? They have a one track mind: themselves.
I agree absolutely, some people have a one track mind and are only concerned with the gratification they derive from interacting with a guide dog while paying know heed to the needs of the happless owner. Kevin
Oh dear – I am sure that he means well but he is obviously not quite with the programme. May I suggest that you type him a note explaining the situation and that whilst you appreciate his kind attention whilst your dog is working he is keeping you safe and must not be distracted…next time he goes to pet Trigger just tell him you have a note for him and ask him to read it first. Good Luck
Many thanks for your excellent suggestion. I will do that and let you and others know how he reacts. Kind regards. Kevin