Thread by @servicerotties

I try so hard to do a good job, but after 4 days of no good walks I was so excited that I became silly. We had stopped in a driveway to let some approaching people pass & when I noticed their dog was off leash I stood up, gave a "Wanna chase me?" snort & rolled in the snow.

1/

I know that's not proper #ServiceDog etiquette & it's doubtful I'd ever do such things in an actual work environment, but it's also important people remember we aren't programmed machines. We're sentient beings & sometimes we'll make the wrong choice.

2/

What's really important is that we respond & stop what we're doing as soon as we're told "No", "Quit", "Stop" or any other cue that tells us we've made a bad choice. Although a mistake has been, our handler remains in control. I get rewarded anytime I respond to "No".

3/

This reminds me that it's a super important word & to always listen to it. Today I needed a reminder that just because another dog is offleash on the sidewalk, it doesn't mean we're at a dog park. But after that, I was immediately able to go back to work mode.

4/

I'm so glad we can finally get out a bit more. There's still some major snow challenges in my area, but with a little human help, I could finally take my Mistress all the way to the corner market today in her wheelchair. That made us happy.

5/5
#ServiceDog #dogs #yeg