What is a service dog?

There is a bit of a debate going on at some of the other blogs I read (see here and here). Both of these blogs are written by puppy raisers for service dog schools. Both of these bloggers are located in the USA. One holds a narrow view of which dog can be a service dog. The other holds a view that can accommodate dogs like Paige.

A service dog is any dog that accompanies their owner in public to help mitigate a disability. There is no limit as to where that dog comes from or who it is trained by. What matters is how it behaves and that it's appearance is kept up. Please understand that not all dogs are going to be on their best behaviour all the time. Dogs are not like wheelchairs, although they fall under the same piece of legislation here in Alberta. They have personalities and needs. They interact with the world separate of their handler and sometimes that smell over there is just too much. The handler should be courteous and kind to the public. Although the questions that we get asked can seem obtrusive at times, people really are just curious. Most don't see a service dog very often. Service dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds. There is no right or wrong answer to this topic. I've seen a Pomeranian and a Saint Bernard be service dogs for different people, for different reasons.

Next time you see a dog out in public and wonder if it is a real service dog, because there are fakers out there, be careful before you judge. Not all disabilities are visible.