5 Challenges of Being a Service Dog Handler (And How to Respond)

Welcoming a professionally trained service dog into your life comes with many joys and benefits, but also some surprising challenges. It’s helpful to understand these challenges before working with a service dog to make sure it’s the right solution for you. Here are five common challenges that service dog handlers face and the best way to respond according to training experts at Northwest Battle Buddies. 

Service Dog Handler Challenges to Prepare For

Challenge 1: Letting people know that it is not okay to pet your service dog

A professionally trained service dog is doing a serious, life-changing job, so it’s important that they stay focused and don’t get distracted by well-meaning citizens. But sometimes that’s easier said than done. 

Even if your dog wears a vest identifying it as a service animal, the public may disregard it and try to approach. They may not understand what it even means to be a professionally trained service dog and why it’s not a good idea to approach a working dog. Just as your Battle Buddy supports and protects you, it will be up to you to be kind but firm, letting people know when it’s okay to approach or pet your dog and when it isn’t. 

Challenge 2: Responding to curious onlookers

For better or worse, a beautiful, well-behaved dog out in public is going to attract attention, especially if they are allowed to go into places regular companion pets can’t go. That curiosity is not necessarily a bad thing, but it might be uncomfortable for you as their service dog handler, especially when you’re not expecting it. 

People may ask about your Battle Buddy, why you have them, and what they are trained to do. While always being polite, you are not obligated to answer any of these questions. There are only two questions that any service dog handler has to answer by someone in authority in public: Is this a service dog? And what does it do for you? You are not required to give details about your disability.

During specialized training for Veterans at Northwest Battle Buddies, we help you find the best way to answer and take control of the situation, so you can be friendly without revealing anything you don’t want others to know. 

Challenge 3: Getting questioned or turned away in public places

When you go out into the world, you may encounter business owners or employees who don’t understand the laws around service dogs or don’t know the difference between a professionally trained service dog and an emotional support dog. Although businesses are required to know the law, and it’s not your job to educate them, these situations arise, and you’ll have to decide how to handle it. 

There may be some instances where you are questioned or need to push back when a business asks you to leave or makes an unreasonable request – for example, asking you to provide documentation or explain your disability. The solution is to know the law and make the best call about whether to educate, ignore, or, in serious cases, file a complaint. 

Challenge 4: Meeting your service dog’s needs in non-dog-friendly places

Unlike a pet, a professionally trained service dog may be allowed in an airport or restaurant. But these establishments aren’t always set up to attend to your service dog’s needs. If you’re going to a place where animals are not normally allowed, plan ahead for the basics, like potty breaks, food and water, and a little bit of movement and exercise, if needed. 

Challenge 5: Taking care of your dog through thick and thin

Like any living being, your dog may get sick in public, behave below their training, or develop a chronic health issue that requires you to take care of them just as much as they take care of you. When you are paired with your service dog, you’re making a lifetime commitment. That commitment comes with true joy and progress for both of you, as well as real challenges and tough moments. 

We’re here to tell you that it’s all worth it, but we want you to be ready for the ups and downs. Challenges are normal, and you and your service dog can face them together.

Ready to take on the challenges and rewards of being a service dog handler? At Northwest Battle Buddies, we pair Veterans with professionally trained PTSD service dogs at no cost to eligible American heroes. Find out if you’re eligible to work with a life-changing dog today.