If you're reading this blog, then chances are, you're a dog lover! Interacting with people's dogs or letting your own pup greet others is a common occurrence in the life of your average dog owner. However, when interacting with a working K9, it's essential to respect both the dog and its handler to ensure their safety and effectiveness. If you're thinking about walking right up to a K9 and patting them on the head, this is definitely the blog for you if you'd like to keep your fingers.
How can you tell whether or not a dog is a working k9?
A working K9 will generally have respective gear on to match their position. For example, a working K9 may wear a collar or a harness with a personalization or patches such as "WORKING K9", "DO NOT PET", or "SERVICE DOG" to identify that they are on duty. In some cases, owners will use personalized patches to stray others away as they are either training their pup, or if their dog is nervous or not friendly to other dogs. Here are three helpful tips to keep in mind when encountering a K9 on the job. These tips can also be applied to approaching rescue dogs or anti-social/reactive non-working dogs.
1. Respect Their Space
Working K9s are often on duty and focused on specific tasks. Whether you're curious about the task they're performing or you just think the dog is really cute, avoid approaching them without permission from the handler and provide a safe distance between you and the dog. Sudden movements or distractions can interfere with their work, so be sure to maintain a respectful range. The last thing you want is a high-powered K9 machine to shift its full attention to you, causing you to disrupt a crucial mission. You never know whether it's a life or death situation - so play it safe, and give them space!
2. Follow Handler Instructions
The K9's handler knows the dog's behavior/needs best, so make sure that you always adhere to their guidance. If you need to interact with the dog for one reason or another, wait for the handler's approval and follow their directions on how to proceed. This ensures everyones safety (except for the criminal that the dog is after) and allows the working pup to get their job done.
3. Avoid Eye Contact and Petting
I 100% understand the urge to pet every dog you see. Dogs are adorable, and working K9's are no exception. But while it might be tempting to pet or make eye contact with the dog, it's important to remember that working K9s are trained to perform specific tasks and can become distracted or anxious if approached inappropriately. The best etiquette is to admire their skills from a distance, and allow them to work without interruption. By observing these guidelines, you can help maintain a safe environment for the K9 team and yourself, and you'll do your part in contributing to their mission's success!