Hey guys! Riot, here. Many people know that when it comes to training Service Dogs, socialization is HUGE. But, what does it exactly entail? My dad and  I have people coming up all the time to ask about my training. We aren't going to get into how annoying that can be (it really is). But, rather, get into the issue about why you can not pet me. 

A lot of people get upset or offended when told that I am working and can not be pet. 

"But he's just too cute."

"Aren't you supposed to socialize him?"

That last one there is the catch. Socialization is not just letting me run up and meet everyone and everything. That teaches me bad manners! A big part of socialization is teaching me that I'm not going to be allowed to stop and meet every humans person I see. I have to understand that my dad is my handler and he is the one I am supposed to focus on while I work. 

When people stop my dad to talk to him, this is great practice for me. Because my dad is ignoring me and focusing on someone else, this means I have to focus on him without being told or reminded. 

By ignoring a service dog in training, whether you are talking to the handler or just passing by, you are helping so much more than you know!