Can Service Dogs Still Be Dogs?
One of the most common questions I get from people who are considering bringing a service dog into their life is: Can service dogs still be dogs? How much do they work? Can they have doggy friends? Can they do doggy things? Or are they constantly working, always on duty?
The answer is simple: Yes, they are still dogs, and yes, they still get to be dogs.
Balancing Work and Play
A service dog’s job is important, but that doesn’t mean they never get downtime. They deserve to play, have fun, and enjoy life like any other dog. That being said, I don’t recommend letting them develop bad habits like eating poop, chewing on shoes, or displaying unruly behavior.
A well-balanced service dog can have structured fun while maintaining their training and work ethic. They can have doggy friends, engage in appropriate play, and enjoy life outside of their work tasks.
Are Dog Parks Okay?
Generally, I don’t recommend dog parks. However, I have used them when they are empty. If you’re going to take a service dog to a dog park, follow these precautions:
Only enter if the park is empty.
Bring your own water (to prevent exposure to bacteria or parasites).
Bring your own toys.
Stay actively engaged with your dog.
I don’t believe in sitting on a bench and watching while my dog plays. Instead, I stay involved, moving around with them and keeping them engaged.
Can Service Dogs Make Friends on Walks?
One of my strict rules is no on-leash greetings. I don’t trust unknown dogs, especially when their owners allow them to pull at the end of the leash to greet mine. If I introduce my service dog to a new dog, I take a slow and structured approach, such as walking together at a distance first or using opposite sides of a chain-link fence for an initial introduction.
Bringing a New Dog into the Home
When bringing a new dog into my home, I take things slowly. The new dog starts in a crate, and introductions happen gradually. Initially, they meet one-on-one with my other dogs in a controlled setting, and only when I feel it’s safe do they interact with multiple dogs at once. There’s no rush; I set them up for success over time.
The Importance of Play and Enrichment
At our training facility, we prioritize playtime. Our team member, Rick, plays ball with the dogs using a Chuckit, giving them exercise and engagement. The dogs recognize “Uncle Rick” and get excited for their turn to play.
In our home, we categorize the dogs into groups—littles, mids, and bigs—to ensure appropriate play sessions. Bert, for example, loves visiting his friends and enjoys playtime structured around his schedule.
Can Service Dogs Beg or Get Treats from Visitors?
Our service dogs know they won’t get food from me, but they have learned that when my mom visits, she will share with them. However, they don’t beg from everyone—just from my mom. This is an example of how service dogs can have different experiences with different people while still maintaining good manners.
Dogs Need Rules, Even at Home
Play is an important outlet, but I don’t allow play in the house. With multiple dogs in my home, allowing free play indoors would lead to chaos. Instead, play happens outside, where we have designated areas for different activities—such as the old goat yard for ball games and the back area for adventure walks.
Training can incorporate play, like retrieve games, but unstructured play is reserved for outdoor time. This helps maintain a calm and controlled environment inside the home.
Socialization with Other Dogs
If I visit someone’s house and they have dogs, I don’t immediately let my dog interact with theirs. If I don’t know the dog well, I won’t risk it. Instead, I opt for a neutral meeting place, such as a park, and observe how they interact from a distance before deciding if direct interaction is appropriate.
Setting Up for Success
When people bring a service dog into their home, they need to evaluate their current pets. If their existing dogs have behavioral issues—such as aggression, fearfulness, or hyperactivity—the new service dog may pick up on those behaviors. That’s why I always assess a household’s dog dynamics before placing a service dog.
I’ve had situations where a family wanted one of our dogs, but their existing pet had serious issues. In some cases, I’ve recommended professional trainers to evaluate the situation before moving forward. In other cases, we were unable to place the dog.
Final Thoughts
Service dogs can absolutely still be dogs, but they need structure. They can have fun, play, and enjoy life while still fulfilling their important roles. The key is balance—giving them outlets for their energy while maintaining their training and work ethic.
A well-trained service dog is not just a working partner; they’re also a loved member of the family. By setting rules, creating positive routines, and allowing structured play, service dogs can lead fulfilling lives both on and off duty.
