Urban Dog Living - Police/Military/Working Dogs and your pet dog

"Common Sense is not so Common" - Voltaire

This is a topic that is a no brainer.  NEVER, EVER allow your dog to approach, interfere, socialize or even 'say hi' to any form of K9 working dog.   Unfortunately like Voltaire said not everyone exercises or even appears to have common sense.  I watched a woman allow her american bulldog to walk/wander (on leash) right up to a Secret Service K9 and it's handler.  If it wasn't for the fast handling and reaction of the K9 handler the bulldog would have had a chunk of it's side removed.  Luckily there was a whole inch and a half between the K9's teeth and the bulldog.   To make the interloper seem that much more intolerable she was on the phone during this entire encounter. 

Now this doesn't mean you cross the street or avoid every German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retriever or Giant Schnauzer.   The large police car or vehicle with "CAUTION K9" emblazoned on it should be enough of a clue.  The person accompanying the dog will usually be dressed like an officer (that's another clue).   These K9s are highly trained working animals.  They don't have to get along with anyone other than their handler.  Yes, there are some K9s that are social, but they are few and far between. 

Tip for the Day:
Always give a working dog a wide berth when out with your dog.  If you can't cross the street turn around and go the other way.  You can get a ticket for interfering with a working dog.  You can get a ticket if an officer doesn't like the way you are behaving around a K9.  They are considered law enforcement officers.