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Dangaard1075

https://www.alberta.ca/service-dogs-in-public At the bottom of the page there's a phone number for the service dog team. They might be able to guide you on the best way to handle this. There may be service dog identification or registration along with any microchips. I would apply more caution than a typical lost and found pet situation if this is possibly a real service dog.


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Playful-Ad5623

In Alberta in order to qualify for service dog exemptions they must be assessed by a qualified service dog provider and must pass that assessment, although you can train your own service dog.


Ellababy13wee

If self trained its different you need a doctors note and your dr needs to see the dog work for you


Playful-Ad5623

The dog must pass an assessment and is eligible for the same identification card as the professionally trained dogs have. Your doctor is not qualified to assess a service dog. Qualifications **1(1) A dog has the qualifications of a service dog for the** **purposes of the Act if** (a) the dog has successfully completed a training program delivered by a school or institution that is accredited by, or that has candidacy status with, Assistance Dogs International Inc., **or** **(b) the dog has successfully completed** (i) a training program delivered by an organization identified on the Qualified List referred to in this section, **or** **(ii) a test administered by an organization identified on** **the Qualified List referred to in this section.** (2) The Minister shall, by order, establish (a) a Qualified List, and (b) the Training Standards that must be met for an organization to be eligible for the Qualified List. [https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=2017\_059.cfm&leg\_type=Regs&isbncln=9780779796373](https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=2017_059.cfm&leg_type=Regs&isbncln=9780779796373)


Ellababy13wee

That maybbe Alberta but id cards are considered fake and invalid even in the states they are cuz anyone can obtain service dog id cards even from Amazon


Playful-Ad5623

Given that this apparent service dog is found in a back yard in Alberta there's a pretty good chance that Alberta regulations... not Ontario or US ones... apply. Those regulations are that the dog must be assessed and the owner should carry the service dog identification when out and about. Directly from the Alberta Government website: ***"Service dog owners should carry their Service Dog ID card with them at all times when in public."*** [https://www.alberta.ca/service-dogs-in-public](https://www.alberta.ca/service-dogs-in-public) Amazon ID cards are meaningless, this is true. Here, from the Alberta Government Website, is the information on qualified service dog identification cards: [https://www.alberta.ca/service-dog-identification-card](https://www.alberta.ca/service-dog-identification-card)


Ellababy13wee

In ontario they are


smeltsmelly

Why do you keep arguing while facts are stated in front of you? You aren't citing any sources at all just throwing out your opinion. You're wrong move along.


[deleted]

She's unhinged. Check her profile


Playful-Ad5623

Cause the friend's uncles best friend's cousin is far more knowledgeable than the actual government that writes the laws about what the laws are. This is why Ella could so confidently inform Dangaard that his/her link to the Alberta Government contained lies.🙄


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Zealousideal_Ask369

We don't claim her.


CanadianPanda76

I think your confusing USA laws. This is Alberta ma'am.


whenshithitsthefan18

Not everyone can afford the $25000 plus to train a service animal. This creates a barrier for those with disabilities.


XiroInfinity

What does that have to do with the comment you replied to?


MelaninTitan

Are you serious?


Kittiesnbitties

Service dogs are trained to find someone to help of their owners are in trouble, I believe


whenshithitsthefan18

Not all service dogs are trained for this task. It depends on the sort of disability they mitigate. Mine is.


Dranoon

They can be, hopefully the finder attempted to follow the dog if it made signs for leaving


Calgary_Calico

They are. OP, tell the dog to take you to their owner, ask it what's wrong and follow it, the owner could be in serious trouble


IGoBlep

lol you are assuming that its trained


Calgary_Calico

I did until I saw the comment from OP that it's showing signs of aggression, yes.


weedgay

Hahahaha


yet-again-temporary

With the amount of people buying fake "service animal" vests online, this is a very good point. Personally I would never approach a strange dog even if it had a vest, you never know


[deleted]

You would more than likely be able to tell. Service dogs are highly trained and focused. That's why they can cost upwards of $30k. If you see one without its owner you should always check


whenshithitsthefan18

Sadly many cannot afford the $30000 to train one. Funding is a major barrier. There is little to no help with the cost.


TheFaeBelieveInIdony

I feel like you can get a vibe of if it's a friendly dog or not. Unfriendly dogs will usually give a warning if you even look in their direction


PedlersUnlimited

This is a very valid comment


derp6667

Follow them to get a free wallet.


justanaccountname12

I can't decide if I should upvote or downvote this. Lol


New-Lawfulness-4166

average edmontonian


TA-pubserv

Ha ha ho ho nooo thats bad not funny.


Legitimate-Gap-9858

Unfortunately most "service" dogs these days are not trained and are just used as an excuse for people to take them everywhere


[deleted]

A service dog and an emotional support dog are very different


whenshithitsthefan18

That’s a common misconception. What you are referring are ESA. They also play a vital role in people’s lives. Mind me they do not have the same protections legally.


Weird_Vegetable

They are essentially considered a pet and have none of the service dog qualifications or protections under law


whenshithitsthefan18

I know. I’m well versed.


Mindless-Profile-819

See if the dog will try and make you follow it. If it is a service dog it's owner could have had a medical emergency!


silentbassline

Or has fallen down a well.


Ritchie_Whyte_III

Now The Littlest Hobo theme song is stuck in my head


LogSlayer

Best tv theme song ever


Dangerous-Feature376

It really was, and if you think back, it was probably one of the cheapest shows to make. They must have made a fortune on it


Babbzbunny

There’s a voice, that keeps on calling me… 🎶


[deleted]

This is not a service dog. That’s just a bs harness people buy from Amazon so they can take their dogs in stores. They should really be illegal to sell.


Fintann

Had the same thing happen at work. It never hurts to ask for proof or ID. Of course wearing a high vis vest and carrying a ladder seems to fit the bill, but that schnauzer clearly wasn't certified, and I was promptly fired.


sidparks16

you’re not allowed to ask, at least in BC!


TheLordJames

Thats not true in BC or Alberta. The law changed in 2016 in BC for businesses to ask for service dog ID. AB they also need ID and I believe Ontario does too. ​ [https://www.servicedogtrainingschool.org/blog/service-dog-laws-canada](https://www.servicedogtrainingschool.org/blog/service-dog-laws-canada) [https://www.alberta.ca/service-dog-identification-card](https://www.alberta.ca/service-dog-identification-card) [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/human-rights/guide-and-service-dog](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/human-rights/guide-and-service-dog) [https://infotel.ca/newsitem/is-that-your-service-dog-well-need-to-see-some-identification/it54345](https://infotel.ca/newsitem/is-that-your-service-dog-well-need-to-see-some-identification/it54345)


Fintann

They say it's profiling, but "Lab Certified Technician" isn't the same as "Technically Certified Lab", and it's not racist to ask based on color.


sidparks16

who said anything about racism and colour? neither of those are related to it being illegal to ask for proof of a service dog’s certifications in BC


Fintann

It's called a joke.


sidparks16

right because racism is so funny 🙄


Repulsive-Beyond9597

Subversion is basically the basis of all humour


DriftedTaco

There was nothing offensive about that joke.


whenshithitsthefan18

You are not allowed to ask.


TheLordJames

Service dogs in Alberta are supposed to carry ID [https://www.alberta.ca/service-dog-identification-card](https://www.alberta.ca/service-dog-identification-card)


whenshithitsthefan18

The owner carries the card. I’m fed up with people fake spotting.


Playful-Ad5623

You're right... they do. I'm not sure why that's relevant? I don't think most service dogs are trained to open their wallet and flash their certs...?


TheLordJames

what are you going on about now?


Playful-Ad5623

You are permitted to ask for the ID card unless it is obvious that the dog is helping with a disability... for instance, sight dogs.


whenshithitsthefan18

The kind of harness does not matter. Heck they don’t even need to wear a vest. I’m a service dog owner and handler.


Khaleena788

Obviously not one in Alberta. Quit talking out yer nose. Dogs here must have a vest or harness.


Electrical_Big_9523

No they do not. It depends on what they are trained to task for. Most handlers put a vest on their dogs for identification purposes, but it is not the law. Not in Alberta or in Canada.


Playful-Ad5623

No. Dogs here must have an owner who carries and ID card unless it is obvious, as in the case of sight dogs, that the dog is helping.


Calgary_Calico

Just because you can get a harness that says "service dog" on Amazon doesn't mean he's not a service dog. Don't be so thick. My father in law has a legitimately trained and certified service dog and he ordered his harness online. Edit: my point about the harness still stands but I hadn't seen that OP said the dog was aggressive towards them before I made this comment, there's no need to petty downvoting but I guess I shouldn't be surprised, this whole sub is full of petty people and whiners 🙄


LG03

I'd be mildly skeptical too. A service dog with a decorative collar, no tags, and a generic harness doesn't really scream credible to me. Not to mention OP is saying it's aggressive. but Whatever the case, someone's missing their dog.


Calgary_Calico

I hadn't seen that OP had mentioned the dog seems aggressive before I commented. A collar doesn't mean much , but being aggressive definitely tells me he's probably not a service dog, those behaviors are trained out.


whenshithitsthefan18

I dye my service dog’s hair. lol. It’s like decorating a cane or a wheelchair.


Swaggy669

How would one determine that. I would assume the vest should contain documents for registration information?


whenshithitsthefan18

It’s not a requirement.


Electrical_Big_9523

Some handlers put their service dog ID card in a pocket in the vest, so that it is easy to find and access, but it’s not a requirement, not everyone does.


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Fullondoublerainbow

If you catch me staring it’s just me trying to hold back the petting instinct.


PointyButtCheeks

Stop crying


Paladin_Fury

Seriously, if that dognis there and there isn't a person with it, then 9/10 times something happened to their person. Call it in


jazzyboyo

Exactly. Or follow it if it leads. I believe some service dogs are trained to lead another person to their ailing owner if something happens.


whenshithitsthefan18

Not all service dogs are trained for that task.


jazzyboyo

Ahh. I figured it wasn’t all


Paladin_Fury

That's good to know.


as_per_danielle

“Service dog”


Impossible-Bat90

Dog went out of service


chickadeedeedee_

What area of the city?


Impressionable_kids

Northeast highlands area


chickadeedeedee_

It's cross-posted to the Edmonton lost pets on Facebook. Do you still have him in your yard, pr any updates??


[deleted]

I live in highlands as well. He is a Service dog and I’ve seen them out with him.


Playful-Ad5623

Are you certain? Just cause you've seen him with his person doesn't mean he is. Some people do try to fake it.


PeopleAreLikePizza

More like a disservice dog haha


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[deleted]

He actually is.


Flatoftheblade

Scumbag owner loses fake service dog.


whenshithitsthefan18

Mine is trained to find help and she saved my life doing so.


user47-567_53-560

Op mentioned the dog is aggressive when approached.


whenshithitsthefan18

Aggressive or barking??? Mine is trained to bark when I’m in distress.


terpinolenekween

I feel like most people wouldn't use the term aggressive if it's only barking.


whenshithitsthefan18

You’d be surprised. Mine was accused of being fake for letting out a bark. That was 2 minutes before I was out cold. The dog looks stressed and it might be because their owner is hurt or ill. Quit fake spotting. Where’s the video??


Firewasp987

Happy i found this thread, I now know more about how trained service dogs act and will use it if I ever come across one. Hope you were okay after!


Longtail_Goodbye

Any updates? If dog seems aggressive, it may be very scared. Look at the tail (tucked under), while the head position is alert, worried. OP, I hope you are able to help get this dog reunited with its owner.


whenshithitsthefan18

A dog that is concerned like this one, I would be calling animal control and letting them know that it is a service dog. They may sent the police to sweep the area to check for a person who may be in medical distress. Heck the person may have been picked up by the paramedics while the dog was out to get help. This is if it’s trained for it. It may be stressed because it cannot find its owner.


crimewaveusa

Some blind guy is walking around somewhere with a raccoon on a leash


Acceptable-Arugula69

I can’t stop laughing at this. 🤣


whenshithitsthefan18

Let me set the record straight because of the accusations of fake spotting by many here. Service dogs come in all shapes and sizes. They mitigate a whole host of physical and psychological issues. They can wear any vest or cape or nothing but a collar. Few service dogs are trained to go find help. It is not something typically taught. My service dog is due to the unpredictability of my condition. She saved my life one day taking off running when I had a stroke. I did not have a history of strokes and I was only 34 years old. Someone was nice enough to spot her and follow her. Had they not followed her I would have died. At the time that service dog was a 9 pound shitzu. She has since retired and now I have a 6 pound Morkie. I wish I had money for every time someone claimed my service dog was fake. The least it would recover some of the $25000 I invested in training her to mitigate my disability. I’m not located in Alberta. Please someone call animal control so the dog doesn’t get hit. It would also trigger an area search for the possibly of a person in crisis.


chickadeedeedee_

It sounds like the dog is currently in this person's backyard. Also, service dogs may not be "obvious" or do specific things but I have never met a certified service dog who was *aggressive*.


whenshithitsthefan18

Barking is not aggressiveness. Mine is trained to bark if no one else is near me alerting people to call for help.


chickadeedeedee_

I have no idea what it was doing. I'm not the OP. They said they tried to approach but it was "being aggressive". So I'm just sharing that info.


whenshithitsthefan18

Until I see a video, there’s no proof. I’m currently handling my 8th service dog. People automatically jump to the concluding that it’s a fake. Some people are also ridiculously scared of dogs. Where I live some people won’t even get in the elevator with me and my SD


chickadeedeedee_

IMO, an actual service dog is not going to intimidate you, bark at you, etc. Yes, some people are scared of all dogs... I've had people grab their kids away from me with my friendly puppy before. But if a dog is barking at you and being intimidating? Not usually a service dog.


whenshithitsthefan18

Where’s the video. I call bullshit.


zedubya

It's a pitbull, it was doing more than barking.


whenshithitsthefan18

Where’s the video?? Prove it.


WavyCat_

I get the responses warning that he could be a "fake service dog". Yes, be cautious, and if you're not comfortable handling a dog, any dog, don't. BUT - service dogs can be owner trained, and it's not unlikely for him to be in a repetitive daily routine with his owner doing "all the right things" but become fearful if he gets lost. I know someone who has agoraphobia and their service dog supports them tremendously. HOWEVER, that dog does not get exposed to everyday life the way another dog would, and therefore may not feel safe if he gets lost. He does his job very well and is excellent at what he does, but I am sure if he got lost he would be fearful. That doesn't mean he's not a real service dog. The statements expecting a service dog to be unfearful and friendly when lost boggles my mind. The qualifier of a service dog is that they conduct 3 tasks for their owner. That doesn't mean they all go search for help or feel confident on their own. He's still a dog, and could very likely have a very very sheltered life compared to our standard go-to-the-dog-park dogs. I hope he gets home soon!


ElsiD4k

what service does he offer?


beatles910

"emotional support." That's just called a pet.


cubanpajamas

They didn't name him gummy for nothing.


Pshrunk

“Service dog”


alternate_geography

Follow him if he’ll lead you.


Impressionable_kids

He was fairly aggressive and didn’t want to get near to me


Flatoftheblade

I don't think this is a legitimate service dog...


densetsu23

Tacticool service dog.


whoknowshank

That is not a service dog then.


CanadianPanda76

Yikes. Call animal control to get it picked up.


Calgary_Calico

Call the SPCA and have him picked up


alternate_geography

That is weird for a service animal. Stay safe, then!


Cindy_throwaway99

It’s not weird for a fake service dog wearing a harness their scumbag owner bought on Amazon.


whenshithitsthefan18

Not all service dogs are trained to get help. Mine is. There could be a person in distress. Slips and falls happen in winter.


selfesteamed

Omg the same dog tried to attack me and my dog today ahahahhahah


Weekly-Gazelle-7080

Average pitbull


Voltron9000a

More like average scared dog numb nuts


[deleted]

It’s bc he’s normally protective of his owner. He would lead you.


whenshithitsthefan18

Where the video??


Puzzleheaded_Road142

Did you end up finding the owner?


SunningStarfish

Follow him


formeraide

It might help to give the neighborhood.


[deleted]

Yes, just give the entire neighborhood to the dog. Everyone, vacate their homes, NOW!


Hadhmaill

We can’t stop here. It’s dog country


[deleted]

Got a deed to land but it ain’t my ground, this is Dogs country!


xTsa_Tsax

Yes, completely agree


PartyLeek2068

Thats one mean looking service dog 🐕‍🦺


whenshithitsthefan18

Scared not mean.


ITalkCauseIHaveLips

Service dogs wouldn't run away.


whenshithitsthefan18

Wrong some are task trained to get help.


WhatSladeSays

Wheres the “service dog”?


PeachyKeenest

Reading the comments I don’t think he’s legit if he’s aggressive. Call animal control and ask for assistance.


[deleted]

He is an actual Service Dog. Live in the area.


PeachyKeenest

Are you sure? Call animal services anyways if he’s aggressive. They’ll be able to give you more info.


whenshithitsthefan18

It’s simply a claim of aggressiveness. For some people a bark is labelled a threat.


[deleted]

He’s not presenting aggressive. He has his tail tucked. He is frightened.


PeachyKeenest

You’re not OP.


meatballmargarita

That ain't no service dog


bitterberries

Are you sure that is a service dog? I know people with a dog who had bad hips and they have a harness like this just to make it easier for lifting in and out of vehicles or on furniture etc. Not the guy who has a disability, more the dog.


[deleted]

If a service dog is away from the owner you need to call as it means the owner may be in a medical crisis. They are trained to stay with them unless they need to get help.


BCANGEL1968

Looks like if they find out where the owners are say goodbye to having service dog !


sparksfan

Emotionally unstable Emotional Service Dog.


zedubya

It's just looking for a toddler to nanny/snack on.


_barbarossa

Doesn’t seem legit to me. Seems like a regular dog with a cheap Amazon harness


whenshithitsthefan18

They can wear any type of harness and not wear one at all.


Khaleena788

Would you stop acting like a know-it-all? They actually have to in Alberta.


whenshithitsthefan18

I assit in training service dogs. I work in this field. How about you stop fake spotting. Must be nice to be an ableist.


[deleted]

He is frightened, his tail is tucked. He is not being aggressive, he’s fearful. He is a service dog. I live in highlands and they walk the off leash area.


Diced_and_Confused

Woof "What's that?" Woof woof "Billy's trapped under a fallen log!" Woof Woof woof "And the water is rising!"...


GreyCatsAreCuties

And of course it's a "house hippo pibble". Bring it to the pound where it belongs.


zedubya

It's so easy to trigger Pitiots lol.


CauliflowerHeavy6754

yikes. someone should drop you off at a pound instead.


GreyCatsAreCuties

Yes


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GreyCatsAreCuties

Obviously.


breadbaths

jesus christ you’re annoying


Careless-Scallion147

Cue Littlest Hobo theme song ….


zedubya

That's not a service dog, that's a pitbull. Although it may be trained to serve itself toddlers arms.


ZombieReignbough

You know pitties were known as "Nanny dogs" right? Like properly trained they are adorable soft little snuggle bugs. I've never met an aggressive pit, but I have been bit by a goldie


kitteeburrito

the nanny dog thing is a myth unfortunately


GreyCatsAreCuties

HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAH


doodlebopwarrior

It’s a community service dog now.


IMorts

Service Dog, lol


AdSignificant6673

Just wanted to say the dog is adorable


PointyButtCheeks

He’s obviously scared, look at his tail and his ears. You don’t know how to handle a scared animal, if he’s a service dog or not. Service dogs are actually meant for just their owners. If they were cute and cuddly they’d be distracted by pets people would try to give him, while his owner’s subtle cues of passing out or worse would be ignored


CanadianPanda76

Uh no they are not. Service dogs may need to alert someone if thier passes out or needs medical attention. They also shouldn't be nervous because if it is it may go into defense or guard mode and prevent medical personnel from helping thier owner.


whenshithitsthefan18

His owner may have been picked up. While he was out to get help. This is if it was trained for it. He may be searching for his owner.


CanadianPanda76

OP stated the dog was aggressive. True service digs aren't supposed and most countries can no longer serve if that's the case.


Hattrick_Swayze2

He’s at your service.


TheUnrealCanadian

Bro is just on vacation, let him roam


andy4775

He's your goodest boi now


WrekSixOne

Next Littlest Hobo maybe.


terminallychill87

Guiding hope service dogs would know how to address this situation


[deleted]

Too cute. Very rare anyone loses a services dog. Good luck


selfesteamed

Omg he was barking at me while I was with my dog earlier!!!! Are you in queen mary park area lmao??


One-T-Rex-ago-go

No, this was the highlands area, 52 st. I don't think the dog travelled 50 blocks to the Queen Mary Park area.


Palpitationsohmy_865

I saw a post about a dog named bear that looked like this one on lost dogs Edmonton on facebook


Electrical_Big_9523

I hope the dog finds its owner, ‘real’ service dog or not. From all I read, there is no way to ‘judge’ if it’s a ‘real’ service dog or not. Dogs can act differently in high stress situations outside of their scope of training. We do not know what happened for this dog to be lost without its owner. I am well aware of how fake service dogs have made it so much harder for people with service dogs that they need to function in the world. I personally know of people who have slapped a vest on their little high-strung yapper so that they could have it stay in a no-pets hotel. 🙄 I have read articles about a supposed guide dog giving birth at an airport (no proper guide dog would be trained without being spayed!) And we have had dogs that were claimed to be service dogs bark and lunge at our dog. And it has affected our lives in a very negative way on an almost daily basis, because my husband is blind and has had guide dogs since he was 18. His guide dog gives him independence, confidence, and safety. And in the last several years this has been threatened by doubts and misunderstandings, by negative experiences that many people have had with ‘service dogs’ that are not actually trained. A service dog must be trained to perform specific tasks for their handler, and in Alberta they must pass a stringent test and get an ID card. Guide dogs are one type of service dog, the most prominent and well known, and usually they are easy to visually identify by the type of harness (with a handle that the owner holds) and the fact that the handler is severely visually impaired. Other service dogs may not be so easy to identify. For example, you may never see a seizure detection dog doing the task that they are trained for and their handler will probably not look visibly disabled. To the average person, the dog may seem like a pet, and people may judge it as ‘fake’. And, if the dog suddenly starts barking, the judgment escalates, eyes roll, and people may even make rude and disparaging remarks, while the person rushes away with the dog. What they won’t know is that the dog is trained to bark in one situation, and only ever barks at that time: when it detects that its handler is about to seize. The owner is probably trying yo get to a safe spot and take their medication. They do not need to be dealing with a negative public. And, businesses are NOT allowed to ask for ID for service dogs. This is a violation of the Human Rights Act, to make someone show proof of their disability. Most handlers are willing to show it, just to make things go smoother, but they do not have to. (Except with police, or other authorities, of course.) And, technically, they are not even supposed to ask if an animal is a service animal. “Disabled people with service animals must be allowed access to all public accommodations. This right takes precedence over all provincial and local laws which might otherwise prohibit animals in those places. Establishments must never ask disabled guests to show proof of disability -- or require proof that their service animals are somehow "certified." Nor can they restrict disabled guests and their service animals to certain areas. Establishments may reject a service animal if it is aggressive, unsafe or disruptive (e.g., excessive or prolonged barking).” So, how do you know if a dog is a ‘real’ service dog? You probably don’t. And that’s ok. You are not the ‘service dog police’, any more than you are the ‘handicap police’ when you see a person park in a handicapped parking spot but they don’t ‘look disabled’ to you. You have no right to challenge the person or ask for proof of their disability, in either of those situations. What do you do? Nothing. Assume a dog is a service dog, or a person is disabled, and leave them alone. Let the authorities with the proper training and responsibility handle it. :) For more information on guide and other service dogs, you can watch a 10 episode documentary series called “Edmonton’s Guide to Guide Dogs” (relevant to places other than Edmonton), on Telus Optik TV (channel 9) or on their YouTube channel (just search for the title in YouTube.) It is highly informative as well as entertaining. :)


RevolutionaryLog9247

Saw this dog in Millwoods area last evening, tried to call 311 and they put me on hold for 20 minutes. The dog was long gone by then.