Hello all (first post), I didn't find an area in Service Dog section so I thought I'd do it here.

I am traveling with my Labrador Medical Alert dog, she is very good at home and in public places. However, she doesn't like to be touched while she has her work vest on.

While she doesn't attack or bite anyone, she doesn't like to be touched and she will let you know by just putting her head close to your hand or let out a small bark or she will get behind me since she thinks you want to play, and we all know she can't play while she works.. She will also do the same when there are sticks and things alike.

What I am concerned about is that aside from it being her first flight, when we go through the security checkpoint they will for sure wand her vest area to make sure she does not have anything on her. Any suggestions, as to how I can help her know it will be OK?

I can't remove her vest because when I do it means she is not working, when she actually is. I was also thinking of putting a muzzle on her just in case she barks at the checkpoint and removing it on the plane, but I don't want her to be uncomfortable throughout that time. Any suggestions?

I don't know anything about muzzles since I have never felt any need to put one on her. Also, I was recommended a sedative but I don't feel comfortable with that since I could have a medical emergency and she might not perform as she should? I am not sure how that works... Anyone know? Thanks!

Maxx.

Hello Maxx...Welcome!

How old is your dog?
Was she trained by you or an organization?

At what age did she start wearing her vest?

Sorry for all the questions, but I am just trying for a better feel of the situation!

Its fine, thanks for your prompt reply!

She is 3 years old, she started working at the age of 2, and she was trained by me and a friend dog trainer.

She is an excellent companion and alert dog, I trust her with my life on a daily basis. I'm just concerned cause she's never been through anything like that before (having strangers wanding her or touching her while her vest is on).

When is your flight?

I would have family, friends, and maybe some strangers (pet store clerks, vet techs, dog groomers... dog savvy strangers) wave a "wand" over her a few times before you have to go. Find out what her reaction is in that situation and go from there.

How is she with being handled with out the vest? If she has a bad reaction with it on, then take it off and see what she does.

This is a situation that should be easily worked out with desensitisation, but could take time. I DO feel that it is an important thing to work on though, perhaps after the flight...

She's a smart girl people shouldn't be touching her when she works but her response if it escalates isn't acceptable especially as you've mentioned with a flight when the handling is necessary.

When is your flight? Do you have enough time to retrain her response or is managing it a better solution?

Jessica- Thank you, yes I thought of having her vet try it out with a wand or a wand like object to see what her reaction is.

Today, I took her to a cell phone store and allowed the clerk to pet her after she smelled his hand, and she licked it (as she's suppose to) but when he tried to pet her around her service vest (chest) she backed away and went behind me.

Sheila- Than you, she is indeed a very smart girl. It would not escalate as to have her bite anyone or anything like that, I just don't want her to be scared or bark because of the large black wand thing.

I think I could train her in that time, however with me, she'll let me do anything & I don't have many other people to assist in her training as my friend the dog trainer lives in California.

Do you think that it would help her if I practice with a wand like object?

Wouldn't a Service Dog be trained during its training program to undergo things like pat-downs for travel and the such?

And wouldn't the certifying organization that grants the dog the title of "Service Dog" test the dogs for situations like these?

I'm totally confused here...

Update** I "wanded" her and she didn't react, but I think it was just cause it was me. Thanks for all your suggestions; I'll try to find a stranger to do it and see then. If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know!

Also, if anyone knows if a muzzle (for barking) is a good solution, please let me know as I've never used one before.

Maxx.

 Quote: will rambeau

Wouldn't a Servcie Dog be trained during its training program to undergo things like pat-downs for travel and the such?

And wouldn't the certifying organization that grants the dog the title of "Service Dog" test the dogs for situations like these?

Yes they do!

 Quote: will rambeau

Wouldn't a Servcie Dog be trained during its training program to undergo things like pat-downs for travel and the such?

And wouldn't the certifying organization that grants the dog the title of "Service Dog" test the dogs for situations like these?

I'm totally confused here...

She is trained for travel, however she is not trained to have anyone touch her while she's working. Also, there is no certifying organization nor testing for Service Dogs.

Service dogs can be trained by their owners, or by professional trainers, or through a non profit organization such as IAADP and delta society but there is no official certificate/ testing for service animals.