“On a recent return trip to Hawaii from Texas, my service dog, Crew, was put to the ultimate
public service dog test. While entering through the TSA checkpoint, a dog with a service dog
collar on lunged at Crew in such a way that his owner dropped his lead. Two TSA agents got in
between Crew and the other dog, all the while the other dog was barking at Crew. I told Crew to
sit and he did, all the while looking straight up at me. I asked to wait on the side while the other
lady went through security to put some space between us. Little did I know, this would be one of
four experiences with this handler and her dog.
Crew and I made our way to the gate where the airport staff stopped us and said they didn’t
have certain paperwork. I had the paperwork in my bag and was able to rectify the situation.
However, the same handler and her dog came up behind us. I recognized the dog and acted
proactively. I had Crew move alongside me and put my carry on in between me and the other
dog. The dog was pulling on its lead trying to get to Crew. I told the gate agent that I did not
want to be near that lady and her dog on the plane. They ended up seating us in the very back
row right next to the bathrooms.
Throughout the six hour flight, Crew remained calm and collected at my feet despite all the
noises and distractions. It was on the actual plane that the third incident happened. As I said,
we were seated by the bathrooms. Well, the lady and her dog came to the back for the lady to
use the restroom. The dog came next to me and sniffed me then proceeded to pull and started
to get into my lap. I instructed Crew to stay and he looked into my eyes the whole time. The lady
got her dog off of me and proceeded back to her seat. I assured Crew I was okay and he
remained calm and obedient for the remainder of the flight.
We were last to deplane and I knew an agriculture agent would be waiting to take us to the
animal inspection station at the airport. When we got to the gate, the lady and her dog were
there. I expressed my concern walking with the lady and her dog and was told I had to because
only one agent could walk us to the station. I kept my distance and Crew walked at my side
perfectly. The other dog pulled and reacted to Crew the entire walk.
We got to the inspection station and I again expressed to the vets my concern about the
reactive dog. After Crew was inspected, the vet handed his lead to me and said, “He is a
perfectly trained dog.”
This example is multifaceted: Crew’s training was exemplary, I acted as an advocate for him in
difficult situations, and we worked as a team. What I got out of that experience is that we truly
trust each other. I trust the training he has and knowledge he showcases. He trusts me to have
his back and lead him down the right path.
His training with Balanced Obedience was on display on that return trip home. He was tired, had
been in airports for 13+ hours, and not once faltered. This incident showed the major differences
between a trained service dog and a dog with a service dog collar.”