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So-called Service DogMay 03, 2007


Our no-dog condo was compelled by law to accept a new unit owner with a dog, because she claims it is a 'certified service animal'. She is hard of hearing (not totally deaf) and supposedly the dog assists her in certain daily activities. The dog does wear a little "Service Animal" vest when it's outside the unit. I was told that, supposedly, a service dog to the deaf alerts its owner by pawing him/her when there are phones ringing or doorbells.....but not by barking, because what good would that do if she was deaf, right? WRONG. The dog barks incessantly at every little sound. Every opening and closing of the elevator, every footstep outside her door, every jingling of someone's keys. It also rushes people in the hallways, barking on top of its lungs. It is a tiny thing, so no one is frightened of it, just annoyed. (If it were a Rottweiler with that personality I'm sure it would have been put down already.) My question is this: due to the anti-discrim laws on the books preventing us from not accepting a "service animal", we are held hostage by this woman with her poorly trained, uncontrolled mutt. What part does she have to hold up in this bargain? Does anyone know if the service animal OWNER is compelled to train their animal properly, or make sure it does not affect the quality of life of all its neighbors? All of the seeing eye dogs I've ever known never make a peep. This thing barks non-stop, and I'm wondering if it was ever trained at all...our board is starting to think we've been 'had'....any thoughts would be much appreciated.

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Reply re: service dogs - BP May 04, 2007


Bronx Board Member: There are service dogs called "hearing dogs." They are specially trained to alert owners to sounds by pawing or bumping them then to go back to the source of a sound - doorbell, smoke alarm, microwave oven bell, baby crying. This way, they lead the owner to where the sound is so the owner can take care of whatever it is.

All dogs in NYC must be licensed. People with disabilities have to submit a letter from their doctor to get a special license for a service dog for which they get a certificate from the City. There are many programs that train service dogs, and people can also train these dogs themselves.

It's odd for a "hearing dog" to bark at every sound since that doesn't help the owner. Call the MOPD (Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities) at 212-788-2830 to get info on service dog training and if an owner is responsible for barking, etc. that affects neighbors in the building.

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Thank you - Bronx Board Member May 04, 2007


Thank you, BP for such a quick and helpful response! I will call that number and do my homework. And maybe the dog just needs additional training.

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Bronx - you're welcome - BP May 04, 2007


Hope the MOPD can help you. It just happens that I have a longtime friend who's blind and has a service dog; that's how I knew a little bit about them.

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