Consider this a “pup” quiz of sorts: You’re walking down the street, perhaps even through a public building, and suddenly you see someone approaching with a leashed service dog. How do you react?

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Most of us are familiar with guide dogs used by those who are blind or visually impaired. Yet in reality, people living with various physical challenges rely on service dogs to make ongoing independence possible by assisting with a host of mobility issues. Service animals can, for example, be trained to:

•    alert hearing impaired individuals to important environmental sounds or cues
•    provide general balance assistance
•    carry or pick up objects for individuals with restricted range of motion
•    alert owners to oncoming seizures

For animal lovers, withstanding the impulse to pet any pooch can be pretty doggone difficult. Remember, however, that service dogs are much more than loyal companions: They’re actively working attendants. This means that a special set of rules apply whenever they cross our paths, because the main goal is to avoid distracting the dog and interfering with the critical duties he or she is performing. With that in mind, here are several guidelines to keep in mind:

Unexpected Encounters
Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are allowed to accompany their owners where regular pets cannot. This means it’s not uncommon to encounter a service dog in an unanticipated setting, such as an indoor public venue.

The mere novelty of seeing an alert, friendly-looking canine prompts some individuals to approach without thinking. But always remember: The handler relies on that dog to remain fully focused. It’s never a good idea to rapidly approach an unfamiliar animal in any situation, but that goes double for a dog on duty.

A Cohesive Team
Think of any service dog and his/her handler as a unified team working together. A good rule of thumb is to always address the human first, before paying any attention to the dog. Speaking, touching, or making noises toward that canine might divert the animal’s attention from a critical or developing situation. This could actually prove hazardous to the handler or anyone in the immediate vicinity.

Hands Off
Never pet or touch a service dog without specific advance permission from the handler. Moreover, if you ask permission and your request is denied, don’t take it personally. Releasing the dog to enable a greeting may interrupt attentiveness at an especially crucial time.

Hold Back Snacks
Don’t offer a service dog food or treats without clear, advance permission from the handler. Even though these canines are trained to ignore edibles and refrain from begging, you may unwittingly distract the animal. Depending upon the handler’s challenge or affliction, even a few seconds of diminished focus could prove life-threatening.

Personal Space
It’s never a good idea to block a service dog’s path. Unless you know the handler personally, you may not comprehend the type of work that particular animal is performing. For the sake of safety and focus, always allow a slight added margin of space around both the handler and the dog.

Animal Attraction
If you have your own pet with you, do not allow him or her to approach the service dog without handler consent. It’s best to approach gradually with your pet on a short leash, then stand at a slight distance from the service animal. Refrain from making eye or body contact with the service dog, and address the handler first.

Subtle Cues
Outwardly, it’s not always easy to identify a service dog. While some service animals wear distinguishing collars, vests, patches, harnesses or capes, special identification is not expressly required by federal law.

According to representatives at the ADA Information Line, this helps preserve and respect the handler’s right to privacy. So it’s always smart to remain sensitive to subtle cues that suggest a handler may be working with a service animal. When in doubt, refrain from making initial eye or body contact with the dog (again, good advice when encountering any new animal). You can always double-check by asking a politely discreet question such as, “What an incredibly well-behaved pup. Is this a service dog?” If it is, and you’d like to greet the dog, always ask permission first.

To learn more about service animals and the Americans with Disabilities Act, visit www.ada.gov or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301.