Bringing My Service Dog along as a single player

[BIG STU]

1 hour ago, DaveP043 said:

I have no problem at all with well-behaved dogs on the course with their masters.  You sound like a considerate person, making sure the dog doesn't bother anyone.  But its important to remember that not all dogs are so well-behaved, and not all owners are so considerate, so some golf clubs could frown on the presence of animals in general.  I can see someone complaining to management "He gets to bring his dog, why can't I?"  I don't claim to know the laws around service animals,  its quite possible that management cannot prohibit them on the course, but you could be putting the course management in a difficult position.

No under Federal law they can not prohibit real certified service dogs--- Now where the line law wise is blurred is when people have "Therapy Dogs". And from what I have been told there is a difference between Therapy dogs and Service dogs. 

[DaveP043]

3 minutes ago, BIG STU said:

No under Federal law they can not prohibit real certified service dogs--- Now where the line law wise is blurred is when people have "Therapy Dogs". And from what I have been told there is a difference between Therapy dogs and Service dogs. 

And continuing my education, there must be a governmental agency that somehow certifies legitimate service dogs?

[Rickp]

No under Federal law they can not prohibit real certified service dogs--- Now where the line law wise is blurred is when people have "Therapy Dogs". And from what I have been told there is a difference between Therapy dogs and Service dogs. 

There’s a LOT of Therapy Animals passed off as Service Dogs. Saw a Therapy Pig, Rabbit, Pony and Raccoon. To me this waters down the Real Thing.


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[BIG STU]

Just now, DaveP043 said:

And continuing my education, there must be a governmental agency that somehow certifies legitimate service dogs?

Yep they have certain guide lines and training to be certified. I do not know if it is administered on Federal or State level. I do know on Federal Law service dogs are covered under Americans with Disabilities Act. I know different states have different laws on Therapy Dogs. The trailer park I live in just lost a state law suit concerning a Therapy Dog. A lady had one that was a Pit Bull and gentle as a lamb. They told her she had to get rid of it. She had signed doctors statements etc and they still evicted her. Seems like Pit Bulls were not allowed in here at the time. They were also challenged in another suit by the Humane Society and some other Animal Rights Group. After losing the first one they took the clause out of the lease

[clafoone]

Hi Everyone,
I was just curious how most of you would feel if a player you were paired with brought their service dog with them to the course? I usually tend to play on deal times in my local area and am paired with other players or groups. I prefer to play with my dog if I'm not with friends as she alerts me to, interrupts and provides assistance for occasional balance and vision loss issues. The dog is familiar with golf courses, does not interfere with wildlife, set foot in hazards or bunkers or on the putting greens. My primary concerns are slowing pace of play for other players by walking instead of riding and taking the time to give the dog commands between shots so she knows what to do.  Also just making sure everyone is comfortable as I know some people aren't too fond of dogs. 
What would you think if you were paired with someone playing who has a service dog accompany them and what else could I maybe do to make it as easy going for another player or group?

I would need to experience it first prior to making a decision.

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[Larryd3]

I'd be absolutely fine with the service dog being on the course with you.  

[palvord]

On 3/14/2020 at 11:06 PM, JB2123 said:

Hi Everyone,

I was just curious how most of you would feel if a player you were paired with brought their service dog with them to the course? I usually tend to play on deal times in my local area and am paired with other players or groups. I prefer to play with my dog if I'm not with friends as she alerts me to, interrupts and provides assistance for occasional balance and vision loss issues. The dog is familiar with golf courses, does not interfere with wildlife, set foot in hazards or bunkers or on the putting greens. My primary concerns are slowing pace of play for other players by walking instead of riding and taking the time to give the dog commands between shots so she knows what to do.  Also just making sure everyone is comfortable as I know some people aren't too fond of dogs. 

What would you think if you were paired with someone playing who has a service dog accompany them and what else could I maybe do to make it as easy going for another player or group?

I would love it! I think that a dog on the course is awesome provided that it is as well behaved as you are describing yours.

I don't think pace of play is a concern if you are walking and others are riding. I have done that before as a walker and have not slowed anyone down because I am able to walk directly to my ball and am ready to play right away. Sometimes, I even walk ahead of the group after I have hit so I am able to be at my ball and ready to play faster.

I think the only concern would be if someone in the group you are paired with is highly allergic. 

I would suggest calling the clubhouse ahead of time so if you run into an issue of someone that is allergic or not fond of dogs they could find a new time for you to play.

[RetiredBoomer]

I love dogs even more than I love golf.

It's a good thing that I've got one now, because walking her is my only excuse for leaving the house.

She wouldn't have the right temperament for golf, though.

She barks at wildlife from the yard, so there's no reason to think that she wouldn't do that on the golf course.

[JB2123]

On 3/16/2020 at 9:58 AM, BIG STU said:

No under Federal law they can not prohibit real certified service dogs--- Now where the line law wise is blurred is when people have "Therapy Dogs". And from what I have been told there is a difference between Therapy dogs and Service dogs. 

You are correct. One of the more difficult parts of having a service dog in my opinion is that people don't really understand the ADA laws and the amount of people who abuse the law can make it tough on those who rely on their dogs and follow the laws. As of now there is no official registry or certification process so that leads to a lot of people pretending to have trained service dogs or people distorting or misunderstanding the regulations for a emotional support or therapy animal and passing them off as a service dog.

[BIG STU]

15 hours ago, JB2123 said:

You are correct. One of the more difficult parts of having a service dog in my opinion is that people don't really understand the ADA laws and the amount of people who abuse the law can make it tough on those who rely on their dogs and follow the laws. As of now there is no official registry or certification process so that leads to a lot of people pretending to have trained service dogs or people distorting or misunderstanding the regulations for a emotional support or therapy animal and passing them off as a service dog.

Thanks for posting and clarifying that--- The law suit against the park came under the fair housing act defined by the state of South Carolina. I knew a lady who had a trained Boston Terrier service dog which BTW are very smart dogs, The lady had a heart rhythm problem and had some sort of pacemaker but the Boston was trained and had a sensor on his collar when her pulse went haywire he would bark and remind her to take her medication. We met her in Home Depot one day when we had ours with us and her's had the little blue Service Dog harness on. 

[Lacassem]

On 3/15/2020 at 3:45 PM, berkeleybob said:

I think I would enjoy a dog on the course. I'd welcome your service dog. My dog, however ... he hates not being included in a game, and hates giving up whatever's in his mouth without some sort of bribe being offered.

Atleast you wouldnt lose any balls on the course, pup could track them down! I would be in the same boat SMH

[lamb]

On 3/15/2020 at 8:29 AM, Shankster said:

Welcomed. Seems to be gaining traction in the UK to let dogs come out anyways. A well behaved dog, especially a service dog shouldn’t be a bother.

I’d rather have 18 holes worth of dogs out there than 18 holes worth of Slim Shady blasting from carts.

Agreed about the music. If someone wants to listen to music while they play that is fine, but i shouldn't hear it if I'm not in your group.

[lamb]

I wouldn't have a problem as long as I knew about it before the round started. I like dogs, but it may be distracting until I realized the dog is well behaved. Watching the dog sit quietly by the putting green or driving range would do the trick.

[cksurfdude]

I'm with the majority and would enjoy seeing any well-behaved dog on the course .. with a responsible owner. 

 

To ask the flip side of the OP's question, though - and I guess as was mentioned earlier it's covered under the ADA - but can someone be excluded from playing on a golf course because they require their service dog to be with them to assist them if/ when need be..? 

Just tossing out a thought..... some people require a riding cart to be able to play - would taking a service dog really  be any different? 

[BIG STU]

6 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

I'm with the majority and would enjoy seeing any well-behaved dog on the course .. with a responsible owner. 

 

To ask the flip side of the OP's question, though - and I guess as was mentioned earlier it's covered under the ADA - but can someone be excluded from playing on a golf course because they require their service dog to be with them to assist them if/ when need be..? 

Just tossing out a thought..... some people require a riding cart to be able to play - would taking a service dog really  be any different? 

Well I ain't Perry Mason and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night but would have to feel that it would be covered under the ADA act. Just like handicapped access to toilets etc in a public business. I do know in the past a couple of courses here got sued in federal court over the handicapped flag thing on carts. From what I understand if conditions require CPO they have to ask at booking time if they require a handicapped flag and privileges. If so they have to tell them sorry CPO and like for members have to have the CPO signs posted. I side 110% with handicapped people in the fact they have a right to a quality of life especially a veteran. 

[Lacassem]

8 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

I'm with the majority and would enjoy seeing any well-behaved dog on the course .. with a responsible owner. 

 

To ask the flip side of the OP's question, though - and I guess as was mentioned earlier it's covered under the ADA - but can someone be excluded from playing on a golf course because they require their service dog to be with them to assist them if/ when need be..? 

Just tossing out a thought..... some people require a riding cart to be able to play - would taking a service dog really  be any different? 

Good thought process obviously people think differently and could probably find a reason why they can’t bring a SD but like you stated really no difference and service dogs :don’t get that tag for no reason. They are the best trained animals.

[Lacassem]

1 hour ago, BIG STU said:

Well I ain't Perry Mason and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night but would have to feel that it would be covered under the ADA act. Just like handicapped access to toilets etc in a public business. I do know in the past a couple of courses here got sued in federal court over the handicapped flag thing on carts. From what I understand if conditions require CPO they have to ask at booking time if they require a handicapped flag and privileges. If so they have to tell them sorry CPO and like for members have to have the CPO signs posted. I side 110% with handicapped people in the fact they have a right to a quality of life especially a veteran. 

Highlighted is pretty clear

[tony@CIC]

2 hours ago, BIG STU said:

 I side 110% with handicapped people in the fact they have a right to a quality of life especially a veteran. 

Well said. 

[BIG STU]

2 hours ago, Lacassem said:

Highlighted is pretty clear

We had a Hibachi restaurant in Myrtle that got sued over that very thing a few years back. They would not allow a handicapped veteran with a service dog into the dining area. The local press took it and ran. The people who operated the place were foreigners and kept repeating "we no understand" Well they understood when their restaurant was boycotted especially by local veterans and other locals spread the word to the tourist crowd. Then the Vet's lawyer wisely got their assets frozen because they were about to fly the coop overseas. Needless to say they went out of business. 

[Lacassem]

12 minutes ago, BIG STU said:

We had a Hibachi restaurant in Myrtle that got sued over that very thing a few years back. They would not allow a handicapped veteran with a service dog into the dining area. The local press took it and ran. The people who operated the place were foreigners and kept repeating "we no understand" Well they understood when their restaurant was boycotted especially by local veterans and other locals spread the word to the tourist crowd. Then the Vet's lawyer wisely got their assets frozen because they were about to fly the coop overseas. Needless to say they went out of business. 

That’s tough situation but ya know what if you’re going to come here learn the rules and regs because if you don’t this is what can happen. Over something so simple too, some laws are ridiculous but this easy to follow and is the right thing.