Telling someone not to pet your service dog is not rude; it is a necessary boundary and an essential part of maintaining the dog's training and focus on its work. Service dogs are highly trained to assist individuals with disabilities and perform specific tasks to aid their handlers. When people pet or distract service dogs, it can interfere with their ability to do their job effectively, which may pose risks to the handler's safety and well-being.
It is crucial to educate others about service dog etiquette and the importance of not interacting with a service dog while it is working. Some people may not be familiar with the rules regarding service animals, so politely explaining the situation and kindly asking them not to pet the dog is entirely appropriate.
If you find yourself in such a situation, you can simply say something like, "I appreciate your interest, but my service dog is working right now, and it's essential for them to stay focused. Please refrain from petting or interacting with them while they are in their harness." Most people will understand and respect your request once they are made aware of the situation.
Remember, advocating for your service dog's needs and ensuring their ability to perform their vital tasks is essential, and it's entirely reasonable to ask others not to pet them while they are working.