He sounds like a real charmer, but I totally respect that he wants to keep his dog focused and that you shouldn't get all googly eyed at the first dog you see. Another reason I never assume it is ok to how shall I say..."recognize" the service pet is I often see them in training and you would just be making the trainers job harder.

What did she say?

"Why is that camera on your belt and why do you need a belt while only in your underwear?"

"I don't like your attitude."

A totally ignorant comment.

Made even more ignorant by a woman standing on two legs to a man confined to a wheelchair.

Not a fan of his delivery of his final line. Completely understand why he would say something to her.

I would guess this is in part the result of the rash of fake emotional support animals (pets in public).
Since likely 90% of "service animals" are really pets with vests and nothing more, and treated as such, those with actual service animals need to understand that the general public has little idea how to act around actual service dogs and have some extra patience. If his animal is trained well, part of that training is to ignore distractions when working. Sure, there's no need to constantly test that, but also no need to freak out if someone talks to your dog in the store.

That said, you also shouldn't engage someone's pet without permission. It's rude and can be dangerous.

He did say no in kind of a shitty way, but she should have just let it go

My favorite comment of the year. Nicely done.

I have a friend who trains service dogs.

She encourages all kinds of distractions. The dog has to learn to do its job even under difficult circumstances.

I'd say it's more like 10% are fake, but I'm more optimistic when it comes to people who are that narcissistic and un-empathetic to pull that sort of shit.

In California, I'm certain that number is >10%, but I must admit it's probably well under 90% too. People here seem incredibly self absorbed.

Where I live, most don't even bother with the service dog lie, they just bring their dogs in the stores. Surprisingly, I've never seen it turn into a problem.

huh, good to know.