PSA: Not All Service Dog Handles Are the Same

(But Some Opinions Definitely Are)

I had a very special encounter at Rona the other day—a classic moment of unsolicited commentary wrapped in a bow of confidence and zero facts.

I was in the middle of finalizing some paperwork with the sales team for a yard pickup when a man decided it was the perfect time to interrupt. He found it hilarious that I got out of a truck with a “seeing eye dog” because she had a handle on her harness.

Now, yes—people who are blind don’t drive, and guide dogs are typically partnered with handlers who have vision loss. That much is true. But here’s where it went sideways: I politely explained that my dog isn’t a guide dog, and that her handle is totally different. Guide dog handles are typically (though not always!) long, rigid, and U-shaped—designed for directional feedback, not for mobility support like mine.

Instead of listening, he doubled down and insisted I was wrong. According to him, a handle is a handle is a handle. When I said it could be a learning moment, he snapped that it wasn’t a learning moment and that I didn’t understand what he meant.

Oh, my dude. I absolutely understood what you meant—I just knew better.

Interrupting a disabled person in the middle of their day to confidently mislabel their medical equipment is rude at best. And refusing to learn when offered the chance? That’s on you. (But hey, shout-out to the saleswoman who told me I made her day. She has to smile through stuff like that—I don’t.)

Now, for everyone else who’s genuinely curious, here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of service dog handles:

👉 Guide Handles – These are usually long, firm, U-shaped rigid handles attached with hinges to allow movement to a specialized harness. They’re designed to help someone who is blind or has low vision feel their dog’s movements and navigate safely. It’s all about tactile feedback—not support or pulling.

👉 Mobility Handles – Shorter and more rigid or semi-rigid, these handles help folks with balance issues by offering light stability. Think of it as a moving handrail—not a walker, not for bearing full weight, but there for support and proprioception.

👉 Forward Momentum Handles – These are often angled or designed to allow the dog to gently pull forward, assisting someone who has difficulty initiating movement or walking for long periods. It’s a teamwork thing—not a sled-dog situation.

Keep in mind that some people may require customizations or have specialty equipment for specific purposes, so some gear may look different than what you may expect.

So no, not every dog with a handle is a guide dog. And unless you’re trained in service dog gear or disability etiquette, maybe don’t assume—or interrupt—to say otherwise.

Enjoy this little snippet of The Blind Robot, created by the amazingly talented Paul Castle—a blind artist who spreads joy (and giggles) by lovingly yelling at his partner, Matthew. You can find Paul and Matthew on most social media platforms, but their Instagram is especially delightful:
👉 @matthewandpaul

Krys is a disabled artist, service dog handler, and professional sass generator with a talent for turning awkward public encounters into teachable (and occasionally hilarious) moments. When she’s not dodging mansplainers or explaining the difference between mobility gear and fashion accessories, she runs 42Doors—a quirky, comfort-first brand for fellow spoonies and chaos gremlins. She believes in access, empathy, and telling it like it is—with a glittery side of sarcasm. Yes, she did just say what you’re thinking. You’re welcome.