When my service dog is “off duty” I allow people to pet him. 80% of people are aware they need to ask first. I am not going to yell at a child or parent in front of their child if they come over and pet him while I am not observing (which is 99% of the time, I do not have to keep my eyes on him) I do not always have his “service dog” vest on because I am not required to, and I do not like to advertise that I am disabled, if people want to think he is a “pet” do be it. There are people that ask “how is he allowed here” THOSE people I will tell he is a service dog, those are the only people I tell he is a service dog. Do I “break the rules” as far as doing things I was told by the trainers not to do. As long as it doesn’t affect his task training or behavior. Yes I do because my belief is, for what that dog GIVES ME. And freedom I have because that dog is in my life. I will give that dog the best life I can give him because he deserves that. How would you feel if you had no choice on your life other than work? He gets as much “off duty” as I can give him. If people want to pet him, it does not affect him or myself in any way, 100% of the time he completely ignores them, being pet isn’t even a “treat” for him but it does make my life less confrontational (why am I going to yell at someone “ DONT TOUCH HIM” if I don’t have to. As far as feeding him from the table, I will order him his own rib eye steak, I cut it into pieces and sneak it to him under the table, he just lays there and again, he doesn’t even react to it or beg for it, he knows better. THAT IS A TRUE SERVICE DOG nothing at all phases them, everything and everyone is ignored because his focus is always on ME. THATS what he’s there for MY NEEDS. I will give him the best life I can give him! He deserves that! Look where his eyes are focused in this picture