it is best for you and your service dog that the people around you in public not be able to pet or play with your service dog while he or she is working. this causes a distraction for the service dog and can cause problems for its handler. a service dog wants to make its handler (you) happy, so by continuing its training, you will make your service dog happy. it is recommended that about every 6 months you take a refresher course with your service dog. the refresher course does not have to be with dog's nation, it can be done by any dog trainer or even some place 