Service dogs are being used for more conditions. Owners have special needs and it is not always apparent what the dog does for a person. Asking the disabled person is extremely embarrassing to the person; it's like being grilled to explain deficiencies and how the dog works so you can cope. Usually the person asking is no expert on various conditions in the first place.
My service Newf is also a Therapy Dog. He started visiting Lynn's eldercare facility when he was 14 weeks old. He was trained on the job so it comes naturally to him. I take him around with Lynn to visit the residents. Lynn has been running this place for over 30 years. Having the residents pet Orka does not prevent him from serving me or confuse him. He knows his rounds there and enjoys it except for the excessive heat. Actually petting is not the most common reaction. The most common is he triggers memories and lucid conversation and stimulates the residents with wholesome joy. He goes as a holiday party attraction and makes the residents laugh. When he was there with the miniature horse they were the hit parade for everybody, just strolling together thru the halls, because it was funny and unusual. Unfortunately the horse has moved to another state. Now Orka pulls his decorated cart thru the halls. His wagon won't fit except outside or the auditorium etc.
The temperament of every dog and owner is different so I do not rush to judgment. I see what might be some "fakes" on the bus but they do not cause any trouble and their owners obviously need something extra in life. I've mellowed on this issue.
Also, one cannot judge by normal obedience standards. Sometimes I'm exhausted and ask Orka to pull me. We walk a lot and he does not tire but sometimes I do. Right now I have pneumonia and am wiped out, but still go out with him, and ask him to pull. He is trained for joring. So it probably looks like I have an untrained unruly dog but actually he's doing what I'm asking.
Another thing is a person's conditions can change, so the tasks can change. I think the only thing that will solve all problems is certification, and right now that is not happening because of the costs involved. Personally, I don't get hyped about what other ppl are doing, because I can barely function and don't have time to worry about everybody else's shenanigans. Those with "invisible" disabilities get "the look" a lot when out with their service dogs. You learn to just let ppl stew in their own righteous ignorance.
The one thing that always surprises me, considering how dog crazy Orka is, is that he is the best when encountering other service dogs. He is utterly calm then. The other dogs react but Orka just glances briefly.
If you've ever gone about town with a service dog you know the general population has no idea what it is all about and will come up and lunge, pet, probe, ask questions, get in your face endlessly. It does not matter how large the sign on your dog's vest to Do Not Touch, Do Not Distract; ppl do not look or read. And that IS a distraction. I tried a huge sign but it did no good. So I just don't answer ppl all the time. Today if I tried to speak I'd throw up so ppl will think I'm rude. Sometimes I'm tempted to just spew barf all over the next person but that won't help anything. Anyway I have a fever and am rambling, have to figure out where we're going today.