The Sign gets reviewed by a service dog trainer—none other than Max Bingley, who trained dozens of service dogs at Canine Support Teams (CST) in Murrieta, California, including Domino and his handler!

He watched The Sign and finds that “the film captures effectively the everyday challenge” of service dog teams and is “an excellent tool to encourage positive change”. Read the full review below.

This film effectively captures the everyday challenges that service dog handlers face, from public misconceptions to unwarranted scrutiny. It realistically portrays a well-trained service dog remaining calm and focused, despite being wrongly accused of being a danger. The woman’s reaction reflects common misunderstandings, such as the belief that all disabilities must be visible or that service dogs should be questioned in public spaces. By showing the progression from her initial complaint to her insistence on verifying the handler’s disability, the film highlights the ongoing struggles many service dog teams encounter.

” An excellent tool to encourage positive change”

The film’s message is both powerful and educational, reinforcing the importance of service dogs and the rights of their handlers. The inclusion of the statement “Not all disabilities are visible” is a crucial reminder for the public to be more understanding and informed. By showcasing a real-world scenario that many service dog users experience, the film promotes awareness, respect, and the need for better education on service dog laws and accessibility. It serves as an excellent tool to foster empathy and encourage positive change in how service dog teams are treated.

Max, who has since moved to Oregon and now runs his own dog training business, Bingley and Co Dog Training, is also the proud pawdre of Domino’s father. Does that make him Domino’s grandpaw?

Grateful for this new review as we gear up for our World Premiere at the Garden State Film Festival!