[gdum-l] FW: Dog Guide Etiquette

[Carl Richardson]

Thought you might find this interesting, came from AFB.

 

From: Seniorsite at afb.net [mailto:Seniorsite at afb.net] 
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 5:37 PM
To: AFB Subscriber
Subject: Dog Guide Etiquette

 

				

AFB

 <http://www.afb.org> American Foundation
for the Blind 


TM  


    

	

Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss

		

 

	

Proper Dog Guide Etiquette: What To Tell Your Friends and Family


 <http://www.afb.org/seniorsite> A smiling older woman and her dog guide

Dog guides are the guiding eyes for people who are blind or visually
impaired, and they are specially bred and trained for this most important
job.

The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind has developed the following
guidelines that you can share with your family, friends, and strangers to
keep in mind when they come across someone with a dog guide. Let them know
that disregarding these guidelines can distract the dog, which can create a
dangerous situation. 

*	Don't touch, pet, talk to, feed or otherwise distract the dog while
he is wearing his harness.

 

*	For the safety of his owner or handler,allow the dog to concentrate
and perform without distraction.
*	Don't treat the dog as a pet.
*	The dog is a working dog and deserves respect.
*	Don't try to give the dog commands. This is the handler's
responsibility
*	Don't try to take control in situations unfamiliar to the dog or
handler.
*	Only assist if the handler requests help.
*	Don't walk on the dog's left side. This may distract or confuse the
dog.
*	Instead,walk on the handler's right and several paces behind him or
her.

 

*	Don't attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding
him or her or attempt to hold the dog's harness.

 

*	Instead, ask if the owner needs your assistance and, if so, offer
your left arm.

 

*	Don't feed the dog unless the handler asks you to.
*	Don't tease or abuse the dog.
*	Allow it to rest undisturbed.

 

*	Don't allow pets to challenge or intimidate a dog guide.
*	Instead, allow them to meet on neutral ground when all parties can
be carefully supervised.
*	Don't allow the dog on your furniture or in areas of the home where
the handler doesn't want it to go.

 

*	Do ask the handler to correct any misbehavior that you have
observed.

 

*	Don't let the dog out of the house unsupervised. It is a very
valuable and critically needed animal!
*	Don't pat the dog on the head.
*	You can stroke the dog on the shoulder area but only with its
handler's approval.

 

This tip was brought to you by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. For
more information on the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and its programs,
visit www.GuideDog.org, or call 800-548-4337.

 

www.afb.org/seniorsite

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