This information is intended for family, friends, and coworkers of a new guide dog team. We hope it will be helpful for making a smooth transition from our training program to the guide dog user's home and work environment.
Guide dogs are trained to be mobility partners for people who are blind or visually impaired. A guide dog team consists of a blind or visually impaired "handler" and a "guide". The handler has completed an extensive training program to learn how to work and care for the guide dog. The guide is a specially trained dog, bred from stock that has been carefully selected for its stable temperament, intelligence and good health. The dogs are taught good social behavior from the time they are puppies. They respond to obedience commands in addition to guidework, and they are trained to settle quietly when not guiding.
Family & Co-Workers
In order for the dog to maintain focus on its guidework and to ensure the safety of the team as they travel, the dog and handler must form a very close bond and learn to communicate dearly with each other. The handler will need to act in ways that will reinforce this bond and maintain the training the dog has received. Therefore, it is important for co-workers, friends and family members to respect the handler's needs and avoid doing anything that might hinder the bonding process between the guide dog and its handler.
Interacting with a Guide Dog Team
Although it is very tempting to approach and pet a guide dog, it is important that you greet the handler first and ask permission to meet his or her dog. Never distract a guide while it is working, because you may endanger the safety of the team or erode the dog's training. The dog should be on leash, under control, and not feel cornered when meeting people for the first time. Individuals should approach one at a time, speak softly to the dog and offer the back of their hand for the dog to sniff.
Family & Co-Workers
An important goal in our training is to foster independence in attitude as well as through mobility. Feel free to offer your help, but do not force your assistance on the handler if it is not welcome, especially as it relates to the guide dog. Occasionally the handler may need directions to a destination or an explanation of an unusual situation. Never grab the person's arm or the dog's harness handle to direct the team. You can help by answering questions accurately and specifically using words such as "to your left" or "straight ahead" rather than "over there" or "that way." A guide dog handler will know how to cope with most situations if given accurate information about the circumstances.
In certain situations, the handler may determine that using a cane or human guide for travel would be a better option than working their guide dog. This decision is sometimes made to avoid stressful situations for both the dog and the handler. While walking with a human guide, the handler holds the dog's leash rather than harness handle, and the dog walks next to the handler.
Family & Co-Workers
At Home or at Work
As the clog learns to adjust to its new home and surroundings, it should either be on leash, on tie-down, or in a crate when not working or playing. A tie-down or crate is necessary to make sure that the dog does not develop poor house behaviors. After being home several weeks, the dog can gradually be offered more freedom in short increments. This freedom should be withdrawn if the dog exhibits poor behavior. Proper and consistent handling needs to be maintained to ensure appropriate behaviors.
Although it is important for the guide to be accepted as a member of the family, the handler should be the dog's main caregiver in order to establish the leadership role of the handler and to strengthen their bond as a team. Playing, feeding, relieving and grooming should be the responsibility of the handler whenever possible. Co-workers, family and friends must refrain from feeding treats to a guide dog - the dog's diet is the handler's responsibility. Feeding the dog people food may not only adversely affect the dog's health and digestion, but it can
Family & Co-Workers
Your Opportunity to Help
Consider these opportunities to be a supportive co-worker, friend or family member. By providing a warm welcome and demonstrating a willingness to interact appropriately with the guide, you \n\11 be helping the guide dog team on their way to a successful and lasting partnership.
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