Many people don't meet a guide dog team everyday, so I'd like to let you know the correct way to approach us.
First of all, a blind person and their guide dog are properly called a "Guide Dog Team"
Most people see us guide dogs as friendly and approachable and many think nothing of just reaching out and grabbing at our heads or ears even while working. Doing such a thing is very distracting to us dogs as we work it may cause us to jump, distract us and make any situation dangerous.
The correct way to say hello is to ask our human partner if you may say hello, pet me or such a thing.
Quite often, William, my human partner is ok with people saying hello. Warning him gives him time to give me instructions to break from working and sit quietly.
Some guide dog partners do not like people to pet their dog. This is a personal choice and should be honored. Saying no to you is not personal and is not meant to hurt your feelings, it is just that they know their dog and maybe the dog doesn't take to interruptions in their working very well.
Don't approach a guide dog team in a street crossing or on the approach to a crossing. Those are not the time to want to say hello.
Also please don't offer me treats or throw food down in front of me as I am working. it can be very distracting and lead to accidents. Though we are well trained and well cared for as working guides, we are also dogs and can sometimes be easily distracted.
First of all, a blind person and their guide dog are properly called a "Guide Dog Team"
Most people see us guide dogs as friendly and approachable and many think nothing of just reaching out and grabbing at our heads or ears even while working. Doing such a thing is very distracting to us dogs as we work it may cause us to jump, distract us and make any situation dangerous.
The correct way to say hello is to ask our human partner if you may say hello, pet me or such a thing.
Quite often, William, my human partner is ok with people saying hello. Warning him gives him time to give me instructions to break from working and sit quietly.
Some guide dog partners do not like people to pet their dog. This is a personal choice and should be honored. Saying no to you is not personal and is not meant to hurt your feelings, it is just that they know their dog and maybe the dog doesn't take to interruptions in their working very well.
Don't approach a guide dog team in a street crossing or on the approach to a crossing. Those are not the time to want to say hello.
Also please don't offer me treats or throw food down in front of me as I am working. it can be very distracting and lead to accidents. Though we are well trained and well cared for as working guides, we are also dogs and can sometimes be easily distracted.
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