A: People who are legally blind but still have some usable vision may also qualify for a dog guide. Although these individuals might still have some sight, they can still benefit from the assistance from a dog. A: Only about 5 percent of people who are blind or severely visually impaired use dog guides. Some people prefer to travel with a white cane, while others are more comfortable using a dog. A: If you see a dog guide wearing a harness, that means it is working and should not be pet, fed or distracted.
Doing so can put its owner in great danger, because it is not focusing on guiding. Never come up to a dog guide and pet it without asking its owner! Always check if it is ok, and please do not feel offended if he or she says no. A: The International Guide Dog Federation IGDF provides a wealth of information about dog guides, as well as other resources on dog guide schools and other websites from all over the world. Sandy Murillo works at The Chicago Lighthouse, an organization serving the blind and visually impaired.
The blog covers topics of interest to those living with blindness and vision impairments. Being a blind journalist and blogger herself, Sandy shares her unique perspective about ways to live and cope with vision loss.
You must be logged in to post a comment. Close sharing How do Guide Dogs work? This match is under the supervision of a school or an instructor. Guide dogs truly are the eyes of their handlers, helping them to establish mobility and independence.
For the most part, guide dogs are permitted in any place the public is allowed, and are exempt from rules restricting them from restaurants and other public places where their four-legged counterparts are prohibited. While leading their handler, guide dogs are trained to do a number of things, including: maintaining a steady pace; ignoring distractions including smells, other animals and people; stopping at curbs and tops and bottoms of steps until instructed to proceed; helping their handler board public transportation; and obeying verbal commands among other skills.
Although you may be tempted to run up and greet any furry friend that comes your way, remember the dog is working and is responsible for the mobility of someone who is unable to see. There are a number of organizations that provide programs for blind and visually impaired individuals.
When you see a guide dog on the job, it is important that you recognize that it is at work. Touching, petting or talking to the dog breaks its concentration, which can impair the handler's ability to get around in his or her surroundings.
What dog breeds are used as guide dogs? Guide dogs are typically golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers or German shepherds. Are guide dogs free for the blind? Guide dog institutions typically provide guide dogs for seeing-impaired people at no cost.
Why are golden retrievers used as guide dogs? Golden retrievers are used as guide dogs because they are characterized by intelligence, obedience, stamina and friendliness, which makes them well suited for the job. How are guide dogs chosen? Guide dog schools breed their dogs very carefully, choosing parents with intelligence and special guiding ability. Even after this, trainers screen young puppies for guiding aptitude and often end up releasing 20 percent of them from the program.
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