This also helps the guide dog make the transition from obeying the instructor to obeying the handler. Guide dogs at work The guide dog enjoys its work and is motivated to work well by the leadership and love it receives from its handler.
Guide dogs are trained to ignore distractions such as other dogs or the well-meaning attentions of other people. The dog shows a different attitude when wearing its harness — its movements are more purposeful and focused.
As well as helping its handler to negotiate the roads, low-hanging obstacles, elevators and stairs, the guide dog actually helps the handler to socialise. It has been trained to recognise that work is finished once the harness is removed. The handler and every other family member is free to interact and play with the guide dog as they would an ordinary pet. The guide dog needs care like any dog, which includes food, water, grooming, visits to the vet and regular exercise.
It is important to allow the guide dog some time every day to relax and enjoy being a dog. Just as overworked human beings can become stressed and anxious, guide dogs that wear the harness all the time can become tired and start behaving inappropriately. Guide dog retirement can be upsetting Guide dogs usually work with their companion for between eight to 10 years.
After working together as a close and loving team for many years, retirement can be upsetting and painful for both the dog and its handler. Often the handler is able to keep the first dog as a pet, which can make the transition to a new guide dog easier. Immediate training with a new guide dog following the retirement of the first is not always possible and depends on the availability of another suitably matched guide dog. Guide dogs are intelligent animals that thrive on the challenge of helping their handlers.
Once the harness is removed, the guide dog is off duty and able to interact with the family like an ordinary family pet.
Guide dog client matching , Guide Dogs Victoria. More information here. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all eyes. Related information. Even when the handler doesn't need assistance, a guide dog on the job is trained to ignore distractions and keep still. This is because a guide dog must be able to come to the handler's workplace or be in public places without creating a disturbance.
When you see a guide dog on the job, it is extremely important that you recognize that it is at work. Petting or talking to the dog breaks its concentration, which impairs the handler's ability to get around in his or her surroundings. People are very impressed with guide dogs and so we have a natural inclination to praise them, but the best thing you can do to help a guide dog is to leave it alone so that it can pay attention to its surroundings and maintain its focus on its handler.
Guiding is very complicated, and it requires a dog's undivided attention. When a guide dog gets home at the end of the day, however, it will play and soak up praise just like an ordinary pet. Guide dogs make the distinction between work and play based on their lead harness: When the harness is on, they must stay completely focused -- when it comes off, it's play time. Guide dogs work very hard every day, but they lead extremely happy lives, full of lots of attention and stimulation.
Ask the handler where you should walk. Depending on the situation, they may ask you to walk ahead of them on their right side, or behind them by their right shoulder. Never attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding or attempt to hold the dog's harness. You should ask if the handler needs your assistance and, if so, offer your left arm. Try not to be overprotective or overbearing when the graduate first arrives home with the new dog. Be thoughtful, patient, and try to inspire confidence in the handler.
In time, you will admire the expertise of the team. Don't expect too much too soon, remember, the dog is young and that complete harmony and confidence takes patience, perseverance and time. Never give the dog table scraps. You should respect the handler's need to give the dog a balanced diet, and to maintain its good habits. Don't allow anyone to tease or abuse the dog, allow it to rest undisturbed. Make sure not to allow your pets to challenge or intimidate a guide dog.
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