Are you an owner of a pet dog? You might like these tips I shared with Achieve Australia on Guide Dogs, and why Guide Dogs can’t always socialise with Pet Dogs
Having a Guide Dog provides empowerment and independence.
Whilst I still use a white cane, and a human guide when in unfamiliar territory, a Guide Dog provides you much independence in the way you navigate through your everyday routes.
One of the challenges with a Guide Dog is, as beautiful as they are, we always need to keep them focused on the job at hand which is guiding you when you do not have visibility of your surrounds. It is particularly challenging to keep them focused when almost everyone around you is out walking with a pet dog.
I tend to avoid using my Guide Dog on weekends, as it’s pet dog bonanza! Everyone is out walking their own dogs, which of course is wonderful.
For a Guide Dog user, there is a constant need to ask people to refrain from allowing their dog to socialise with a working service animal.
Please be reassured if you need to be, a Guide Dog is privy to much social engagement, not only when working, and they will always get their down time. This might include the owner organising weekly visits to the Doggy Park or beach with the assistance of friends and family, so they can run free and be a dog!
My biggest tip on this day…
If you are out walking with your pet and see a Guide Dog on approach, remember, the person with low vision or who is blind will not necessarily know you have a dog.
Please ensure you keep a distance between your (pet) dog and the Guide Dog. It is very unsettling for a person with no vision or limited vision to suddenly find their Guide Dog has pulled hard on the lead to socialise with another animal.
Happy International Guide Dog Day to all, and thank you to the wider community and organisations who seamlessly provide access for people who are Guide Dog users. 🐶
- Achieve Board Member, Katie Kelly
