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Etiquette When Meeting Someone with a Guide Dog
Guide dogs are the guiding eyes for people who are blind or visually impaired, and they are specially bred and trained for this most important job. There are several guidelines people must follow when in the presence of a guide dog to allow for the safety of the dog and its handler. Disregarding these guidelines can distract the dog, which can create a dangerous situation for the dog and its handler.
As tempting as it may be to pet a guide dog, remember that this dog is responsible for leading someone who cannot see. The dog should never be distracted from that duty. A person's safety may depend on their dog's alertness and concentration. allow the dog to concentrate and perform for the safety of his master. Don't treat the dog as a pet. Do give him the respect of a working dog.
It is okay to ask someone if you may pet their guide. Many people enjoy introducing their dogs when they have the time. The dog's primary responsibility is to its blind partner and it is important that the dog not become solicitous.
A guide dog should never be offered food or other distracting treats. The dogs are fed on a schedule and follow a specific diet in order to keep them in optimum condition. Even slight deviations from their routine can disrupt their regular eating and relieving schedules and seriously inconvenience their handlers. Guide dogs are trained to resist offers of food so they will be able to visit restaurants without begging.
Guide dogs cannot read traffic signals, they are responsible for helping their handlers safely cross a street. Calling out to a dog or intentionally obstructing its path can be dangerous as it could break the dog's concentration on its work. Listening for traffic flow has become harder for dog handlers due to quieter cars. Don't honk your horn or call out from your car to signal when it is safe to cross. This can be distracting and confusing. Be especially careful of pedestrians in crosswalks when making right-hand turns at red lights.
When they are not in harness, dogs are treated in much the same way as pets. However, for their safety they are only allowed to play with specific toys. Please don't offer them toys without first asking their handler's permission.
In some situations, working with a guide dog may not be appropriate. Instead, the handler may prefer to take your arm just above the elbow and allow their dog to heel. Others will prefer to have their dog follow you. In this case, be sure to talk to the handler and not the dog when giving directions for turns. Don't try to take control in situations unfamiliar to the dog or master. Do assist the master upon his request. Don't attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding him or attempt to hold the dog's harness.
A guide dog can make mistakes and must be corrected in order to maintain its training. This correction usually involves a verbal admonishment coupled with a leash correction, followed by praise when the dog regains focus and correctly follows a command. Dog handlers have been taught the appropriate correction methods to use with their dogs. Before asking a question of a person handling a dog, allow them to complete the task at hand.
Access laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) permit people who are blind to be accompanied by their guide dogs anywhere the general public is allowed, including taxis and buses, restaurants, theaters, stores, schools, hotels, apartment and office buildings. Keep in mind that the ADA is in effect in the United States only, and if you plan to travel elsewhere, read about foreign travel with a guide dog.
Guide Dog Etiquette In Your Home
Never tease a dog. Don't allow children to tease or abuse the dog and allow it to rest undisturbed. Don't allow your pets to challenge or intimidate a guide dog but allow them to meet on neutral ground when they all can be carefully supervised. Don't let the dog out of the house unsupervised. Don't pat the dog on the head, but do stroke the dog on the shoulder area but only with its owner's approval.
Feeding treats to a Guide dog weakens this training. Don't give the dog table scraps. Respect the master's need to give the dog a balanced diet and to maintain its good habits. Don't give the dog commands but allow the master to do so.
Don't allow the dog on your furniture or in areas of the home mutually agreed upon by the family and master. Ask the master to correct any bad behavior.