Pets as therapy

Guide dogs

It is no secret that when people say that their dog is their best friend, they really mean it. Dogs are confidants, companions and walking partners, and outside of being playful and loyal, they can also be viewed as lifesavers. That is especially the case when it comes to guide dogs, four-legged furry friends who are specifically trained to enable visually impaired people to get around, even if this means navigating around obstacles and through extremely complex environments.
When people talk about guide dogs, they usually picture German shepherds. That is probably because German shepherds are extremely loyal to their owners and naturally protective of them. They were also the first dogs ever to be trained as guide dogs. Today, other breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Labradors also produce dogs that are most appropriate for guide work, and in some cases even Poodles, Collies, Hungarian Vizslas, and Dobermans may be suitable.
Guide dogs, also "called seeing eye dogs," not only need excellent health, intelligence and personality to qualify, but also have to exhibit specific traits such as obedience, willingness to work, be protective of people and thrive on praise. Blind people rely on their guide dog every single day, and this means that the dogs need the ability to live in a variety of climates, be willing to wear a harness and be adaptable to even extreme stressful situations.
Labrador Retrievers are the most proven guide dogs worldwide. Pups only 8-9 weeks old are ready for their first road trip, learning basic obedience, good manners and how to socialize with the world. Additionally, the pups are exposed to a variety of people and situations, and accompanied by their raisers, will visit grocery stores and malls, restaurants, schools, and work places. They will travel in cars, trains and airplanes and be familiarized with any kind of public transportation. Soon thereafter, they will start curb navigation training and learn how to avoid overhead obstacles.
Although dogs can be trained to maneuver around various obstructions, they are partially color blind and incapable of interpreting street signs. Though inconvenient, this predicament should not become a hindrance during outings and can easily be corrected by reciprocal team work between the handler and his dog, working together as a unit.
Potential guide dogs come from various sources and some organizations may breed and raise their own puppies. Other programs may rely on foster families to raise the puppies until they are ready for formal training. Occasionally, dogs rescued from shelters may qualify as a guide dog, but only after it has been proven they are physically sound, trainable and desensitized to most public situations.
To ensure the safety of the animal and its handler, people should follow specific guidelines when in the presence of a guide dog. Avoid touching, talking, feeding or otherwise distracting the dog, and especially do not give him any commands. This will distract or confuse the animal and jeopardize its safety as well as that of its handler. Also, do not walk next to the dog, but rather stride on the owner's other side, and several paces behind him/her. Following guide dog etiquette is simple, just use common sense, and treat the working animal with the respect it deserves!

By:Irida Sangemino

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