[blparent] baby stroller question
Jo Elizabeth Pinto
jopinto at pcdesk.net
Tue Aug 25 01:19:31 UTC 2009
I've posted this before, but I thought Jen might find it of use. It's an
article I received from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California,
about operating a stroller while working a guide dog. I found it helpful.
WORKING A GUIDE DOG WHILE PULLING A BABY STROLLER
Summaries
Project Goal: To research and develop a technique which enables a guide dog
user to safely and effectively use a baby stroller while working a guide
dog.
Project Results: No fully safe method was identified. Although workable
techniques were recognized, even the safest use has an element of risk for
the stroller to leave the sidewalk or tip on uneven surfaces. Reasonable
technique and equipment was identified for a physically capable guide dog
user to utilize at their own risk.
Methods
Considerations: While it is generally safer to carry an infant in a Snugli
or backpack when working a guide dog, there will be situations where it's
necessary to use a stroller. Example: Guide dog user has back or shoulder
problems, which prohibit him/her from carrying a child. Or, the weight of
the infant exceeds the limits of the backpack/Snugli according to
manufacturer specifications. Pushing the stroller is not an option for a
visually impaired traveler, the individual should pull the baby behind the
team.
**NOTE: The infant should (at least) be big enough to have developed
head-control before being pulled in a stroller. That way, if there is any
tipping, the risk of injury is reduced.
Mechanics of pulling a stroller: Depending on the style of stroller, it may
be preferable to attach the stroller to the handler's waist. (For our
purposes on campus, we have a leather harness that connects the stroller to
the handler. This harness was custom-made and is not readily available.)
For strollers with a solid bar handle, a belt can be used (a wide,
"weightlifting" belt is more comfortable than a standard belt). However, it
is possible to simply hold onto the bar handle with the right hand without
attaching the stroller to the handler's body.
For strollers with separate "hook" handles, a support cane can be attached
to one side to extend the handle. This allows handler to hold onto stroller
and maintain a more natural arm position.
Customized Training Dogs:
Prerequisite - GW basics must be well established before
introducing baby stroller work. Ideally, the dog will respond reliably to
verbal commands only. Hand gestures will not be possible as both hands are
occupied.
Custom Training
At down and up curbs, give the "forward" command, immediately followed by
the "halt" command. This will allow the handler to enter/exit the street,
then stop so that the stroller may be lowered/lifted safely. The dog must be
easily handled with only the harness hand for these "curb halts" before
progressing to a toleration of the stroller.
Stroller Introduction - Training dogs should be allowed to
sniff and socialize with the stroller before GW is attempted.
Heel the dog in several environments while pushing the stroller ahead,
allowing the dog to see it move and make all it's noises.
Once the dog has been socialized to the stroller, harness up and pull the
stroller behind while heeling the dog for a block or two. This allows the
dog to get used to the stroller noise behind them.
Guidework Introduction - Once the dog is fully comfortable heeling with the
stroller in-tow, it is safe to begin guidework. Begin with a long, straight
walk. It is necessary to hold onto the stroller handle with the right hand
in order to stabilize it. Otherwise, it may tip over or "fish tail."
Street Crossings: At the downcurb, the "forward"
command is immediately followed by the "halt" command. This allows the
handler to enter the street, then stop so that the stroller may be lowered
safely to street level. Once this is accomplished, the command "forward," or
"hopp-up" are given to finish the crossing. At the upcurb, the above
("forward, halt") is repeated to lift the stroller to sidewalk level.
(NOTE: Regular curbs and ramped curbs pose the greatest risk of the stroller
tipping over. Caution is advised.)
Turns: Mechanics depend on the type of stroller, however, it is
usually necessary to hold onto the stroller with the right hand. No hand
gestures are possible, only clear body facing to help communicate to the
dog. Turns will be slower and more awkward due to the logistics of
maneuvering the stroller. In some cases, it is preferable to tip the
stroller onto two wheels (usually the rear, stationary ones).
Full About Turns (180 degree turns) are very difficult to perform with the
stroller. The handler must heel the dog holding only the leash while also
stabilizing the stroller with both hands.
Distractions: Handling distractions while pulling a stroller can be
challenging. For this situation, it is easiest when the stroller is attached
in some manner to the handler so that his/her hands are free to regain
control of the dog.
Student instruction:
First and foremost, any student must be advised of the potential risks (to
the child) when working a guide while pulling a stroller. Even with the most
capable traveler, there is risk involved.
Review above technique with student and have him/her practice working a dog
with the stroller in tow. It is imperative to have the approximate weight in
the stroller to demonstrate how the stroller will move with the child in it.
(Obviously, the dog should have been exposed and trained to this experience
prior to class.)
It is important that the student understand that the dog is NOT responsible
for clearance errors involving the stroller. The dog's job continues to be
safely guiding the student/graduate ONLY.
Stroller styles: There are many styles of strollers. Most can be modified to
accommodate work with a guide. Here are some comments from GDB graduates
currently pulling strollers with their guides.
· Strollers with reversible handle allows baby to face forward and
makes steering easier, according to one grad. She likes the bigger strollers
with the storage underneath for diaper bags, etc. She works her dog on wide
sidewalks with the stroller slightly offset to the right. She does not
attach the stroller to herself, just holds onto it. She has had no problems
with tipping. Recommends that users purchase a "five-point" harness that can
be placed in stroller to secure baby, if it does not already have one.
· Another graduate's opinion is that the baby and stroller must
face backwards. She recommends all-terrain type strollers with single-hand
steering ability.
Note: When we were "test-driving" a three-wheeled, all terrain jogging
stroller, we found it to be the most uncomfortable, unstable and unsafe type
of stroller. It tipped over easily, was virtually impossible to steer and
the wheels bumped into the dog's hind legs at stopping points. Therefore, we
do NOT recommend jogging strollers in conjunction with guidework.
Recommended Safety Considerations and Equipment:
· Five-point infant harness, if stroller does not have one.
· Solid knowledge of the routes surfaces.
· Travel surfaces wide enough to easily negotiate the stroller.
· Bicycle flag attached to back of stroller to alert
motorists.
· Red flashing bicycle light or reflectors.
Congratulations on your coming baby, Jen!
Jo Elizabeth
"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed
until it is faced."--James Baldwin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Deborah Kent Stein" <dkent5817 at att.net>
To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 7:17 PM
Subject: Re: [blparent] baby stroller question
>
>
> Hi, Jen,
>
> Welcome to the list, and congratulations on your impending motherhood.
> There are definitely strollers out there which you'll be able to use with
> a guide dog, and I'm sure some of our experienced listers will share their
> ideas. Keep your questions coming!
>
> Debbie
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jennifer Bose" <jen10514 at gmail.com>
> To: <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 1:57 PM
> Subject: [blparent] baby stroller question
>
>
>> Hello, parents.
>>
>> I'm a new member and mom-to-be. I have only had a taste of parenting,
>> since my husband and I do get to have his daughter live with us for a
>> few weeks, but the parenting world is overall pretty new to me. I'm
>> getting ready for a new baby due in October and I'm anxious about
>> getting what I need for the baby. I'm also excited and enjoying the
>> process. The one thing I'd like to ask at this point is whether any of
>> you know of a stroller with swivel wheels. I've heard they exist but
>> don't know much about them. I have a wonderful guide dog I work with
>> and would like to find a stroller that could be either pushed in front
>> or pulled behind me. Has any of you used one? Do they even exist? Let
>> me know what you think of them.
>>
>> Thanks very much.
>>
>> Jen
>>
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