[blparent] A quick guide dog question

[Joy Wolf]

I think one thing to remember here is that, in any breed, dogs like humans
are individuals.  I've seen Poodles that are about the most laid back dogs
you could imagine, and Labs and Goldens that I wouldn't consider if you paid
me, lol.  One of my previous guides, Houston, was an amazing Lab, and
amazingly crazy! He was extremely athletic, and if he wasn't running or
dancing around with something in his mouth, I would have had to call the vet
because something was wrong, lol.  He would be fine in harness, but on leash
would just take off at top speed after a squirrel or bird, thus nearly
pulling my arm out of the socket.  He was amazingly fun, however, and it was
sad to see him go.  I returned him to the school only because I was
pregnant, was moving from exciting and challenging city to quiet suburb, and
even during the pregnancy with my somewhat decreased activity he was
absolutely miserable! I heard he was rematched with a college student who
was also an athlete, what a great match for him! What I think matters as
much as the breed, if not more so when a person is limited by allergies, is
finding a school that is willing to work hard to find the right dog of the
particular breed.  Also, believe it or not, if saliva is the issue dogs
absolutely can be trained not to lick their handlers if absolutely
necessary, and regular grooming will keep the saliva down on the fur.  There
are tons of ways to cope with allergies in the family, and they are usually
successful.  Just some more thoughts, but I really will stop rambling on the
subject, lol.  Have a great week everyone, I won't be on much for a couple
days.

Joy and family

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2010 7:09 AM
To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blparent] A quick guide dog question

Grooming costs are way high because if they aren't clipped, they will
shed. 
Also, Carla's husband may be allergic to the salivia not the hair in
which case a poodle wouldn't help. 
Also, Carla may not work well with a poodle, there energy levels are
real high, meaning that unless they're kept busy, they find stuff to do,
stuff she may not like. Much of guide dog work is hurry up and wait type
of work. Also, keep in mind that Calra may be real busy taking care of a
sick kid, that doesn't mean the dog is busy. 
Poodles are great dogs, but like any breed, they do need to be matched
with the right person with the right lifestyle. 
What I'm getting at is that just "getting a poodle" may or may not be
appropriate for Carla.

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Joy Wolf
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 7:44 PM
To: 'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blparent] A quick guide dog question

Hmmm, I never heard this! They have very little hair, do they not? I
can't
say I've ever seen one, even though Pilot trained them when I was there
many
years ago.  


Joy and family


-----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On
Behalf Of Dena Wainwright
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 6:36 PM
To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blparent] A quick guide dog question

South Eastern trains Vieslahs (sp?). They are known to be a less
allergenic 
dog.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joy Wolf" <joy at kevinlwolf.net>
To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 4:44 PM
Subject: Re: [blparent] A quick guide dog question


> Karla:
>
> I didn't notice your reference to allergies.  Most of the schools do
not
> train the type of dog you're likely to need.  Guide dog Foundation
does
> train standard Poodles and Lab Poodle crosses, both of which are
supposed 
> to
> be less bothersome to allergies.  I went to Guide dogs for the Blind
this
> last time, and don't believe they train either of those.  Sharon might
be
> able to answer about Guiding Eyes because I'm not certain.  I also
know 
> that
> Guide Dogs of America was trying some standard Poodles, and that Pilot

> Dogs
> does quite a lot of Poodles, but not sure what the current in home
policy 
> is
> for either of those.  Hth.
>
> Joy and family
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On
> Behalf Of Karla Hudson
> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 1:06 PM
> To: blparent at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [blparent] A quick guide dog question
>
> Anyone know of schools that will train you in your home community? I
am
> unable to reserve as much time as the schools need away from my home.
We
> also have a specific need for the type of dog given that my husband is

> very
> allergic to most dog dander. I am in Michigan and yes we have leader
dogs
> but I do not see reference to home training on their web page.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Karla
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blparent mailing list
> blparent at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blparent:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/joy%40kevinlwo
lf.n
> et
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blparent mailing list
> blparent at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> blparent:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dena%40envogue
acce
ss.com 


_______________________________________________
blparent mailing list
blparent at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
blparent:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/joy%40kevinlwo
lf.n
et



_______________________________________________
blparent mailing list
blparent at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
blparent:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/rebecca.pickre
ll%40tasc.com

_______________________________________________
blparent mailing list
blparent at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
blparent:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/joy%40kevinlwolf.n
et