[NABS-L] Confusing thoughts

[Ty Littlefield]

Asia:

I'm really confused how this works, and why they are advocating. It 
sounds a lot like the APL is there for a sort of therapy dog situation, 
where people can choose to spend time with them. Is this the case?


If what I suspect is true, a couple things here. I understand that this 
is likely frustrating, but dog distractions are likely going to be an 
issue anywhere, and you can't always make sure that there are no other 
dogs around, barking or otherwise in any situation. I personally felt 
much more safe and secure with groups like this than I ever did at 
convention given some of the ways handlers ignore/don't bother with 
their dogs.


So the real question ultimately is whether or not your guide is afraid, 
or simply dog distracted. It's hard to tell at times, but I would highly 
recommend giving your school a call for tips and advice. I would also 
like to say that you can treat this as a learning experience for the 
both of you, where you work to pattern your guide so that he does not 
become concerned or worried. If your school is one that uses food 
reward, consider that as a technique. Even if they don't and if your 
guide is a lab, it's a great tool to help pattern/work through some of 
these issues.


Distractions of any type are unsafe and scary, so please don't take this 
as me writing off your concerns. My point ultimately is that if the dogs 
are on leash and contained, this is one of the best dog environments 
you're likely to find, and a great time to do some work.


HTH,

Ty


On 11/20/2023 2:02 PM, Asia Quinones-Evans via NABS-L wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
> I want to start off by telling everyone that I am the only service dog
> handler on my college campus this semester. There is a new Dean in the
> Physical Education department (HPER) that I have most of my courses in.
> When they set up events now he advocates strongly for the Animal Protection
> League to be their. There was an event I was required to attend for class
> in October and the dogs were their. The dogs did not come close to my guide
> dog but he was very nervous because he could not see the dogs barking and
> he did not want them to attack him. Yes, you read that correct the dogs
> were barking at an event from the  APL. This lasted over 45 minutes. I had
> to keep ahold of the leash to keep him focused and calm while walking
> around this event. My college will have another event hosted by this
> department towards the end of my semester for the students to enjoy some
> relaxing time before finals. There will be the APL there. I am not sure how
> to feel about this because they are getting approval from the college but
> its putting my safety in  jeopardy distracting my service dog. I am pretty
> sure if there were any other service dog handlers on campus they would feel
> the same. I was wondering if you are in college currently, have been in
> college previously, and have had this type of a situation, how did you deal
> with it? The event I was required to attend in October could have been
> avoided if it was not a grade for my class. This upcoming event will be in
> the main building that I spend most of my time in. So I can not avoid it
> that day. Thanks for any feedback.
>
> I do want to state that besides now other dogs distracting and being
> aggressive towards my guide dog I love rescue places. My first pet that I
> had to put down in August was a rescue. He was 14 years old. I will always
> rescue a pet no matter if I have the money to buy from a breeder.
>
> Yours truely,
>
> Asia Quinones-Evans
>
> Phone: 440-670-6509
> Email: aevans.nfb at gmail.com
>
>
> Live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back
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