[nagdu] Dogs listening

[Lora]

I do have a very busy stressful lifestyle.

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 8:27 AM, Albert J Rizzi <albert at myblindspot.org>wrote:

> Well said joy.  I would add that I have been advised  to no longer refer to
> a service dog as a "seeing eye dog" but to refer to them as guide dogs.  I
> believe this has to do with the foundation in new jersey which goes without
> saying. I find that it gives others the impression that all dogs come from
> the seeing eyes foundation. What is your take on this?  I would also
> suggest
> to you laura, that when confronted by others about your corrections to your
> guide dog, you might offer them a phone number to the foundation which
> provided  you your guide so that they could take the time to educate all
> interested parties in the finer aspects  of guide dog handleing  and
> procedures.
>
> Albert J. Rizzi
> CEO/Founder
> My Blind Spot, Inc.
> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
> New York, New York  10004
> www.myblindspot.org
> PH: 917-553-0347
> Fax: 212-858-5759
> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
> doing it."
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Joy Relton
> Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 10:07 AM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dogs listening
>
> Laura,
>
> I don't know you well enough to know your intent from your words. From the
> outside they sound a bit harsh but you may just be stating things as a fact
> and no further meaning. However, having said that, I take exception to the
> idea that corrections are to show the dog who is boss. From my point of
> view
> a correction is to tell the dog that a given behavior is not appropriate or
> acceptable and to guide the dog to perform in a manner which is acceptable.
> I was taught in my first class for a Seeing Eye Dog, that you need to have
> a
> balance of correction, affection and praise. It is not a matter of who is
> boss it's simply a matter of "no, that's not the way I need you to show me,
> or do things" and then show them that this is the way you want. Of course,
> each dog responds to different messages differently and each persons way of
> expressing their view to their dog and to others varies. The most important
> points are that you and your dog are a good working team who can
> effectively
> and safely travel together and interact with the public in an appropriate
> manner. As far as other people's opinions and comments about your
> correction
> of your dog: it's their opinion, and like a behind, everyone has one. You
> can't let their comments make you fill with anger and become defensive
> because you are the loser not them. How you handle their comments is up to
> you. If you are one that likes to lighten things with humor, do it. If you
> are one that needs to do your thing and say nothing, do it. Just remember
> that your opinion and feelings are the only ones over which you have
> control. Having said that, I will say that sometimes listening to the
> comments may give you some enlightenment as to the public's perceptions or
> the effectiveness of the technique. Sometimes, the people simply lack
> knowledge and don't want to learn, so you have to simply do your thing and
> let them be upset or get over it. As Frank Sinatra said "That's Life".
>
> Good luck. I hope that you have found a few friends in your church who do
> understand about the training. If not, maybe you could talk to the
> pastor/leadership of the church about giving a presentation about the
> training and proper treatment of dog guides. I've had to have signs posted
> in the church before reminding people that they may not touch, talk to or
> otherwise distract the dog while it is working. It helped.
>
> Give your four-legged pal a pat and a hug for me.
>
> Joy with Belle who thinks the world is a friend that she hasn't made yet.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nagdu:
>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/albert%40myblindspot.
> org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nagdu:
>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/blindhistory%40gmail.com
>



-- 
Lora and Trice