[nagdu] a question stemming from a hot debate

[Joy Relton]

Hi Chastity,

I agree with you. In fact, if your dog has trouble bonding with others and
you need to leave them with someone for some reason it can be difficult.
When I left my dog with my in-laws while I was delivering our daughter he
just sat on the porch and whined. He wouldn't came in the house or anything.
This was a dog who was allowed to interact with my family whenever he was
out of harness provided that he was not allowed to break any of the rules
concerning jumping up on people furniture, or eating people food. I can't
imagine what it would have been like if he hadn't been one of those dogs who
played ball with the family.

As you say, everyone is different. Of course, people tend to be very
protective of the rules when they get their first dog. Sometimes, even
becoming what might be considered too strict by some standards. As you say,
it's his dog and he'll find what works for them.

Joy with Belle who spent ten days with my son this summer while my husband
and I took a vacation in the Bahamas. 

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Chasity Jackson
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 6:08 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] a question stemming from a hot debate


Hey all,

After having a discussion with a friend this afternoon, who is a first time
guide dog owner, I wanted to ask this question, just for curiosity's sake.

How many of you believe that if you let your dog bond with family and
friends, that means that you aren't a good guide dog user and owner? This
person told me that he does not let his family interact with his dog for
more than a few seconds. Now I totally respect everyone's right to be
different, and I respect his right to do that, but then he went so far as to
say that I don't act like I know how to use a guide dog because I said that
I see nothing wrong with family and friends playing with your dog when
they're at your house. Now, I'm not talking about when the dog is in
harness, or if you're out running errands, etc. Of course, I am a stickler
for that, when your dog is working, he or she is working and should not be
bothered. I am talking about if your buddy comes over on Sunday afternoon to
watch football, and wants to sit on the floor and bond with your dog, or
maybe throw a ball, etc. I personally don't see anything wrong with that
after the bonding stages are over, and as  long as your dog isn't a brand
new dog that is still trying to bond with you. Not that anyone's responses
will change my mind, but I was just curious to see how many people agree
with me and how many agree with him. Just a topic of discussion here on the
list.

Chasity 
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