[nagdu] a question stemming from a hot debate

[Tamara Smith-Kinney]

Chastity,

Oh, I totally agree with you.  I think it is much, much better for the dog
to play and socialize in its off duty time.  And that a happier, more
mentally healthy dog witll make a better guide.  I was pretty picky about
how people played with Mitzi whenshe was young, and now I just expect
general civility -- no teasing or undo rough housing.  But I'm always
thrilled when she's playing with people.  I have yet to see that it affects
her bond with me in the slightest.

Tami Smith-Kinney

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Chasity Jackson
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 3:08 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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