[nagdu] How Guide Dogs Help

[Julie J.]

Definitely yes.  Different guides have varying strengths and 
weaknesses.  My first guide was an overhanging obstacle genius.  Belle 
was good at being content with doing the same route repeatedly.  Monty 
is good at  remembering where we've been and what is probable that we'll 
be doing next and making suggestions.

Each of them also had things that weren't so appreciated.  Monty doesn't 
like to follow other people.  He's also impatient when we have to be in 
long meetings or waiting for whatever reason.

I think working with a guide dog is a two way street though.  I'm not 
even close to perfect.  I'm sure it's confusing when I give a hand 
gesture for turning right and I say left.   I insist on some things in a 
guide, excellent house manners, good obstacle work, a strong sense of 
self, internal motivation to work,  and some other things that are 
important to me.  Some things just aren't that important to me or don't 
bother me.  I don't mind  a bit of barking at home.  I am okay with 
Monty's parallel routs instead of a true follow.

So yes, when we talk about what guide dogs can do, it's more of a 
general thing.  Each individual dog may not excel in each of these areas.

Julie